Ketogenic diets

UsedToBeHusky
UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I'm considering giving this a go for a little while to correct my PCOS. Help me to make my decision. I'm open to your opinions. I want to hear them all... those in favor and those in opposition.

I am obviously expecting a debate. Please be respectful of each other.
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Replies

  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
    I found this in a study:
    What is ketosis?.

    Insulin activates key enzymes in pathways, which store energy derived from carbohydrates, and when there is an absence or scarcity of dietary carbohydrates the resulting reduced insulin level leads to a reduction in lipogenesis and fat accumulation. After a few days of fasting, or of drastically reduced carbohydrate consumption (below 50g/day), glucose reserves become insufficient both for normal fat oxidation via the supply of oxaloacetate in the Krebs cycle (which gave origin to the phrase ‘fat burns in the flame of carbohydrate') and for the supply of glucose to the central nervous system (CNS).4

    Could this not simply be achieved through intermittent fasting?
  • xToniBx
    xToniBx Posts: 27
    Cool, hope it works. Im on Raspberry Ketone and Detox Colon Cleanse. I used it few times but im going to start this week, just had two today and keep having them, hope i loose quick but exercise and try eat healthy too then hope it does work x
  • seashel812
    seashel812 Posts: 25
    I haven't tried keto, but I find it much easier to lose weight when I restrict my carbs, particularly to <100g per day. Why? Because I can eat less calories without feeling like I'm starving all the time, and my cravings for junk food go away. If I can eat less without feeling hungry and combatting wild cravings I'll take it.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    Pro - keto here.

    You may or my not find it sustainable, but done properly it is a healthy diet, so trying it for a period of time will either be positive or neutral.

    Listening to other peoples experiences will probably not be of much use as we all find things like this either easier or harder, depending on our make up.

    Do your own n=1 study and give it a try,
  • Muddy_Yogi
    Muddy_Yogi Posts: 1,459 Member
    Cool, hope it works. Im on Raspberry Ketone and Detox Colon Cleanse. I used it few times but im going to start this week, just had two today and keep having them, hope i loose quick but exercise and try eat healthy too then hope it does work x

    :noway:
  • Veil5577
    Veil5577 Posts: 868 Member
    I had heard somewhere that being in ketosis was dangerous. I used to use keto sticks, which were great for motivation because I thought being in ketosis meant that the body was burning fat? Any thoughts or ideas? I'd like to buy more sticks and try that again.
  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
    Pro - keto here.

    You may or my not find it sustainable, but done properly it is a healthy diet, so trying it for a period of time will either be positive or neutral.

    Listening to other peoples experiences will probably not be of much use as we all find things like this either easier or harder, depending on our make up.

    Do your own n=1 study and give it a try,

    Well I am doing my own study, hence why I posted that section above that I read followed by a question. But lots of people have useful information. I realize that anecdote has its usefulness, but in my years on this website, I find that amidst the anecdote, actual, useful, relevant information gets shared amid the debate.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    I had heard somewhere that being in ketosis was dangerous. I used to use keto sticks, which were great for motivation because I thought being in ketosis meant that the body was burning fat? Any thoughts or ideas? I'd like to buy more sticks and try that again.

    You probably heard it from a dozen or so regulars on MFP. lol
  • Muddy_Yogi
    Muddy_Yogi Posts: 1,459 Member
    Cool, hope it works. Im on Raspberry Ketone and Detox Colon Cleanse. I used it few times but im going to start this week, just had two today and keep having them, hope i loose quick but exercise and try eat healthy too then hope it does work x


