KETO FOR MEN OVER 40
For men over 40 who are ready to make a lifestyle change but aren't sure where to start, switching to a low-carb plan like the keto diet might be the answer they've been searching for.
Ketosis causes rapid weight loss which is great for a busy man looking to lose weight. Men tend to have bigger appetites than women. Men often favour the keto diet because there's no need to count calories or stick to smaller portions. As it is high in fat and protein it can satisfy the appetite of the hungriest man.
Unfortunately, going on calorie restricting diets can cause the breakdown of muscle mass, which can then increase the risk of falls, especially in older men. The keto diet is high in protein which helps to preserve those muscles in middle aged men. However, it is also necessary to do body weight exercises.
Older men need 30g fibre each day. As the keto diet is low in fibre, it is not recommended long term. A way to overcome this is to try what is called carb cycling. For example, one day a week try to eat a good selection of vegetables with your meals. This is because vegetables contain plenty of fibre along with a lot of nutrients that are also great for overall health and immunity. Cutting out vegetables means a lot of these vital nutrients are missing.
There is a concern with the keto diet that men over 40 should be aware of. That is that it can increase the risk of having kidney stones. This is caused by the high amount of protein which can cause high levels of uric acid. This uric acid ends up in the urine, which passes through the kidneys. If there is too much it can lead to the risk of developing kidney stones. They are not life threatening but can be painful. So, it is best for men over 40 with a family history of kidney stones to speak with their doctor before starting the keto diet.
As men age they are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. This is only made worse if they are overweight. Luckily the keto diet is reported to boost the male hormone testosterone. This helps increase sexual desire and also helps with performance. In addition, as the man starts to lose weight he will feel good about his body. This will make him feel more confident in the bedroom.