IHN Virtual Open House April 2021 Comparative Diets: Therapeutic Benefits of the Ketogenic Diet

With Jacqueline Steinert BA, CNP

On the ketogenic diet (keto for short), the body consumes high fats, adequate protein, and low carbohydrates. Cells prefer blood sugar from carbohydrates as fuel, but by restricting carbohydrates and depleting the body of sugar reserves, there is no longer circulating blood sugar from food and the liver breaks down stored fat into molecules and releases these ketone bodies into the blood stream. This process and the resulting metabolic state is deemed ketosis. Once you reach ketosis, most cells will use ketone bodies to generate energy. The body will transition from using circulating glucose to breaking down stored fat as a source of energy. Keto originated in the 1920s as an effective treatment for paediatric epileptic seizures and, in the 1970s, Dr. Atkins popularized his low carbohydrate diet for weight loss that started with a strict two week ketogenic phase. However, the benefits do not stop there.

Join this lecture to learn about all of the therapeutic benefits that the ketogenic diet yields. Consuming fewer food groups along with higher fat and protein foods results in feeling less hungry. It also results in a longer digestion time that ultimately supports weight loss. Besides weight loss, the keto diet more importantly has been effectively used to reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures in children and mitigate symptoms with progressive neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Since the keto diet reduces blood sugar, it can lower the risk of insulin complications and even supplement certain cancer treatments. Heart health (and cholesterol) as well as hormonal disorders such as PCOS have also benefited from a ketogenic diet. Lastly, endurance athletes and body builders also utilize the keto diet to trim fat in rapid time frames. By consuming healthful fats and sufficient proteins such as nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, grass fed meats and fatty fish, the body witnesses a wide array of therapeutic benefits from the ketogenic diet!

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