The KETO diet explained

This post is a collaborative post

Everyone, it seems, is either doing or thinking of doing the high-fat-low-carb keto diet. Every time I’m searching for gluten and dairy-free recipes, a whole list of Keto friendly recipes come up too-and it is also followed by some people with digestive issues.

Like anything, it has spawned an ever-growing array of Keto products, from supplements such as exogenous ketones such as Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) to snacks and ready meals, are now available. I’m understandably cautious about this and think it’s really important for people to do their research, see if its the diet for them and know what to look for in a keto product, recipe or anything that promises to change their health.

Keto Diet and Health: Why is it being followed?

The keto diet was initially introduced, about 100 years ago, as a potential way to treat children with uncontrolled epilepsy. It is also sometimes recommended as a first-line treatment for some metabolic conditions such as Pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1) deficiency and Glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome.

Some recommend it as an alternative or supplementary treatment for conditions such as autism, depression, migraine, polycystic ovary syndrome, type 2 diabetes, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.  I’ve seen some blog about it for crohn’s disease but couldn’t find any relevant studies when I started looking into it.

It is worth bearing in mind that there is only anecdotal evidence to support the use of the keto diet for these and other conditions and what works for one definitely might not work for another. Be cautious!

It’s not something to just test out either- its also worth noting that the keto diet is absolutely contraindicatory in people with certain metabolic conditions which prevent them from metabolizing fatty acids to produce ketone bodies to use as an energy source. These conditions include Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency, porphyria and certain fat metabolism disorders. So do your research!

How the Keto Diet Actually Works

Our bodies usually use carbs for energy, but when there are no carbs to burn (when you are in a state of ketosis), your body starts to burn fat. So the theory behind the keto diet is all about restricting carbs and introducing more fats with a moderate amount of protein.

When you are in a state of ketosis, your body produces ketone bodies. It’s these ketone bodies, which have been derived from stored fats, that are then used as an alternative source of energy or fuel. Ketones are usually produced naturally in the liver. These are what’s called “endogenous” ketones.

Exogenous Ketones

BHB is a ketone body that is produced naturally when one’s body is in a state of ketosis. The keto diet only works effectively when one enters ketosis. However, because many people find it really difficult to remain in ketosis – one little cheat can overturn days of effort to reach ketosis – exogenous ketone supplements are seen as a quicker route; providing BHB directly to the body without requiring going through the ketogenesis and without an increase in free fatty acids.

BHB has been shown to directly block inflammatory markers in the body and there has been some speculation that ketones could drive the anti-inflammatory response to help alleviate the pain and symptoms associated with inflammation.

Personally, whilst I might indulge in the odd recipe that’s KETO complaint and think it could be a good way to essentially look at your carb intake; KETO supplements aren’t needed (Nor advised for those of us with gut issues) and most people would be better of focusing on a generally healthy diet-or possible the Specific Carbohydrate Diet if they want to consider their intake of carbs and which ones help and harm the gut.