    I will try to be as respectful as possible here....You do realize that Raspberry ketones do NOTHING for you at all.....and a detox colon cleanse? Why not just eat more fiber? And if you say it is to get rid of toxins please explain these toxins and why your liver is not getting rid of them....as that is the livers function, is it not?
  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
    I can't tell you whether you should or shouldn't try it, but I'll just say that if you're interested in it, a good place to start learning more is Lyle McDonald's book on the subject. Reddit actually has some pretty good resources for keto diets, particularly /r/ketogains. In my experience, keto diets require you to live with some restrictions and can require more effort than simple calorie/macro counting (particularly when it comes to a TKD/CKD, where nutrient timing is important), but keto diets do offer some benefits as well. Whether the pros outweigh the cons is really an individual determination.
  • kofiannans_hitman
    kofiannans_hitman Posts: 18
    I have had limited success with keto. I would have kept doing it, but I simply can't afford it up here in Canuckistan with the absolutely asinine meat prices. TBH, I was doing the keto thing for a month or 2. Had good results, but I respond a crap load better to just calorie counting and keeping my carb count down to less than 150 per day. That is very easy for me to do even drinking low carb beer. That is not keto in the strictest form, but it has been working for me. Besides that, I noticed even when I was in ketosis and seeing results, my energy levels were next to nothing after 2pm or so. When I reintroduced limited carbs back in, holy hell what a difference. I still stay below 150 carbs 6 days out of the week no matter what.
  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
    I had heard somewhere that being in ketosis was dangerous. I used to use keto sticks, which were great for motivation because I thought being in ketosis meant that the body was burning fat? Any thoughts or ideas? I'd like to buy more sticks and try that again.

    I have NO idea what those are. But I posted this thread as it may be time to change my opinion on keto diets. Particularly if it can help me get to a point where I don't require medication for my insulin issues.
  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
    Cool, hope it works. Im on Raspberry Ketone and Detox Colon Cleanse. I used it few times but im going to start this week, just had two today and keep having them, hope i loose quick but exercise and try eat healthy too then hope it does work x


    I will try to be as respectful as possible here....You do realize that Raspberry ketones do NOTHING for you at all.....and a detox colon cleanse? Why not just eat more fiber? And if you say it is to get rid of toxins please explain these toxins and why your liver is not getting rid of them....as that is the livers function, is it not?

    I figured that post was either sarcasm or trolling, myself.
  • getfitgal123
    getfitgal123 Posts: 267 Member
    I also have PCOS and have found a ketogenic diet helpful and effective for me. Most PCOS women are insulin resistant and therefore have trouble losing weight with the traditional calories in/calories out model. We process sugar and carbs differently so those macros should be taken into account also. My endocrinologist recommended a low carb diet.

    I say give it a go!
  • iFreebaseBacon
    iFreebaseBacon Posts: 45 Member
    I am pro-keto. But everyone has to find what works for them. I started a ketogenic diet on 01.12.2014, and have since lost 56.5lbs. I find it incredibly easy and physically, I feel AMAZING. I had my cholesterol, triglycerides, etc. checked six weeks into this change and all my levels were good. I hope to have them checked again in the next few months. It is the easiest way of eating that I have ever followed. It absolutely works for me. I love it.
  • Veil5577
    Veil5577 Posts: 868 Member
    I had heard somewhere that being in ketosis was dangerous. I used to use keto sticks, which were great for motivation because I thought being in ketosis meant that the body was burning fat? Any thoughts or ideas? I'd like to buy more sticks and try that again.

    I have NO idea what those are. But I posted this thread as it may be time to change my opinion on keto diets. Particularly if it can help me get to a point where I don't require medication for my insulin issues.

    Ketosis sticks are available at the pharmacy without a prescription. You (excuse me) use them when you pee, like a pregnancy test, and the color of the strip shows if you are in ketosis or not.
  • iFreebaseBacon
    iFreebaseBacon Posts: 45 Member
    I can't tell you whether you should or shouldn't try it, but I'll just say that if you're interested in it, a good place to start learning more is Lyle McDonald's book on the subject. Reddit actually has some pretty good resources for keto diets, particularly /r/ketogains. In my experience, keto diets require you to live with some restrictions and can require more effort than simple calorie/macro counting (particularly when it comes to a TKD/CKD, where nutrient timing is important), but keto diets do offer some benefits as well. Whether the pros outweigh the cons is really an individual determination.

