The Origin Story Of Keto: Weight Loss Or Epilepsy?

The ketogenic diet, commonly known as the keto diet, was originally used to treat epilepsy in children. The diet was first clinically trialled by the Mayo Clinic in 1921, with research suggesting that the diet reduced seizures and eased other symptoms of the disease. The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate dietary therapy that forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates. The diet was widely used in the 1920s and 1930s, but its popularity declined with the introduction of anticonvulsant medications. However, the keto diet has seen a resurgence in recent years, with many celebrities and social media influencers endorsing it for its weight loss benefits.

To treat epilepsy

The ketogenic diet was originally used to treat epilepsy. It was first used as a treatment for the condition in the 1920s. The diet involves eating high-fat foods and very few carbohydrates. The idea is that this diet mimics the metabolism of fasting, which has been used to treat epilepsy since at least 500 BC.

The ketogenic diet is a special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that helps control seizures in some people with epilepsy. It is usually used in children whose seizures have not responded to medication. The diet is stricter than the modified Atkins diet, requiring careful measurements of calories, fluids, and proteins. The diet is carefully monitored by a dietitian and prescribed by a physician.

The name "ketogenic" refers to the fact that the diet produces ketones in the body. Ketones are formed when the body uses fat as its source of energy, as opposed to carbohydrates. The diet can lead to improved seizure control, with higher ketone levels often leading to fewer seizures.

The ketogenic diet has been shown to be effective in treating various types of epilepsy, including infantile spasms, Rett syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, Dravet syndrome, Doose syndrome, and GLUT-1 deficiency. It can also be used in conjunction with anti-seizure medications to help reduce seizures.

While the ketogenic diet can be effective, it is not recommended as a primary anti-seizure option due to the drastic changes in food intake and the potential side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and fatigue. It requires strict compliance and patience, especially in the beginning. It is important for patients with epilepsy to have the support of a knowledgeable ketogenic diet team, including a doctor and a licensed dietitian.

To treat Alzheimer's disease

The ketogenic diet has been studied as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the sixth-leading cause of death in the US, with approximately 6.2 million Americans living with the disease in 2021. The condition is characterised by a decline in cognitive function and quality of life.

The ketogenic diet may help to reduce or prevent the onset of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. The diet aims to reduce the brain's reliance on glucose as fuel and instead promote the use of ketones. Since AD may reduce the number and function of glucose transporters in the brain, ketones could provide an alternative energy source.

Several studies have shown that the ketogenic diet can improve cognitive abilities and quality of life in patients with mild to severe AD. These improvements were observed once ketosis was reached, indicating that ketosis may be the critical factor in improving cognitive function in AD patients. However, more research is needed to confirm this relationship.

One study found that a modified Atkins diet with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) improved cognitive function in patients with mild AD. Another study showed that a Mediterranean diet with coconut oil, which also contains MCTs, improved cognitive function in patients with mild to severe AD. These findings suggest that MCTs may play a crucial role in improving cognition in AD patients.

Additionally, a pilot study called the Ketogenic Diet Retention and Feasibility Trial (KDRAFT) investigated the feasibility and cognitive effects of a ketogenic diet in individuals with mild AD. The results showed that cognitive scores significantly improved after a three-month intervention with the ketogenic diet. However, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

In summary, the ketogenic diet has shown potential as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease by improving cognitive function and quality of life in patients. Further research is needed to determine the specific mechanisms and long-term effects of the diet on AD patients.

To treat Parkinson's disease

The ketogenic diet has been explored as a potential therapy for Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is characterised by the deterioration of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, with early symptoms including shaking, rigid motions, and slowness of movement. The currently available drugs for Parkinson's disease tend to lose their effectiveness over time and can cause undesirable side effects.

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with controlled amounts of protein. The diet induces a state of ketosis, where the body shifts from using glucose as its primary energy source to using ketone bodies, which are produced from the breakdown of fatty acids. This shift in metabolism may have beneficial effects on brain function in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.

