Extra Keto: Does It Work?

The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to force the body to burn fat for energy instead of glucose. This metabolic state is called ketosis. While the keto diet has been associated with several health benefits, including weight loss, increased energy, and improved management of chronic illnesses, it can also be challenging to follow and may have some negative side effects. One product that claims to help with weight loss on the keto diet is Keto Extra, a dietary supplement that contains BHB or beta-hydroxybutyrate, which is intended to burn excess calories and help reduce unwanted fat cells. However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of keto supplements, and it is always recommended to consult a doctor or dietitian before starting any new diet or supplement regimen.

Ketone supplements may decrease appetite

Ketone supplements have been shown to decrease appetite, which may help with weight loss. In a study of 15 people of normal weight, those who drank a beverage containing ketone esters experienced 50% less hunger after fasting overnight than those who drank a sugary beverage. This effect was attributed to lower levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin between two and four hours after consuming the ketone ester drink.

However, ketone supplements may not affect appetite as much in people who have eaten a meal beforehand. Studies have shown that ketone supplements increase blood ketone levels more in those who did not eat a meal before taking the supplement compared to those who did. Since elevated ketones are associated with reduced appetite and lower ghrelin levels, ketone supplements may only be beneficial during a fast, such as in the morning, rather than after a meal containing carbohydrates.

In addition, one small study found that exogenous ketone supplements reduced appetite for over four hours, which could be promising for weight loss. However, more studies are needed before ketone supplements can be recommended for appetite control. Furthermore, the potential weight loss benefits of ketone supplements are unknown, and some evidence suggests that they may even hinder weight loss.

Therefore, while ketone supplements may decrease appetite, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness in weight loss.

Ketosis and weight loss

Ketosis is a metabolic state that occurs when your body burns fat for energy instead of glucose. The keto diet has many possible benefits, including weight loss, increased energy, and treating chronic illnesses. Ketosis can be achieved through a ketogenic diet, which is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. This diet typically consists of 70% to 80% fat, 10% to 20% protein, and only 5% to 10% carbohydrates.

When you significantly reduce your carbohydrate intake, your body's supply of glucose (its main source of energy) is limited, and it is forced to burn fat for energy instead. This process of burning fat for energy is known as ketosis. Ketosis can also be induced by a state of fasting or strenuous exercise, where the body turns to fat as an alternative fuel source.

The keto diet is advertised as a weight-loss wonder, but it is important to note that it is a restrictive diet and may not be suitable for everyone. It is best to make this only a short-term dietary change to jump-start weight reduction. The keto diet is associated with a high intake of saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. It is crucial to consult a doctor and a registered dietitian before attempting this diet.

There are also keto supplements and keto diet pills that claim to help boost energy, burn fat, and lose weight fast. However, there is limited research on the efficacy of these supplements, and they may not be safe for everyone. Some people may experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. Additionally, the body seeks to maintain an even level of ketones, and when ketone levels are high, the liver stops producing them and tries to flush out the excess. This means that the supplements may not be effective, and the body may simply excrete them.

In conclusion, ketosis can be an effective way to lose weight, and the keto diet is one method to achieve this state. However, it is important to approach this diet with caution and be aware of the potential risks and side effects. For those interested in the health benefits of ketosis, consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine if the diet is suitable for their individual needs.

Ketogenic diets and neurological diseases

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and adequate-protein diet that has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits in patients with neurological problems. KD has been found to be effective in managing epilepsy and has also been explored for its potential benefits in other neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Ketogenic Diet and Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The KD has been demonstrated as an effective treatment option for drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly in pediatric populations. The mechanisms underlying the KD's effects in epilepsy include enhanced energy metabolism, reduced neuronal excitability, modulation of ion channels, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ketogenic Diet and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia worldwide. The KD has shown promise in AD management, and several mechanisms have been proposed to explain its potential benefits, including improved brain energy metabolism, reduction of oxidative stress, modulation of amyloid-beta and tau pathology, enhancement of mitochondrial function, and neuroinflammation reduction.

