The ketogenic diet is well known for being a low carbohydrate diet, where the liver produces ketones to be used for energy instead of glucose. Typically, on a normal, higher carbohydrate diet, the body uses glucose as the main source of energy. By decreasing carbohydrate intake is induced into a state known as ketosis.
Ketosis is an evolutionarily old metabolic process designed to help us survive in times of famine. Ketones are produced from the breakdown of fats in the liver. You can maintain ketosis by decreasing carbohydrate intake which will change the body’s energy metabolism pathway usage.
The Ketogenic diet has long been used to help control epilepsy, but it may also be useful in other medical conditions including:
- Blood sugar control
- Weight loss
- Lowering cholesterol
- Insulin resistance
- Increasing mental focus
The ketogenic diet is NOT meant for everyone and is somewhat difficult to follow. However, many patients report feeling better on it. Some side effects of the ketogenic diet are:
- Leg cramps
- Constipation
- Heart palpitations
For an excellent book on the specificities of this diet with recipes included, try reading: