Ketogenic Diet?
nutmeg2576
Posts: 18 Member
Have any of you tried a ketogenic/ketosis diet? I've heard mixed reviews, but it was suggested that it may be helpful for neuropathy and MS. Still doing research, but wanted to see if anyone else has had any success with it?
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Replies
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Lot's of folks here have used a ketogenic diet. Some for weight loss, and some with medical issues in mind.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group
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I've done it for a littel over a year. It's helped me a bit with my autoimmune problems. The group linked above has a few members who have had AI issues improve with that diet too. I beleieve there are a few with MS too; they are at the higher end of ketosis (ala the Wahl's protocol).3
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It has helped my migraines and I am also prediabetic but it keeps my blood sugar in check so I don't need to take my Metformin. I love the keto diet!7
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Interested to hear results of this from other users. I've been interested in this approach as well. Seems a little crazy, but I've heard lots of good things, even from pro athletes.3
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Only ever used it as a way to lose weight quickly, which has worked ok most times, but in general, I'd say it's pretty unsustainable as you have to cut full food groups out on a mid-long term basis. If you like fruit, this can be an issue. Also, it does dick about with your energy levels, so if you like working out, you can end up feeling about 75%-80% of your normal energy levels due to the reduced carbohydrate and glycogen storage.0
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Research it and try it. It won't agree with everyone, but I do know a lot of people who don't do it right and have issues. If you want a pretty good start to your research look up Abel James and the Wild Diet.
PS - it's not just eat as much bacon as you possibly can
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I've been keto for a year. I find it helps with my RA symptoms. I love the diet. I don't feel deprived at all. Also once your body adapts you don't have the energy problems frequently mentioned as a drawback. I have no issues running, lifting weights, or doing other high intensity workouts...In fact I have much better stamina and energy than before.11
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Low carb diets are one of the most stupid things you can do for your body.
I come from a past of anorexia , weight restored now and much healthier . and also thought low carb low fat was the way to Go. It's not , it's really not .
You just need to focus on whole foods and change your mind set away from weight loss, weight loss should be a slow and gradual process.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLwtVGCigu7oAP7KiCSJ6St8f5Sgb6qgLm¶ms=OAFIAVgJ&v=iDW6mfKJclk&mode=NORMAL
Our bodies run on carbohydrates . Just eat the right foods .
You need to learn to love yourself .
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I've been keto for a few months. It solves my digestive issues. Haven't had to take a pill for it since starting. Just do your research about it first. A lot of people rage quit because of the adaption phase. (Keto-flu and so on, which is simply electrolyte imbalance and can be solved with salt.)
Also it helps me adhere to a deficit (it reduces your appetite), and it pretty much eliminates cravings.
ETA : I also do weight lifting on keto. While my progress went down slightly (you lift lighter with less carbs), I'm still progressing, just on a lower level.4 -
I am following LCHF and finally I have found a way to eat where I am not hungry all the time, not obsessing about food. Suits me perfectly and my energy levels are just fine. No issues there.4
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Only ever used it as a way to lose weight quickly, which has worked ok most times, but in general, I'd say it's pretty unsustainable as you have to cut full food groups out on a mid-long term basis. If you like fruit, this can be an issue. Also, it does dick about with your energy levels, so if you like working out, you can end up feeling about 75%-80% of your normal energy levels due to the reduced carbohydrate and glycogen storage.
That's not really true. I've been Keto for several months now and work out for 1-2 hours every day on top of working 10+ hour days as a physical therapist. Once you become Keto adapted, you have plenty of energy - as your body is able to thrive on ketones as a fuel source and doesn't need the glycogen from the carbs.8 -
I have been on it for 2 months now. I started it at the request of my Dr. because of chronic IBS, migraines and joint pain. Once I got past the beginning phase, or Keto Flu, I have felt amazing! I sleep better, my mood is positive, I haven't had a migraine and I don't have to take pills to control my IBS. I do pick one day of the weekend to eat more carbs so that my glycogen is restored. It is key to drink a lot of water daily, salt your food and take a magnesium and potassium supplement as the body will flush these daily when you're in ketosis. If you're not supplementing your electrolytes, you may become tired or weak.
