What Exactly Is A Keto Diet? National Keto Day & Vein Health

Jeffrey H. Miller, M.D.
17 hours ago
3 min read

We’ve heard of Mediterranean diets and dairy-free diets, but what is a keto diet?

In recognition of National Keto Day, we’re here to tell you exactly what that means and if it's the right choice for you and your vein health.

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What Is A Keto Diet?

A keto diet (or a ketogenic diet) is known for being a high-fat diet with a focus on protein and a decrease in carbohydrate intake. This diet is meant to put your body into ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state that forces your body to draw energy from fat instead of glucose, which produces the acid called ketones.

What Types of Keto Diets Are There?

Keto diets are not limited to one type. There are different approaches you can choose from. However, it is important to do proper research and talk with your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

There are many types of keto diets, but we will only mention a few:

Classic Keto Diet: This keto diet follows a high fat, very low carbohydrate and low protein intake. This diet is one of the strictest and it is highly recommended that you work with a dietician.

Modified Keto Diet: The modified keto diet follows the classic keto diet but allows more carbohydrate and protein intake.

Modified Atkins Keto Diet: Someone following this diet is allowed more freedom than the other two. It is considered the most user-friendly diet that has a high-fat, low carbohydrate, and varied protein intake.

How Can the Keto Diet Affect Vein Health?

Diet plays an important role in overall vascular health, including vein function. While the keto diet is not a treatment for vein disease, certain aspects of the diet may indirectly influence vein health.

Potential benefits related to vein health include:

Weight management: Excess body weight increases pressure on leg veins and is a known risk factor for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Weight loss, when achieved safely, may help reduce strain on the venous system.

Improved blood sugar control: Elevated blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels over time. Improved glycemic control may support healthier circulation.

Reduced systemic inflammation: Some studies suggest ketogenic diets may reduce inflammatory markers, which can play a role in vascular health.

Potential concerns for vein and circulatory health include:

High saturated fat intake: Diets high in saturated fats may negatively affect cardiovascular health in some individuals, which can indirectly impact circulation.

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: Keto diets can increase fluid loss, particularly early on. Dehydration can thicken blood and potentially affect circulation if not properly managed.

Nutrient deficiencies: Inadequate intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals may affect vascular and skin health over time.

For individuals with existing vein disease, such as CVI, dietary choices should support overall circulatory health rather than place additional stress on the vascular system.

How Beneficial Is the Keto Diet?

The answer to this question will vary from person to person. Some reported benefits of the keto diet include weight loss, management of type 2 diabetes, neurological benefits, and seizure control in people with epilepsy.

However, potential drawbacks include nutrient deficiencies, possible cardiovascular effects, dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues. Because vein health is closely tied to cardiovascular health, these risks should be carefully considered.

In Conclusion

The keto diet is a popular choice for people looking for a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan. While it may offer benefits for some individuals, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution—especially for those with circulatory or vein-related conditions.

If the keto diet sounds like something you’d like to try, we recommend speaking with a dietitian or healthcare provider to determine whether it aligns with your overall health goals and supports long-term vascular health.

At Miller Vein, we encourage lifestyle choices—including nutrition—that promote healthy circulation and vein function.

Reference

UC Davis Health. (2025). What is the keto diet, and can it be beneficial for you? https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/what-is-the-keto-diet-and-can-it-be-beneficial-for-you/2025/05

Paoli, A., Rubini, A., Volek, J. S., & Grimaldi, K. A. (2013). Beyond weight loss: A review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 67(8), 789–796. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2013.116

Hallberg, S. J., McKenzie, A. L., Williams, P. T., et al. (2018). Effectiveness and safety of a novel care model for the management of type 2 diabetes at 1 year. Diabetes Therapy, 9(2), 583–612. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-018-0373-9

Criqui, M. H., & Denenberg, J. O. (2014). The epidemiology of chronic venous disease. Phlebology, 29(1_suppl), 2–7. https://doi.org/10.1177/0268355514525159

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