Understanding the Ketogenic Diet

An associate professor at the University of Florida, Tampa, Dominic D’Agostino’s laboratory work develops and tests metabolic-based therapies including diets that target pathways pathophysiologically linked with diseases such as seizures, cancer, muscle wasting, and others. One of the nutritional therapies Dominic D’Agostino focuses on is the ketogenic diet.

Though ketogenic diets have existed for almost a century for drug-resistant epilepsy, it was only in 1972 that Dr. Atkins popularized the strict two-week low-carbohydrate diet for weight loss and heart health. Similar variations of the diet have come up. Naturally, the body cells utilize body sugar from carbohydrates for energy. However, in the absence of sugar, the body breaks down any stored fat into ketone bodies through ketosis. Thus, the cells, especially in the brain, source energy from the ketone bodies until you ingest carbohydrates again. Thus, the ketogenic diet, a scheduled and measured intake of fats and minimal carbohydrates, can promote weight loss and mental cognizance.

The diet usually contains 20 to 50 grams of carbohydrates daily, but is rich in proteins and fats and typically includes meats, healthy oils, fish, eggs, nuts, and vegetables. However, for efficacy, lean towards moderate protein portions and high-quality fats from unprocessed foods.

Studies show the ketogenic diet alleviates seizures, especially in children, and short-term blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, research continues on possible benefits for Parkinson’s, sleep disorders, chronic pulmonary disease, brain cancer, and Alzheimer’s as the diet promotes positive neuroprotective effects and noteworthy alleviating attributes. However, the fact that following the diet strictly is hard for many complicates conclusive studies and results.