Keto diets are very high in fat and low in carbohydrates. As a result, they are also often low in dietary fiber which we know is important for building a healthy gut microbiome. For some individuals, especially those with autism spectrum disorders, ketogenic diets are proving beneficial but careful oversight from a physician and dietitian is needed when carbohydrate levels are very low. Carbs are important for fueling many of the cells in the human body. In fact, glucose is the preferred energy sources by many tissues, meaning that to process and metabolize fat takes more up-front energy and puts extra stress on the body.
