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Rylie Horrall<\/strong> |\u00a0 Lifestyle Editor<\/span><\/p>\n Dieting is something many people choose to partake in for a variety of reasons \u2014 such as to better their health or to lose weight. While they have their fair share of benefits, there\u2019s also some drawbacks to various popular diets.<\/span><\/p>\n The Ketogenic or \u201cKeto\u201d Diet is a low-carb and high-fat diet, and is said to provoke the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. This produces ketones, which burn stored fat in order to obtain energy. According to roswellpark.org<\/a>, people have been known to lose weight at the start of this diet and keep it off, although this could be attributed to cutting calories and sugary treats. However, this diet is known to be high in saturated fats and low in vital minerals and vitamins that the body needs; additionally, it could upset a person\u2019s stomach, cause headaches, fatigue and dizziness, which are clustered together and called the \u201cKeto flu.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n In the Alkaline Diet, acid-forming foods \u2014 meat, poultry, eggs, grains, dairy, alcohol \u2014 are replaced with alkaline-forming foods \u2014 fruits, nuts, vegetables and legumes. This alters the pH values in an individual\u2019s body, which is intended to prevent the production of acid. A supposed upside to this diet is that there is an increased intake of fruits and vegetables, hereby improving vitamin intake and helping with miscellaneous health problems \u2014 but this isn\u2019t supported by evidence according to roswellpark.org<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Another common diet trend is the Paleo Diet; food for this particular diet needs to be hunted, gathered or fished to mimic the way human\u2019s ancestors ate. The allowed foods are grass-fed meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, fruits and vegetables, according to livestrong.com. By eliminating processed and junk foods, a person can decrease their chances for chronic and inflammatory diseases. However, an individual also cuts out dairy, starches and grains, leaving them with a lower carbohydrate intake. Because of this, some may need to take supplements to make up for lost vitamins and minerals.<\/span><\/p>\n As a whole, diets can help a person lose weight and make them more aware of what exactly they\u2019re eating. However, done unsafely, they can come with the risk of losing nutrition \u2014 depending on the diet \u2014 as well as potentially causing some health concerns. Before taking a plunge with any diets, students interested should research beforehand, or speak with health faculty or staff at Western if they are wanting more information.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n