Ketogenic Protocol: Fat for Fuel, Part 1 by Dr. Donaldson
Calories In. Calories Out. It Is All In The Math!
A ketogenic diet is high fat, adequate protein, low complex carbohydrate that promotes the use of stored body fat for fuel instead of relying on glucose from carbohydrates we consume.
History of Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet was first recorded in 500 BC as a treatment for what we now call epilepsy. The Ketogenic concept was revived in the 1920’s, claiming cures up to 60% of epilepsy in both children and adults. Interestingly, one doctor thinking epilepsy was a toxic condition of the gut, took the fasting mimicking effect one step further and claimed to have cured 90% of his epileptic patients with a 25 day water fast. I find the history of the ketogenic diet fascinating as it is now also being used to help cancer patients. In addition, in this age of the “gut microbiome” being the center of neurotransmitters production, the idea of the ketogenic diet makes a lot of sense. As anti-convulsant pharmaceuticals were developed, the use of the diet faded as a form of treatment.
Today the ketogenic diet has claimed improvement in the following medical conditions: cardiac disease as it is anti-inflammatory, Diabetes Type l & Type ll, Alzheimer Disease, Cancer, Chronic Diseases such as ALS, MS, and Parkinson’s; Autism, Mitochondrial dysfunctions, slows the effects of aging, helps with GERD in some people. http://www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com
Variations of the diet are known as “Atkins” or more recently “Paleo”. These diets use the same concept that a fasting mimicking state using ketones from fat instead of glucose is healthy for the body. The different diets vary in the ratio of macro-nutrients: fats, protein and carbohydrates. Paleo in particular does not specify percentages of macro-nutrients but has been promoted as higher fat, fresh vegetables, and little fruit.
Definition of Ketogenic Diet
A ketogenic diet uses dietary and stored body fat as a source for fuel in the form of ketones. When ketones are high, the body is said to be in a state of “ketosis”. when you are in ketosis, your body is using fat as its primary fuel source. To check to see if you are in ketosis you buy ketone strips at your local pharmacy or a Regenerative Medicine Center, and test for ketones in your urine. Although the strips can be unreliable as you become more hydrated or dehydrated, they are a good way of telling if you are in ketosis.
Using the right ratio of whole food macro-nutrients to burn fat calories rather than sugar calories, the ketogenic diet is the best diet for weight loss at the lowest cost. It is not always the easiest diet to follow. It may take you two or more weeks to get into ketosis and become what is commonly known as “fat-adapted”. Also, you may not see any weight loss on the scale even though clothes may fit better. This is because the diet helps you build muscle (which weighs more than fat) while it is using your fat for food. Certainly, it is important to have “free days” while on the ketogenic diet so other nutrient sources are introduced to the body as the foods on the ketogenic diet can be limiting.
If you are interested in learning more about how to start a ketogenic diet program with Dr. Donaldson, please call to schedule a consultation today.
(412) 767- 9890 www.regenerativemc.com Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter