10 hours ago
#HEALTH: Diets should be balanced, not extreme
THE desire for a slimmer, fitter body can turn into a silent killer, as extreme approaches to popular diets — such as Keto, intermittent fasting, and high-protein plans — may put individuals at serious risk of heart complications.
KPJ Tawakkal KL cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr Rohith Stanislaus says that while some of these regimens offer short-term benefits including weight loss and improved blood sugar control, their long-term effects on cardiac health may be mixed.
The Keto diet, for instance, could lead to elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the bloodstream, which may result in blood clots or atherosclerosis — a condition where arteries become narrowed, disrupting blood flow to vital organs and increasing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Other dietary practices such as prolonged fasting and high protein intake, also pose risks to heart health.
"Long-term fasting can lead to electrolyte imbalances, especially in those with underlying medical conditions or those on prescribed medications," says Dr Rohith.
A high-protein diet, on the other hand, may put undue strain on the kidneys and increase inflammation in the body.
The influence of social media personalities who appear fit and healthy while promoting extreme diets often misleads the public into thinking such regimes are safe and without consequences.
"A balanced diet has always been a healthier option than extreme dieting patterns," adds Dr Rohith.
Extreme diets may also pose greater danger to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions as they can trigger fluctuations in blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and electrolytes.
Most Malaysians develop heart complications due to poor diets and unhealthy lifestyles.
Dr Rohith recommends consulting a doctor and undergoing proper health screenings before attempting any form of dieting to help detect early signs of cardiovascular disease.
Diet and lifestyle changes should be personalised to an individual's needs and closely monitored, especially among those with preexisting health conditions.