    I second the reddit suggestion. There is a thread just for ladies and keto, reddit.com/r/xxketo. You will find women there with PCOS and find it helpful. Good Luck!
  • seashel812
    seashel812 Posts: 25
    I am pro-keto. But everyone has to fine what works for them. I started a ketogenic diet on 01.12.2014, and have since lost 56.5lbs. I find it incredibly easy and physically, I feel AMAZING. I had my cholesterol, triglycerides, etc. checked six weeks into this change and all my levels were good. I hope to have them checked again in the next few months. It is the easiest way of eating that I have ever followed. It absolutely works for me. I love it.

    I'm curious--why do you find keto the easiest way of eating that you have ever followed?
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    Cool, hope it works. Im on Raspberry Ketone and Detox Colon Cleanse. I used it few times but im going to start this week, just had two today and keep having them, hope i loose quick but exercise and try eat healthy too then hope it does work x

    not sure if serious...

    or trolling.
  • Controversial
    Controversial Posts: 157 Member
    I've had fantastic success with it, though some of my own friends would suggest it's nothing but a recipe for failure. Many of people will mock you, but know that it will help tremendously if you stick to your guns and stay faithful to the plan.
  • iFreebaseBacon
    iFreebaseBacon Posts: 45 Member
    I am pro-keto. But everyone has to fine what works for them. I started a ketogenic diet on 01.12.2014, and have since lost 56.5lbs. I find it incredibly easy and physically, I feel AMAZING. I had my cholesterol, triglycerides, etc. checked six weeks into this change and all my levels were good. I hope to have them checked again in the next few months. It is the easiest way of eating that I have ever followed. It absolutely works for me. I love it.

    I'm curious--why do you find keto the easiest way of eating that you have ever followed?

    Because when I just restricted my calories I was hungry ALL THE TIME. I never felt satisfied. Following the ketogenic diet, I feel more satisfied and full. I am just not as hungry. When I solely restricted my calories, I felt the need to cheat all the time, and I found myself binge eating a lot. My weight fluctuated constantly, and with keto my weight is consistent as hell. It just works for me. :)
  • katematt313
    katematt313 Posts: 624 Member
    My opinion: unless your doctor says otherwise, give it a try. I have PCOS, too. I followed a pretty strict LCHF ketogenic diet for a couple of years (kept carbs under 30 grams most days) and took metformin 500 mg 2x daily, worked with an endocrinologist and logged my glucose readings 4x daily (and other healthy stuff, including exercise). Ketosis was measured by urinalysis strips. I had good weight loss and resolution of some of my PCOS symptoms. Also, my HBa1c labs dropped from diabetic range to normal range, so the endocrinologist was happy.

    There was one basic rule I followed on keto: for my family I would cook a regular meal (meat, veggie, starch). I would eat the same meat and veggie that they did, but instead of eating the starch, I would substitute with another veggie serving, and would basically eat meat and double or triple veggies. No sugar, no starch, and very limited fruit (berries only, and only when I could fit them in my carb count).

    There is a really good article about starting a ketogenic diet - very helpful. Give it a read. The author, Dr. Eades, recommends eating a ton of healthy fat to get you kickstarted. Consider MCT oil - you can get it at the health food store.

    See:

    http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/metabolism-and-ketosis/ and http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/tips-tricks-for-starting-or-restarting-low-carb-pt-i/

    Good luck :)
  • katematt313
    katematt313 Posts: 624 Member
    Agreed. My endocrinologist and registered dieticians I have worked with for my PCOS and diabetes have uniformly recommended low carb diets.
    I also have PCOS and have found a ketogenic diet helpful and effective for me. Most PCOS women are insulin resistant and therefore have trouble losing weight with the traditional calories in/calories out model. We process sugar and carbs differently so those macros should be taken into account also. My endocrinologist recommended a low carb diet.

    I say give it a go!
  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
    I also have PCOS and have found a ketogenic diet helpful and effective for me. Most PCOS women are insulin resistant and therefore have trouble losing weight with the traditional calories in/calories out model. We process sugar and carbs differently so those macros should be taken into account also. My endocrinologist recommended a low carb diet.

    I say give it a go!