Ketogenic Diet and Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor dysfunction and cognitive decline. Evidence suggests that KD has shown promise in alleviating some symptoms of PD, such as motor dysfunction and cognitive decline. The mechanisms underlying the KD's effects in PD include enhanced mitochondrial function, reduction of inflammation, promotion of neurogenesis, and antioxidant effects.

Ketogenic Diet and Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the demyelination of neurons in the central nervous system. The KD has been studied for its potential benefits in MS, and evidence suggests that it may help reduce inflammation, improve energy metabolism, promote neuroprotection and remyelination, and reduce oxidative stress.

Ketogenic Diet and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. The KD might alleviate some ASD-related symptoms and improve cognitive and social functioning. The mechanisms underlying the KD's effects in ASD include modulation of neurotransmission, improvement of mitochondrial function, reduction of inflammation, and enhancement of synaptic plasticity.

Factors Affecting Ketogenic Diet Success in Neurological Disorders

The success of the KD in managing neurological disorders depends on various factors, including adherence to the diet, ketosis level, individual variability, type and severity of the neurological disorder, duration of the KD, nutritional balance, age and developmental stage, and comorbid conditions. Challenges and considerations associated with the KD include potential side effects, nutrient deficiencies, and the need for careful monitoring by healthcare professionals.

Ketogenic diets and diabetes

The ketogenic (keto) diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. The keto diet changes the way the body stores and uses energy, potentially improving blood glucose levels and reducing the need for insulin. However, it's important to consult a doctor before starting the keto diet as it comes with certain risks and may not be suitable for everyone.

The keto diet aims to shift the body's energy source from glucose to ketones, which are produced by the liver when there is a lack of glucose. This state is called ketosis. To achieve ketosis, the diet requires a drastic reduction in carbohydrate intake, limiting carbs to as little as 20-50 grams per day. The diet also involves moderate protein intake and a very high fat intake, with fat making up about 90% of daily calories.

Benefits for Diabetes

The keto diet has been found to improve blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes, leading to reduced medication requirements. It can also aid in weight loss, which is beneficial for diabetes management. Additionally, the keto diet may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce post-prandial glycaemia.

Risks and Considerations

While the keto diet can be beneficial for diabetes management, it also carries certain risks and considerations:

• Saturated Fat Intake: The keto diet is high in saturated fats, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
• Nutrient Deficiency: Restricting carbohydrates and certain food groups may lead to deficiencies in micronutrients such as selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins B and C.
• Liver and Kidney Problems: The high-fat content of the keto diet may overload the liver and kidneys, especially in those with pre-existing conditions.
• Constipation: The low fiber content of the keto diet can lead to constipation.
• Fuzzy Thinking and Mood Swings: Low-carb diets may negatively impact cognitive function and mood.
• Long-term Sustainability: The keto diet may be difficult to follow long-term due to its restrictive nature, and weight loss may not be sustained once a normal diet is resumed.

The ketogenic diet can be a powerful tool for managing type 2 diabetes, but it should be approached with caution and under medical supervision. It is important to work with a healthcare team to determine if the keto diet is suitable for an individual's specific needs and to monitor for any potential risks or side effects.

Ketogenic diets and cancer

Ketogenic diets, which are high in fat and low in carbohydrates, have been found to slow the growth of tumours in mice with pancreatic and colorectal cancer. This is achieved by starving the cancer cells of the glucose they need to survive.

However, in mice, ketogenic diets have also been found to speed up the development of cachexia, a lethal wasting disease. Cachexia causes loss of appetite, extreme weight loss, fatigue, and immune suppression, and currently has no effective treatment.

Pairing a ketogenic diet with a corticosteroid has been found to prevent cachexia and increase survival in mice with cancer. Researchers have found that this combination of treatments shrinks tumours and increases the lifespan of mice.

Ketogenic diets may also be effective in treating other types of cancer. For example, a study found that a ketogenic diet combined with an experimental anti-cancer drug blocked the growth of pancreatic tumours in mice.

Combining a ketogenic diet with standard chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic options may help improve tumour response, although more research is needed.

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