Madeleine Hull
The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat, and moderate protein diet. It is currently America's most-searched diet, with interest in keto being 130% higher than vegan and ten times higher than paleo. The diet's ability to promote dramatic weight loss is behind this explosion of interest.
The question remains: can the keto diet help people live longer?
According to a study by the University of California, Davis, the keto diet increased the lifespan, memory, and motor function of mice in the study. The results showed a 13% increase in median lifespan for the mice on a high-fat vs. high-carb diet. If these results translated to humans, it would equate to an extra 7 to 10 years of life.
However, other studies have found that low-carb diets could lead to a higher risk of premature death. A study published in The Lancet found that restricted carbohydrate levels replaced or supplemented by animal-based protein and fat sources could lead to a higher risk of premature death.
While the research is limited and sometimes contradictory, the keto diet shows promise in promoting longevity and living a longer life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight Loss | Keto is a very low-carb, high-fat and moderate protein diet that promotes dramatic weight loss. |
| Health | Keto can be an effective treatment for obesity, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and even cancer. |
| Cognition | Keto can improve cognitive function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases. |
| Longevity | A UC Davis study found that mice on a keto diet lived 14% longer than those on a high-carb diet, which could equate to 7 to 10 extra years of life for humans. |
| Food Sources | Keto-approved foods include plant-based fats like coconuts and avocados, green fibrous vegetables like spinach and Brussels sprouts, and high-quality fatty meats. |
| Side Effects | Keto can cause side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, mood swings, headaches, and bad breath. |
What You'll Learn
The keto diet may increase lifespan
The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat, and moderate protein diet. It is currently America's most searched diet, with interest in keto being 130% higher than vegan and ten times higher than paleo. The diet's ability to promote dramatic weight loss is behind this explosion of interest.
The Science Behind Keto
With carbohydrates restricted and protein moderated, the body becomes efficient at burning fat for fuel – both dietary fat and stored fat. This fuel comes from ketones produced in the liver, which replace glucose as the body's primary fuel source. The resulting state, called ketosis, is perfectly natural and allowed our ancestors to run off stored body fat during times of food scarcity.
The Benefits of Keto
The keto diet has been used to treat obesity, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and even cancer, alongside standard care. It has also been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive health and longevity.
The Link Between Keto and Longevity
A UC Davis study found that mice on the ketogenic diet lived longer and had a better quality of life. The median lifespan of the mice was 14% higher than the control group, which could equate to an extra 7 to 10 years of life for humans.
The Theories Behind the Link
There are several theories as to why the ketogenic diet could increase lifespan. These include improved mitochondrial (energy) efficiency, a more neuroprotective energy pathway, and appetite suppression, which could lead to a caloric-restriction effect shown to increase lifespan in dozens of animals.
The Bottom Line
While the ketogenic diet may not be a panacea, it appears to help unlock pathways to regulate the mind and body, slow aging, and fight disease. More research is needed to determine whether the diet can help reverse chronic diseases and advance longevity.
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It can improve memory and cognitive function
The ketogenic diet has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function in older adults. In a study conducted by Krikorian et al., older adults with mild cognitive impairment were assigned to either a high-carbohydrate or very low-carbohydrate diet for six weeks. The low-carbohydrate group showed improved verbal memory performance, as well as reductions in weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin. Another study by Hernandez et al. found that a ketogenic diet improved performance on a spatial alternation task and a cognitive dual task that required working memory and a bi-conditional association task. The ketogenic diet was also found to have biochemical effects in the prefrontal cortex, including increased expression of monocarboxylate transporters and decreased expression of glucose transporters. These findings suggest that the ketogenic diet may enhance cognitive function and improve memory in older adults, potentially through its effects on brain metabolism and neurotransmitter systems.
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It can help treat obesity, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
The ketogenic diet has been found to be effective in treating obesity, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
Obesity is a rapidly growing epidemic worldwide, with over 200 million men and nearly 300 million women aged 20 and over affected. The ketogenic diet has been shown to be effective in combating this, at least in the short to medium term. This is because the diet induces a metabolic condition called "physiological ketosis", which is different from pathological diabetic ketosis. After a few days of fasting or a drastically reduced carbohydrate diet, the body's glucose reserves become insufficient for the production of oxaloacetate for normal fat oxidation in the Krebs cycle and for the supply of glucose to the central nervous system. This leads to the production of so-called ketone bodies: acetoacetate, β-hydroxybutyric acid, and acetone. Ketone bodies are then used by tissues as a source of energy. The ketogenic diet has also been found to improve fat oxidation, which can lead to effective weight loss.
