Feb 24, 2021
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that is traditionally used to treat difficult-to-control epilepsy in children (around 70% fats, 25% protein, and 5% carbohydrate). However, many other benefits have been discovered about this diet including blood sugar control, weight loss and mental focus, to name a few. People looking for these benefits have started to explore the diet as an option for them.
The Ketogenic diet converts the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates as its primary source of fuel. When very few carbohydrates are eaten the liver converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies. The ketone bodies replace glucose as an energy source. The end goal of a properly maintained keto diet is to move your body into this metabolic state.
As with any dietary change there is an adaptation period for the ketogenic diet. This is the period of time where your body is adapting to burning fat as fuel instead of glucose from carbohydrates. In this time your body is learning to create the enzymes to break down and use fat as fuel. This period can take a few weeks or a month depending on the person. You may feel tired and lacking energy during this period of time until your body has adapted to the new conditions.
Benefits and Pros to Keto:
Weight Loss While Maintaining Lean Muscle Mass
The ketogenic diet essentially uses your body fat as an energy source – so there are obvious weight loss benefits. On this diet, your insulin (the fat storing hormone) levels drop greatly which turns your body into a fat burning machine.
Controls Blood Sugar
A ketogenic diet naturally lowers blood sugar levels due to the type of foods eaten. Studies even show that the ketogenic diet can be an effective way to manage and prevent type II diabetes. (This is, however; a band aid solution and will most likely not last. Getting to the root of blood sugar balance is important to address and being on a keto diet long term can make this worse)
Mental Focus
Many people use the ketogenic diet specifically for the increased mental performance. Ketones are a great source of fuel for the brain. When you lower your carbohydrate intake, you avoid big spikes in blood sugar. Together, this can result in improved focus and concentration.
Increased Energy and Normalized Hunger
By giving your body a better and more reliable energy source, you may feel more energized during the day. Fats are shown to be the most effective molecule to burn as fuel. On top of that, fat is naturally more satisfying and ends up leaving us in a full state for longer.
Medical Treatment for Epilepsy in Children
30% of children receiving treatment for epilepsy continue to have seizures despite intervention with medication and surgery. A ketogenic diet can be an alternative medical treatment for these children. In general, approximately 50-60% of children show 50% or more reduction in seizures. *1
People find this diet quite challenging to adhere to in the long run. You need to have a solid plan in place as it is very restrictive.
Typical foods eaten include:
Typical foods avoided:
Taking a holistic approach to the Ketogenic Diet is key to being successful. Since you are eating so much fat it is of the utmost importance to be eating the highest quality fats you can. Ensure there are lots of organic, plant based fats in your diet. Be sure you are eating enough calories, exercising regularly, drinking lots of water and getting plenty of rest.
**Note – As with any other matter concerning your health it is important to consult your healthcare provider before starting anything new to understand if it is in the best interest of your health.
*1 – Source – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4731863/
All information and tools presented and written within this article are for educational and Informational purposes only. Any nutrition, lifestyle and product recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before starting any new supplements, diet and exercise program please check with your doctor or practitioner.
Ray and Nancy Nolan are partners in life and business. They both graduated cooking college, Ray in Ireland and Nancy at SAIT in Calgary.
Fueled by the Wild West tales from his childhood, Armin seized an opportunity and impulsively bought 400 bison cows.
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