    How much have you lost on keto? How long have you been doing it? Do you plan to maintain this method of eating for a lifetime or until your hormone imbalance is corrected?
  • sugarandspice27
    sugarandspice27 Posts: 521 Member
    I would recommend: http://www.reddit.com/r/xxketo/ (Which is keto for women and lots of women discuss PCOS)

    And

    http://www.reddit.com/r/keto/
  • AsaThorsWoman
    AsaThorsWoman Posts: 2,303 Member
    It's a big time investment.

    I spent almost two weeks feeling like crap until I was producing Ketones.

    I love it now.

    I feel full and sated while staying in my calorie goal, usually.

    You will be eating dramatically different foods than normal, but make sure not to skip the veggies. Use almost all your net carbs for veggies instead of using them for cheating or you could make yourself sick.

    I found it even harder to adapt too than ditching grains for the Paleo diet prior to going Keto, they were both huge, time consuming and honestly a bit pricy transitions but I have no regrets.

    You should really check out a Keto group because posters here are just being snarky and making fun of it as a fad diet and comparing it to raspberry ketones and colon cleanses. There is a Keto group on MFP.

    I consider myself to be Primal/Keto, but of course I cheat a bit with diet soda.

    One side note... it's far harder to "cheat" in Keto.

    On Primal you could be all like "It's 80/20" and still be a legitimate Primal eater, but in Keto, once your blood meter or Keto stick says "0" you're officially kicked out of the keto club for a couple weeks until your body produces Ketones again.

    So... it's really hard to cheat.

    I'm still relatively new, so I don't have profound results to report like I do on Paleo/Primal, but one step at a time and I'll keep ya'll updated.

    Feel free to add me as a friend if you like.
  • NJGmywholewrld
    NJGmywholewrld Posts: 123 Member
    I too have PCOS and do a very low carb way of eating. I tried Keto....too strict. But, I have to say, I am no longer having success with low carb lately either. I will eat under 50 carbs a day, workout 7 days a week....no weightloss at all. With PCOS it is trial and error. It is very hard to lose weight with PCOS and becomes quite frustrating. Good luck with whatever decision you make.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    One side note... it's far harder to "cheat" in Keto.

    On Primal you could be all like "It's 80/20" and still be a legitimate Primal eater, but in Keto, once your blood meter or Keto stick says "0" you're officially kicked out of the keto club for a couple weeks until your body produces Ketones again.

    So... it's really hard to cheat.

    interesting- I have seen people talk about fluxing in and out of keto over the course of a few days- which always raised my eyebrows- I was under the impression it took a little while to GET to keto- and it was as you say, once your out it takes time to get back to it.

    have you been checking the keto sticks to confirm??
  • 123_lac
    123_lac Posts: 66 Member
    I have PCOS, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. I have been following a low carb diet for awhile, but I started low carb high fat the end of February. My cycles are normal now and on time now. I have conceived since starting low carb high fat although it was ectopic. I could not ovulate on Metformin or clomid in the past. I only ovulate if I eat low carb. I have been able to go off insulin. I am on NO diabetic medications at all. My blood sugars regulated within days of starting this way of eating, so weight loss was not the cause of my improved blood sugars. Ketogenic is not for everyone, but it seriously improved my quality of life. I feel fantastic. My most recent labs were all normal including cholesterol and hgba1c. Good luck to you. I hope you find something that works for you.

    Also I would like to add, I slowly added more carbs until I found the maximum I could eat and still keep my blood glucose under control. I actually eat around 40 to 50 total carbs. My net carbs if you minus the fiber is usually around 20 or so.
  • EddieHaskell97
    EddieHaskell97 Posts: 2,227 Member
    I used ketosis for six months and lost 60 lbs. However, when all was said and done, it was still just a calorie deficit combined with exercise that was making it happen. The keto portion of it helped me with my self-discipline. I didn't want to "cheat" because then I'd have to go through the keto-flu again.

    What I LOVED about ketosis was the natural appetite suppression, and the lack of a 2pm or 5pm "crash". However, working out for six mile runs was very difficult, and immensely easier once I got out of it.

    I can't speak to PCOS as I've never had it. But my wife has had problems trying to have a third child and thinks it might be related to my ketosis. Personally, I think it's because of my vasectomy, instead.

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