Keto Diet Supplements – Which Ones Should You Take?

If you’ve been on the internet at all in the last year, you’ve likely heard about the keto diet supplements. There are a wide variety of opinions about whether you should take supplements and which ones are the most effective. The keto diet is somewhat unique and has its own challenges for the body. Supplementing can help to relieve some of the initial keto flu symptoms that one may experience. Supplementing on the keto diet can help to keep electrolytes in check as well. Another reason to supplement on the keto diet is if you think that you’ll give in to temptation when it comes to social eating situations and slip off the diet.

Supplementation isn’t necessary on the ketogenic diet. However, certain keto supplements will maximize your results, either by accelerating weight and fat loss or boosting your energy levels.

 

1. Exogenous Ketones

Exogenous ketones, as opposed to the endogenous ones that your body makes, can help increase your energy levels. Taking exogenous ketones helps to proide ketone bodies for you to burn as fuel right away, whether or not you are in ketosis. Some people who aren’t following a keto diet still take exogenous ketones for energy.

There are a number of different brands of exogenous ketones. Many of them are available from network marketing companies. However, you can find others online at Amazon.com.[easyazon_infoblock align=”right” cart=”n” identifier=”B072KFZ9TQ” locale=”US” tag=”mcurle08-20″]

Perfect Keto is a powdered drink mix that provides the body with exogenous ketones.

While the goal of the ketogenic diet is to get your body into ketosis and becoming fat adapted. Taking exogenous ketones is not a replacement for the diet. Many people use exogenous ketones when they want an energy boost or they feel that they may slip up on the diet due to social pressures.

Exogenous ketones can still be helpful for getting back into ketosis after you’ve eaten some extra carbohydrates.

The Main Benefits of Exogenous Ketones:

Focus, Energy, Concentration, Improved Athletic Performance, Increased Weight Loss, Assists with Staying in Ketosis.

 

 

2. DHEA

DHEA is dehydropiandrosterone, which is a metabolite that is produced by your brain and adrenal glands. DHEA acts as a growth hormon that can stimulate the production of other hormones. It can also stimulate other hormones that play a role in fat burning and increasing lean muscle mass, such as the thyroid hormone.

DHEA can help to increase the activity of the thermogenic liver enzymes. This means that your liver cells become more efficient at burning fatty acids. Therefore, DHEA can help increase weight and fat loss on the ketogenic diet.

Key Benefits of Taking DHEA on the Ketogenic Diet:

Naturally boosts your metabolism and increases fat and weight loss.

Where to Purchase: DHEA is widely available at health stores. You can also order it conveniently through online retailers, such as Amazon.com.

 

3. Fish Oil

Fatty fish are great foods to eat on the ketogenic diet and whill help you to stay in ketosis. They have many nutritional benefits including omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3s can be very anti-inflammatory.

The standard American diet is high in Omega 6s. However, too many omega 6s can create an imbalance and become pro-inflammatory. Consuming more Omega 3 essential fatty acids can help to bring that back into balance. It is highly recommended to take a fish oil supplement on the ketogenic diet is a simple and easy way to maintain a healthy omega 3:6 ratio.

 

The Benefits of Taking a Fish Oil Supplement on the Keto Diet:

Natural anti-inflammatory properties, contributes to your daily fat intake, provides energy.

Where to Buy:

Fish oil is available at any health store, grocery store or even online at Amazon.com.

4. MCT Oil

Medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs, are a fat molecule that is found in coconut oil, palm oli, cheese, butter and yogurt. One of the unique properties of MCTs is that your body can use the energy from MCTs right away.

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Due to a shorter chain length than other fatty acids, MCTs take a much faster pathway when they are metabolized. This enables them to be converted to ketones and used for fuel rather than stored as fat.

MCTs are therefore very beneficial on the ketogenic diet for energy and staying in the fat burning state.

The richest source of MCTs is coconut oil. However, you can also take a fractionated MCT oil supplement. This will offer a more concentrated dose of MCTs.

The advantage that MCT oil has over plain coconut oil is that the fatty acids have already been separated from the other nutrients in coconut oil. Theis means your body has to work less when it comes to digestion and results in a quicker conversion of energy.

Taking MCT oil as a daily supplement will count towards your daily intake of fat required to stay in ketosis. MCT oil can be added to shakes, smoothies or your favoriet keto beverage.

The Key Benefits of MCT OIl on the Ketogenic Diet:

Instant energy, helps to meet your macronutrient levels of fat on the ketogenic diet.

Where to Buy MCT Oil:

MCT oil can be purchased online at Amazon.com or at a local grocery store.

Note: Occasionally people experience digestive issues from MCT oil. MCT powder can be easier to digest for some people.

5. Electrolytes: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium

As you are lowering your carbohydrate intake, your body has to adjust to getting electrolytes from other sources. Starchy fruits and vegetables tend to be a quick source of electrolytes. This can be a big concern.

When your electrolyte levels dip, it can cause the keto flu. Symptoms of the keto flu that are linked to low electrolyte levels include dizziness, muscle cramping fatigue, headaches and nausea. These symptoms are commen when you are adapting to the ketogenic diet. A simple way to stay on track is to supplement with electrolytes, especially if you are active.

Calcium and magnesium can have a calming effect on the body. If you are noticing that you have stress and anxiety and are adjusting to the ketogenic diet, this may be the cause of your stress. It might be worthwhile to add some electrolytes to your diet.

Main Benefits of Electrolyte Supplements on the Keto Diet:

Healthy muscle function, eliminating keto flu symptoms

Supplements:

You can get additional electrolytes from sources such as pickle juice and bone broth. If you are interested in taking a supplement, you can add Ulta Replenisher to your daily routine.

 

6. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is not an essential ketogenic supplement. However, vitamin D helps you in many ways. Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin. It is produced by the body in response to sun exposure. Vitamin D is also consumed in food and through supplements.[easyazon_infoblock align=”right” cart=”n” identifier=”B00GB85JR4″ locale=”US” tag=”mcurle08-20″]

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It also protects against many diseases, such as cancer, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

Key Benefits of Vitamin D: 

Health of bones and teeth, supports the immune system, nervous system and brain, regulates insulin levels, influences gene expression, supports lung and cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

While I’m not a big fan of supplementation, these are some great keto diet supplements that will make your life a lot easier. You don’t have to use any of these supplements to be successful on the ketogenic diet. However, they can help you achieve your goals faster and give you extra energy.

 

 

 

 

4 thoughts on “Keto Diet Supplements – Which Ones Should You Take?”

  1. Hi Melinda, thanks for sharing this information on keto diet supplements. My wife recently started making “bulletproof coffee” and she uses the MCT oil for that. I am not a coffee drinker, but along with some protein powder, it tastes pretty good.

    One thing I noticed from the benefits is increased energy. That is certainly something I can use more of! I have really been on the lookout lately for natural ways to increase my energy, sleep better and just have a better all around diet. You have pointed out some great products and I am very interested in taking a closer look at your website. Thanks again for sharing this information.

  2. Hi Melinda,

    Great review.

    You certainly know your topic on different diets.

    I have taken fish oils and vitamin supplements before but not in a any strict fashion.

    Is this diet a good one to go through when training at the gym?

    All the best,

    Tom

  3. I have heard a lot about the Keto Diet. And yes, of course, like any diet, we should take supplements. Thanks for a great list that is so helpful. I particularly like the Exogenous ketones and Fish Oil. I understand that one does not need to be on Keto Diet to take these supplements. Am I right?

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