The ketogenic diet may also be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. This is because the diet severely restricts carbohydrates, forcing the body to break down fats for energy. As people with type 2 diabetes have issues with insulin, which is needed to help bring glucose from the blood into the cells for energy, the ketogenic diet can help to maintain blood sugar levels at a low but healthy level.
The ketogenic diet has also been found to be effective in treating Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's results from the deterioration of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, and the cause of this deterioration is not known. The drugs currently available to treat Parkinson's lose their effectiveness over time and can cause undesirable side effects. A small clinical study of seven volunteers with Parkinson's who maintained a Ketogenic Diet for one month found that five had improvement in their post-diet test scores. Scientists theorize that ketone bodies may bypass the pathway in the brain that is disrupted and support other vital energy pathways.
Finally, the ketogenic diet has been found to be effective in treating Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is currently the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S., with around 6.2 million Americans living with the disease in 2021. The ketogenic diet's goal is to reduce one's reliance on using glucose as fuel for the brain and instead use ketones. Since Alzheimer's could potentially reduce the number and overall function of glucose transporters in the brain, ketones could provide an alternate avenue to supply the brain with energy. Several studies have found that the ketogenic diet was able to improve the cognitive abilities and quality of life of patients ranging from mild to severe Alzheimer's.
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It can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer
The ketogenic diet has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The diet has a positive effect on the blood lipid profile, even when compared to other diets. It also shows strong anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective potential, which is due, among other factors, to the anti-inflammatory properties of the state of ketosis, the elimination of simple sugars, the restriction of total carbohydrates, and the supply of omega-3 fatty acids.
The ketogenic diet has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure and other CVD risk factors through, among other aspects, weight loss. The evidence cited is often superior to that for standard diets, making it likely that the ketogenic diet shows advantages over other dietary models in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
The ketogenic diet has also been shown to have a positive effect on cancer. The diet can help treat some types of cancer by starving tumors of their primary energy source, glucose. The diet may also help boost the powers of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. However, there have not been any large studies in humans yet, so we don’t know for sure if and how keto diets work against cancer. Several clinical trials are ongoing.
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It can help with weight loss
The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, fat-rich eating plan that has been used for centuries to treat specific medical conditions. In the 19th century, it was used to help control diabetes, and in 1920, it was introduced as a treatment for epilepsy in children. Today, it is gaining popularity as a potential weight-loss strategy.
The keto diet is distinctive for its exceptionally high-fat content, typically 70% to 80%, with a moderate intake of protein. The premise of the diet for weight loss is that by depriving the body of glucose, its main source of energy, an alternative fuel called ketones is produced from stored fat.
There is evidence that ketogenic diets can help with weight loss. Some studies suggest that a ketogenic diet may be more effective for weight loss than a low-fat diet, even when total calorie intake is matched. For example, in one older study, people on a ketogenic diet lost 2.2 times more weight than those on a low-calorie, low-fat diet.
Another study compared a low-carb diet to the Diabetes UK's dietary guidelines. It found that the low-carb group lost 15.2 pounds, while the low-fat group lost only 4.6 pounds over three months. However, it is important to note that the low-carb group also decreased their calorie intake.
Ketogenic diets may also lead to reductions in appetite and food intake. This is because ketogenic diets help you feel full, supported by positive changes in hunger hormones such as leptin and ghrelin.
Additionally, the keto diet can help with weight loss by increasing protein intake, improving insulin sensitivity, decreasing fat storage, and increasing fat burning.
However, it is important to note that the keto diet may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may experience flu-like symptoms, known as "keto flu," when first starting the diet. Additionally, there may be a risk of kidney or liver problems, and it can be challenging to stick to in the long term.
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Frequently asked questions
The keto diet is generally safe, but it's always a good idea to speak with your doctor before starting any new diet, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.
The keto diet has been shown to promote weight loss and improve cognitive function. It may also help to reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as Alzheimer's and epilepsy.
The keto diet can be restrictive and may be difficult to stick to in the long term. It can also be expensive, as it often involves buying high-fat, expensive foods such as red meat and avocado.
