Key Topics Covered
Background
Ketosis is a metabolic state that the body goes into after being restricted from carbohydrates for a certain amount of time.
- High-fat diet.
- Measured by blood ketones. Ideally aiming for above 3mmol.
- Ketones are the byproduct of breaking down body fat.
- 3 types of ketones – beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, acetone.
- They are used as an alternative energy source for the body.
Epilepsy
The ketogenic diet originated in the early 1920s to treat epilepsy in children. It became a popular diet to lose weight when the Atkins diet was introduced by Atkins himself.
- Epilepsy is categorised based on how resistant an individual is to medication.
- The most serious is SRSE – a continued seizure even with multiple levels of anti-seizure medication.
- The research shows that individuals who comply with a therapeutic ketogenic diet and medications will reduce/ eliminate seizures.
- Therapeutic – 80% fat, 15% protein & 5% carbs.
- Certain amino acids can be broken down into glucose, this can take you out of ketosis.
Weight Loss
- For those who prefer an all or nothing approach, keto can be useful.
- Reduced calorie intake – Keto eliminates a lot of high palatable foods. ie. Cakes, biscuits, etc.
- Reduced appetite – Fat is a more satiating (filling) macronutrient compared to carbohydrates.
- Stable BGL – High carb consumption can increase insulin production; drawing carbs from the blood into your cells. In turn, making your body crave more carbs.
- Scale weight fluctuations – For every 1g carb stored, roughly 2.7mL water will be stored.
- Eg. An individual who eats 300g carb/day then drops to none will see a significant weight drop in a few days due to this fact alone. It can lead to misleadingly large weight fluctuations that do not fully represent fat/muscle changes.
Misconceptions
- “Carbohydrates are essential for brain function”
- This is false. The body can break down other macronutrients into glucose to fuel the brain.
- The brain can also use ketones very effectively.
- Ketoacidosis
- This is an unregulated or uncontrolled production of ketones, often seen in people with diabetes.
- This cannot be reached by the average, healthy person. Even with additional ketone supplementation.
- Blood Lipids
- Blood LDL will most likely increase if weight stays the same.
- This can be an issue for those who already have a disproportionate LDL:HDL ratio. In the absence of a high amount of sugar, this probably won’t be as much of a concern for cardiovascular health.
- Mitigated by choosing healthier fats, ie. Avocado and olive oil. Also by increasing exercise.
Overall, the benefits are very individual and depend on adherence to the diet.
Relevant Links/ Resources
Studies Mentioned
Useful Resources
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