The Ketogenic Diet, a high fat and very low carb regimen has regained so much popularity and shown remarkable results in treating conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even neurological disorders like epilepsy, for which it was originally developed nearly a century ago. We find that it's also the best way of eating for chronic illnesses like Long Covid, ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia and others.

Summary:

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What exactly is the Ketogenic Diet?

First introduced by Dr. Russel Wilder in 1924, the Ketogenic Diet initially aimed to minimize seizures in epilepsy patients with severe conditions. In fact, Dr. Wilder was mainly using a ketogenic approach with children patients. Over the years, its effectiveness has been acknowledged not just for epilepsy but also as a powerful tool for swift weight loss and enhancement of health.

At its core, the Ketogenic diet prioritizes:

Minuscule amounts of carbohydrates (usually 20-50g per day),
Balanced proportions of protein, and
Fats as a main source of calories and energy

The underlying mechanism of the diet is to restrict the body from accessing carbohydrates, its usual energy staple. Energy created from carbohydrates results in a spike in blood sugar levels and a "fast energy", which often includes an energy crash an hour or so later. The carbohydrate deprivation of a keto diet leads to a notable drop in insulin production, pushing the body to pivot and explore an alternate fuel source: the fat reserves within the body.

As these fats undergo metabolism, the liver exudes a compound known as ketones, thus coining the term "Ketogenic Diet". It's worth noting that this diet meticulously recommends a low daily carbohydrate consumption of 20-50g, predominantly sourced from vegetables free of starch. Setting it apart from other carbohydrate-conservative diets like the Atkins diet the Ketogenic Diet places an emphasis on the consumption of fats as an alternative.

Once the body starts turning to using fat as its primary energy source, blood sugar stabilizes, energy production is more steady (instead of the spike and crash of carb energy), among other healthy responses in the body.

What is Ketosis?

Ketosis is a metabolic state that occurs when the body predominantly relies on fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. It is achieved through a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, the ketogenic diet. During ketosis, the liver converts stored fat into molecules called ketones, which serve as an alternative fuel source for the body and the brain. Ketosis has a fascinating relationship with autophagy, a cellular process that helps the body remove damaged or malfunctioning components. In times of fasting or ketosis, autophagy is often upregulated, leading to the breakdown and recycling of cellular waste. This dual mechanism of ketosis and autophagy has sparked a lot of interest as it may contribute to improved health and longevity by promoting cellular repair and regeneration.

Why is its popularity skyrocketing?

1. Managing Chronic Illnesses

The ketogenic diet is mostly recognized for improving health outcomes for several chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart conditions. In a 2017 study led by McKenzie and his team, They found that a diet focusing on nutritional ketosis can significantly improve blood sugar levels and reduce the reliance on medications for those with Type 2 Diabetes.

There used to be concerns about the keto diet for those with high cholesterol or heart issues because of its high-fat content. However, recent research has changed this viewpoint. A detailed study from 2013 showed that the keto diet not only leads to more weight loss compared to low-fat diets but also significantly improves heart health markers like

Interestingly, the research also highlighted an increase in HDL cholesterol, which is beneficial for heart health.

2. Mitigating Body and Brain Inflammation:

Scientific studies have consistently demonstrated that when the liver produces ketones during the state of ketosis and these ketones are utilized as an energy source, it's notably more proficient than metabolizing carbohydrates. This metabolic shift leads to a substantial decrease in the production of reactive oxygen species and secondary free radicals. These potentially harmful entities, under normal circumstances, can wreak havoc on:

Cellular structures,
Mitochondrial cell membranes,
Essential proteins, and
Even DNA.