Several studies have investigated the potential benefits of the ketogenic diet in Parkinson's disease. A small clinical study found that five out of seven volunteers with Parkinson's who followed the ketogenic diet for one month showed improvement in their post-diet test scores. Another study involving five volunteers with Parkinson's who adhered to the ketogenic diet for 28 days reported improved ability to perform daily activities and motor symptoms. Additionally, a study on rats with Parkinson's found that the ketogenic diet enhanced the resistance of neurons in the substantia nigra to destruction and prevented the progression of Parkinson's symptoms.

The potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of the ketogenic diet in Parkinson's disease include:

• Bypassing defects in the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cells, and supporting vital energy pathways.
• Reducing the abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein, a key feature of Parkinson's disease.
• Improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress.
• Exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects on the brain.

While the ketogenic diet shows promise for Parkinson's disease, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and long-term effects. Larger clinical studies are required to support the implementation of ketogenic therapies in clinical practice for Parkinson's disease.

To treat obesity

The ketogenic diet has been used to treat obesity. It is a very low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet that has shown efficacy in rapid weight loss. The diet induces a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body uses fat as its primary fuel source instead of carbohydrates. The primary goal of the ketogenic diet is to decrease overall body fat and improve metabolic health.

The ketogenic diet was first used to treat epilepsy in 1921. It was observed that the diet reduced the frequency and intensity of seizures in a subset of patients. For almost a decade, the ketogenic diet was viewed as a therapeutic option for pediatric epilepsy, but its prominence diminished with the advent of antiepileptic drugs.

The ketogenic diet was popularized in the 1970s and has since been widely studied as a potential treatment for various conditions. In recent years, the ketogenic diet has experienced a resurgence, particularly as a weight loss intervention, proving its efficacy in the short term.

The ketogenic diet primarily consists of high-fat intake, moderate protein consumption, and low-carbohydrate intake. The macronutrient distribution typically ranges from approximately 55% to 60% fat, 30% to 35% protein, and 5% to 10% carbohydrates. For instance, in a 2000-kilocalorie per day diet, the carbohydrate allowance would amount to approximately 20 to 50 grams daily.

The ketogenic diet's short-term effects (up to 2 years) are well-reported and established. However, the long-term health implications are unknown due to limited literature. The diet may present some common and generally mild short-term adverse effects, known as the "keto flu." These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, reduced exercise tolerance, and constipation. These symptoms resolve in a few days to weeks. Ensuring adequate fluid and electrolyte intake can help counter some of these symptoms.

Long-term adverse effects of the ketogenic diet include hepatic steatosis, hypoproteinemia, hypocitraturia, hypercalciuria, kidney stones, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

To treat polycystic ovarian syndrome

Ketogenic Diet for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Treatment

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterised by irregular periods, high levels of male hormones, and the presence of small cysts on the ovaries. Insulin resistance is a key factor in the development of PCOS, with around 70% of patients experiencing it.

The ketogenic diet has been proposed as a possible treatment for PCOS. This high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet can lead to weight loss and improvements in insulin resistance. The reduction in carbohydrate intake decreases insulin levels and increases fat oxidation, resulting in weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity.

Several studies have shown positive results in using the ketogenic diet to treat PCOS. A pilot study by Mavropoulos et al. found significant improvements in weight, testosterone levels, and fasting insulin in women with obesity and PCOS over a 24-week period. Another study by Paoli et al. showed similar results, with participants experiencing weight loss, decreased insulin levels, and improved insulin resistance after 12 weeks on a ketogenic diet.

The ketogenic diet has also been found to improve other PCOS symptoms. A study by Palafox-Gómez et al. showed that a ketogenic diet improved metabolic parameters and decreased insulin resistance in PCOS patients. Additionally, the diet improved embryo implantation and pregnancy rates in those undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

The ketogenic diet can be a valuable tool in the treatment of PCOS, especially when combined with other lifestyle modifications such as exercise and stress management. However, more long-term studies are needed to fully understand the effects of the ketogenic diet on PCOS.

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