The ketogenic diet is a medical diet gaining popularity, especially because it has proven to help people lose weight. It also has many other health benefits. It is a high-fat, low-carb diet that forces the body to burn fat instead of carbohydrates (which is the primary source of energy).
The diet is named for the ketogenic state it induces, which is a metabolic state in which the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates. Because the ketogenic diet is a high-fat diet, it’s easy to get too much fat in your diet—but not too much protein.
Too much protein can be converted into glucose, raising your blood glucose or ketone levels. The ideal amount of protein is enough to help you get through the day. What Are The Most Recent Ketogenic Diet Research Articles?
Ketogenic Diet And Mental Disorders
The ketogenic diet has been used to treat mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some research shows that the diet may be especially effective in treating these disorders.
The diet induces ketosis, where fatty acids are broken down and converted into energy by the liver instead of glucose through insulin production. During ketosis, the brain receives more energy than usual, explaining why it responds better to medication during the diet.
Ketogenic Diet and Cancer
The ketogenic diet has been studied for its effect on cancer. Some studies significantly reduce tumor size and tumor volume in subjects following the ketogenic diet.
Furthermore, subjects in these studies had a reduced ability to produce insulin, which may help protect against cancer growth. Cancer cells rely on glucose for energy, so a diet that deprives them of this fuel may slow or stop their growth.
Ketogenic Diet and Neurological Disorders
Some research shows that the ketogenic diet can treat neurological disorders. For example, one study found that diet helped improve Parkinson’s disease symptoms such as stiffness and tremors.
Research also shows that the diet can improve epilepsy symptoms such as seizures and reduce dyskinesia symptoms, a neurological disorder.
Ketogenic Diet and Obesity
The ketogenic diet has been used for decades to treat certain types of epilepsy in children. A growing body of research shows that it may also be helpful for people who want to lose weight.
People who follow a ketogenic diet may eat as much as they want, as long as they stick to the same foods.
Summary
The ketogenic diet is one of the most effective ways to lose weight. It’s also been studied for its potential to treat epilepsy, cancer, and neurological disorders. The diet forces the body to use fat for energy instead of glucose, which may help treat mental disorders and slow tumor growth.
However, the diet is not right for everyone. Before you try it, talk to your doctor first. It may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions.
You’ll also want to be sure the diet fits into your lifestyle. Keep in mind that eating too much fat and protein can also cause unwanted weight gain.
Finally, don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. It can take months of proper diet and exercise before seeing results from any weight-loss plan, so be patient and keep trying!
