The Evolution Of Keto Supplements: How Did It Start?

The ketogenic diet, or keto, is a high-fat, low-carb, and moderate-protein diet that has been around for decades. The original ketogenic therapy, known as the classic keto diet, was designed in 1923 by Dr. Russell Wilder at the Mayo Clinic as a treatment for epilepsy. The diet has since been used to manage other health conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and type 2 diabetes. While the diet itself does not necessarily require supplements, the restrictive nature of the diet may lead to nutrient deficiencies, and thus, some people may choose to take supplements to meet their daily nutrient needs.

Ketogenic diets and supplements were initially designed to treat epilepsy in the 1920s

Ketogenic diets and supplements were initially designed to treat epilepsy. The ketogenic diet was introduced in the 1920s by modern physicians as a treatment for epilepsy. The original Ketogenic Therapy, known as the classic Ketogenic Diet or classic Keto, was designed in 1923 by Dr. Russell Wilder at the Mayo Clinic. The diet was used to treat epilepsy until the post-World War II development of new anti-seizure medications.

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that changes the way energy is used in the body, converting fat into fatty acids and ketones in the liver. This elevated level of ketones in the blood is known as a state of ketosis, which has therapeutic benefits for both sick and healthy individuals. The classic Keto diet has a 4:1 ratio of fat to protein and carbs, with 90% of calories derived from fat, 6% from protein, and 4% from carbs.

The use of fasting as a treatment for epilepsy dates back to at least 500 BC. The ketogenic diet was designed to mimic the metabolism of fasting, depleting the body of sugar. This diet was widely used for two decades before the emergence of modern anti-epileptic drug treatments. By the end of the twentieth century, ketogenic therapy was only available in a small number of children's hospitals. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in the use and scientific interest in the ketogenic diet for epilepsy treatment.

In addition to epilepsy, ketogenic diets have been proposed as a treatment for other diseases with underlying metabolic dysregulation, such as cancer and Alzheimer's. The diet's ability to induce ketosis and its impact on mitochondrial function make it a potential therapeutic tool for various conditions.

The ketogenic diet was almost extinct by 1994, but a boy named Charlie Abrahams found success with it, spurring a resurgence

The ketogenic diet, or keto, is a high-fat, adequate-protein, and low-carbohydrate dietary therapy. It was originally introduced in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy, but its use declined with the development of modern anti-epileptic drugs. By the end of the twentieth century, it was almost extinct, but in 1994, a boy named Charlie Abrahams found success with it, spurring a resurgence.

Charlie Abrahams was a young boy with difficult-to-control epilepsy. His parents learned about the keto diet in a medical textbook and decided to give it a try. They took him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, where he started the diet. Within days, Charlie's seizures stopped, and he remained on the diet for five years, after which he was seizure-free.

Charlie's story inspired his father, Hollywood producer Jim Abrahams, to create the Charlie Foundation for Ketogenic Therapies to promote diet therapy further. The foundation sponsored research, and the results, announced in 1996, marked the beginning of renewed scientific interest in the keto diet. There was an explosion of interest worldwide, and the diet was soon being studied for its potential benefits in treating various neurological disorders beyond epilepsy, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and sleep disorders.

The keto diet works by changing the way the body uses energy. It converts fat into fatty acids and ketones in the liver. When there is an elevated level of ketones in the blood, known as ketosis, it can have therapeutic benefits for both sick and healthy individuals. This state of ketosis can be achieved through the keto diet's specific macronutrient ratio, typically 4:1 (fat to protein and carbs), and practices like intermittent fasting.

The resurgence of the keto diet in the mid-1990s led to a growing interest in optimising health while following this high-fat, low-carb eating plan. This includes the use of nutritional supplements to address potential deficiencies and reduce adverse effects like the "keto flu." The popularity of the keto diet and its variations continues today, with ongoing research exploring its potential benefits and applications.

The diet works by changing the way energy is used in the body, converting fat into fatty acids and ketones in the liver

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that changes the way energy is used in the body. Typically, the body sources energy from carbohydrates, which produce insulin. However, the keto diet derives energy from dietary fat and the body's fat storage, producing ketone bodies.

Ketone bodies are produced in the liver, where fat is converted into fatty acids and ketones. This process is known as ketosis, and it can be measured through blood, urine, and breath tests. Ketosis has been linked to several health benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced risk factors for various diseases.