By significantly reducing the chances of such cellular harm, the ketogenic diet not only presents an opportunity to alleviate inflammation and discomfort within the body but also proactively offers a protective shield, curbing the onset of persistent inflammatory health maladies

3. Sustained and Long-lasting Weight Management:

Although the Ketogenic Diet in the Relief & Transformation: Recovering from Long Covid and ME/CFS approach is not for weight loss, it does end up creating weight loss for those who have more weight on than they'd like. Not only does it facilitate prompt weight shedding, but recent studies, such as the one by Bueno in 2013, suggest its potential superiority over other diets that focus on caloric restrictions, particularly in the context of long-term weight retention. The rationale behind this is believed to involve two major players:

Firstly, the diet's ability to curb hunger is largely attributed to the satiating qualities of high-fat consumption;
Secondly, there are potential alterations in hormones that modulate appetite.

Intriguingly, while adherents of the Ketogenic Diet are often encouraged to eat until they feel satisfied, indications suggest that, unlike certain other dietary plans, such as the predominant low-fat diets, it might not have detrimental impacts on your metabolism or the basal metabolic rate.

4. Additional Health Benefits:

Beyond these health benefits, the Ketogenic Diet's therapeutic advantages extend to addressing and potentially managing an array of health challenges. This encompasses specific cancer types, and neurological anomalies, as underscored by Stafstrom, C. E., & Rho, J. M. in 2012, such as epilepsy.

We also find in the Relief & Transformation: Recovering from Long Covid and ME/CFS that it's the most supportive way of eating for people with Long Covid and ME/CFS and other chronic illnesses while they are treating underlying hidden infections that are causing the illness. There are other things that need to be addressed as well, but a ketogenic way of eating is the basis of the very important step of getting the Relief & Transformation Eating Plan in place.

Reported Advantages of the Keto Diet

A predominant segment of those who ardently adhere to the "Keto Diet" attest to swift improvements in various facets of their holistic health. Specifically in areas like:

Cognitive Function
Memory and concentration
Energy Levels
Mood Regulation
Appetite Regulation
Skin and Hair Health
Joint pain and inflammation

Is the Keto Diet right for you?

If you face any of the health issues mentioned earlier, the Ketogenic Diet could be a vital part of your recovery plan. However, it's essential to note that this way of eating has a transition period during which you might not feel so well. For more information about the Relief & Transformation: Recovering from Long Covid and ME/CFS course, Eating Plan, and how to heal from chronic illness, visit us.

DISCLAIMER: The information offered is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical or psychological care or advice. Consult your physician or other health care provider regarding your symptoms and medical and psychological needs.

References:

Masino, S.A. & Ruskin D.N. (2014). “Ketogenic Diets and Pain”Journal Child Neurology, 28(8): pp993-1001. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4124736/

Bueno, N., Vieira de Melo IF., Lima de Oliveira, S. & da Rocha Ataide, T. (2013) “Very Low carbohydrate ketogenic diet v. low-fat diet for long-term weight loss: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials,” British Journal of Nutrition, 110(7), pp 1178 – 1187. http://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114513000548

Dashti, HM., Mathew, TC., Khadada, M., Al-Mousawi, M., Talib, H., Asfar, SK., Behbahani AI. & Al-Zaid, NS. (2007). “Beneficial Effects of Ketogenic Diet in Obese Diabetic Subjects.” Journal of Molecular Cell Biochemistry. 302(1-2), pp 249-256. http://doi1007/s11010-007-9448-z

McKenzie AL, Hallberg SJ, Creighton BC, Volk BM, Link TM, Abner MK, Glon RM, McCarter JP, Volek JS, Phinney SD. (2017). A Novel Intervention Including Individualized Nutritional Recommendations Reduces Hemoglobin A1c Level, Medication Use, and Weight in Type 2 Diabetes. JMIR Diabetes, 2(1): p5. http://doi.org/10.2196/diabetes.6981

Mavropoulos, J. C., Yancy, W. S., Hepburn, J., & Westman, E. C. (2005). The effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet on the polycystic ovary syndrome: A pilot study. Nutrition & Metabolism, 2, 35. http://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-2-35

Stafstrom, C. E., & Rho, J. M. (2012). The Ketogenic Diet as a Treatment Paradigm for Diverse Neurological Disorders. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 3, 59. http://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2012.00059

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