For some people, the ketogenic — or keto — diet is a lifestyle, and finding the essentials to maintain that lifestyle can get tricky. One such essential is toothpaste. So, is toothpaste keto friendly?
Finding a commercial toothpaste brand that won’t violate the keto diet can be tough, because most toothpastes contain sweeteners like sorbitol or saccharin. As an alternative, you can make your own toothpaste at home using baking soda and water.
If you’re committed to the keto diet, then finding the right toothpaste is key. Let’s take a closer look at what the keto diet consists of, how to find keto-friendly toothpaste, and how to make your own toothpaste that’ll fit within the diet.
What Is a Keto Diet?
The Keto diet is a diet plan that focuses on consuming foods that provide healthy fats, sufficient amounts of protein, and few carbohydrates. The goal of this diet is to draw most of the calories from fat instead of relying on carbs.
In effect, the diet depletes sugar reserves in the body, which means the body starts breaking down fat for energy. The breakdown results in the production of ketones, which are molecules the body uses for fuel. This whole process helps with fat burning, so the keto diet is a good option for people looking to lose weight.
There are many more benefits you can draw from consuming the ketogenic diet. According to a recent study, because the ketogenic diet lowers blood sugar, it can help lower the risk of insulin complications. Also, when you decrease the intake of carbohydrates, you can reduce acne symptoms.
Besides maintaining insulin levels, the keto diet also helps to balance other hormones. One of those hormones is leptin, which tells the brain to stop eating. Also, it helps to keep ghrelin, a hormone that tells the brain to eat more, at a balance.
In addition, if you’re struggling with inflammation, the keto diet can help with chronic inflammation. Sugar is an inflammatory food, so limiting it in your diet will only bring benefits.
On the keto diet, you will keep sugar and carbs low. The keto diet takes out most processed foods that would cause inflammation.
Can You Use Toothpaste on a Keto Diet?
On a keto diet, the focus is to maintain a low intake of carbohydrates and sugar. Some toothpaste brands have ingredients that therefore make them unsuitable for someone on a keto diet.
Even in low amounts, you don’t want any form of sugar in your toothpaste while following a keto diet. This includes avoiding toothpaste with sweeteners, as these will also trigger your hormones.
The main worry when it comes to toothpaste and other personal care products is that they may contain hidden carbs, which often get absorbed through the skin.
It’s important to look for suppliers who focus on keto-friendly products. Alternatively, you can make your own toothpaste at home using basic products that don’t contain carbohydrates or sweeteners.
How to Find Keto-Friendly Toothpaste
If you’re committed to attaining good health through the keto diet, you’ll want to ensure every single product you use contains the right ingredients.
When it comes to toothpaste, the focus should be on finding toothpaste that doesn’t contain any carbohydrates or sweeteners. Find stores that focus on keto products if you’re looking for a good toothpaste brand.
If you can’t find an option that suits your needs and preferences, the other choice you have is to make the toothpaste at home. This requires a few ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Below is a simple process you can use to make toothpaste if you’re on the keto diet.
How to Make Your Own Toothpaste
If you want to make a DIY toothpaste, it’s an easy process that won’t take much time. Simply follow these steps:
- Measure 2/3 cup of baking soda. You can also use more or less depending on your needs.
- Add water and mix it into a paste or until you get the consistency you’re comfortable with.
Baking soda toothpaste works as well as everyday toothpaste, and it doesn’t contain all those ingredients that you’re trying to avoid. It leaves your teeth feeling clean throughout the day. It’s also an excellent way to freshen your breath.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve committed to the keto diet, you’ll want to embrace personal care products that don’t contain carbohydrates and sugar. One of the products you should keep an eye on is your toothpaste.
To keep your body in ketosis, find a brand with no sweeteners or hidden carbohydrates. You can also make your very own toothpaste using baking soda.