The keto diet involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This shift in energy sources has a significant impact on the body's metabolism, specifically how it burns fat for energy. The liver plays a crucial role in this process by converting fat into ketones, which can be used for energy by the brain and other organs.

The keto diet's mechanism of action is centred on changing the body's primary energy source from glucose (derived from carbohydrates) to ketone bodies (derived from fat). This shift in energy metabolism has several implications for overall health and weight management.

The liver is integral to this process, as it is responsible for converting fat into fatty acids and ketones. This production of ketone bodies in the liver is a key aspect of ketosis, and it has a range of therapeutic benefits for both sick and healthy individuals. The keto diet's ability to change the way energy is used in the body, particularly through the liver's conversion of fat into fatty acids and ketones, makes it a popular dietary approach for those seeking weight loss and improved health outcomes.

The keto diet is considered safe but may affect heart health over time due to its emphasis on saturated fat and lack of nutrients

The ketogenic diet, or keto, has been around in some form since at least 500 BC, when fasting and other dietary regimens were used to treat epilepsy. However, the modern keto diet was introduced by physicians in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy, and it has since been used for a variety of health reasons.

The keto diet is considered safe and may have therapeutic benefits for both sick and healthy people. However, its long-term effects on heart health are less clear. While the diet may reduce fat mass and weight in the short term, there is little evidence of any long-term benefit. The keto diet's extreme restriction of carbohydrates may lead to a lack of nutrients and an emphasis on saturated fats, which could have negative consequences for heart health over time.

The keto diet appears to lower blood levels of triglycerides, which is beneficial for heart health. However, it also raises levels of LDL cholesterol, which can clog arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the vitamin K in leafy greens, which are consumed in large amounts on the keto diet, may interfere with the anti-clotting drug warfarin taken by some heart patients.

For these reasons, it is important for anyone considering the keto diet, especially those with heart concerns, to consult a medical professional. A doctor can help monitor potential negative side effects and ensure the diet is tailored to the individual's needs. While keto may be helpful for some people, it could potentially be harmful to others, especially those with heart failure.

Overall, while the keto diet is considered safe and may have some health benefits, it is important to be aware of its potential negative effects on heart health over time due to its emphasis on saturated fat and potential lack of nutrients.

Keto supplements can help prevent deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and fiber

The ketogenic diet was introduced in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in the keto diet, with many people adopting it for weight loss, to boost athletic performance, and to treat various diseases.

The keto diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate meal plan that puts your body in a state of ketosis, where you burn fat instead of sugar for energy. While this diet can be beneficial for health and weight loss, it can also lead to deficiencies in certain essential nutrients. This is because the keto diet eliminates whole food groups, including starchy vegetables, grains, and most fruits.

Here's how keto supplements can help prevent deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and fiber:

Calcium

The keto diet typically involves limiting or avoiding milk products due to their carbohydrate content. Calcium is essential for maintaining bone growth and strength, regulating blood pressure, blood clotting, and nerve function. While dairy products are a well-known source of calcium, there are also other keto-friendly sources such as sardines, salmon, kale, and broccoli. A calcium supplement can be considered if it is difficult to consume enough leafy greens or fish.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin" as it is produced in the skin after sunlight exposure. However, due to limited sun exposure and the keto diet's restrictions on dairy and cereal, it can be challenging to get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, supporting the nervous, muscular, and immune systems, and preventing bone diseases like osteoporosis. A vitamin D supplement can be beneficial, especially if you are not getting enough sun exposure.

Iron

Iron is essential for the proper functioning of every cell in the body. It is used to make hemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to different body parts. The keto diet restricts or excludes sources of iron such as cereal, lentils, tofu, and beans. While meat, beef, and oysters are good keto-approved sources of iron, a supplement may be necessary if you are unable to meet your iron intake through diet alone.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that plays a key role in over 300 processes in the body, including immune system health, blood sugar regulation, and preventing and managing high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Many high-magnesium foods, like whole grains, bananas, and beans, are not keto-friendly due to their carb content. Spinach, broccoli, and kale are some keto-approved sources of magnesium, but a supplement can help ensure you meet your daily requirements.

Fiber

Fiber is important for digestion and regular bowel movements. It adds bulk to meals, satisfies appetite, and aids in weight management. However, most fiber sources come from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which may not be keto-friendly. While there are some keto-friendly fiber sources, such as vegetables, it can be challenging to fill your entire diet with them. A daily fiber supplement can help ensure you meet your fiber goals.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements, as the keto diet can impact nutrient intake, and deficiencies can adversely affect your health.

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