It's a lifestyle change, not a quick fix, but it does work! Good luck to you.4 -
Low carb diets are one of the most stupid things you can do for your body.
I come from a past of anorexia , weight restored now and much healthier . and also thought low carb low fat was the way to Go. It's not , it's really not .
You just need to focus on whole foods and change your mind set away from weight loss, weight loss should be a slow and gradual process.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLwtVGCigu7oAP7KiCSJ6St8f5Sgb6qgLm¶ms=OAFIAVgJ&v=iDW6mfKJclk&mode=NORMAL
Our bodies run on carbohydrates . Just eat the right foods .
You need to learn to love yourself .
I'm afraid the video has things somewhat wrong. The brain does not require only glucose for a fuel, and after becoming keto adapted (not just in ketosis) your brain's glucose needs falls. Glusoce needs can fall to as low as 40g per day, which is easily created from the liver. And her fat summary and is goofy.
I agree that low carb low fat is a bad idea. I am glad you moved away from that and are recovering. But LCHF is healthy and a good weightloss tool for many overweight people.8 -
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Keto has been one of the best things I've ever done. I've been keto now for three months. I have more energy with keto than I ever did on a moderate carb diet, my skin is better, I find it really easy to stick to my deficit as I'm not hungry every few hours anymore, I'm eating delicious foods, I'm not hitting the snooze button like crazy in the morning anymore, my digestion is improved. I honestly have nothing but good things to say. I also lift. At the start my lifts when down but I'm slowly progressing them back up. This was a small price to pay for feeling (and looking) better. Keto isn't for everyone though. You could give it a go, the low carb group that @Sabine_Stroehm linked you to has a lot of great information to get you started, if you decide to go that way.
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Just like with all diets, the biggest factor is whether or not you can sustain it. At the very least, you can always start by lowering carbs and eventually transition into keto.
If you do go straight into Keto, make sure you are eating plenty of sodium (3000 to 5000mg a day), eat plenty of fat, and get plenty of foods that are high in potassium and magnesium to help balance electrolytes.4 -
Keto is good for children with epilepsy. Otherwise it offers no benefit over low carb diets.
Ketogenic low-carbohydrate diets have no metabolic advantage over nonketogenic low-carbohydrate diets
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/83/5/1055.abstract2 -
What food groups? No. It doesn't.Only ever used it as a way to lose weight quickly, which has worked ok most times, but in general, I'd say it's pretty unsustainable as you have to cut full food groups out on a mid-long term basis. If you like fruit, this can be an issue. Also, it does dick about with your energy levels, so if you like working out, you can end up feeling about 75%-80% of your normal energy levels due to the reduced carbohydrate and glycogen storage.
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There is no food groups disallowed if you go LCHF. Fit it into your macro's like on any other plan. My energy levels btw are just fine. I can go to the gym and do a full and proper workout without any issues at all.
I can eat fruit, veg, chocolate, cheese, pizza, bacon, sausages, cream, butter, steak, salads, wraps, ice cream, hamburgers with melted cheese, bacon and avocado.3 -
I'm sorry, am I missing something? I thought the ketogenic diet means you don't eat any carbs. Which mean your body can only use the little fat pellet things called 'ketones.' But some people say they've been on this for a year or even longer. Won't your body give out once you run out of the excess fat? And I thought your brain couldn't use ketones. Basically, it seems like some people are saying its a lifestyle change while others are saying it's only a short term diet. A full year doesn't sound like a short term diet to me. So which is it? Is it a lifestyle change? And how do you avoid carbohydrates? Isn't that impossible? And what do you eat?0
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I'm sorry, am I missing something? I thought the ketogenic diet means you don't eat any carbs. Which mean your body can only use the little fat pellet things called 'ketones.' But some people say they've been on this for a year or even longer. Won't your body give out once you run out of the excess fat? And I thought your brain couldn't use ketones. Basically, it seems like some people are saying its a lifestyle change while others are saying it's only a short term diet. A full year doesn't sound like a short term diet to me. So which is it? Is it a lifestyle change? And how do you avoid carbohydrates? Isn't that impossible? And what do you eat?
It's low carbohydrate, not no carbohydrate. I think the goal is to have 5% of your calories come from carbohydrates.1 -
I'm sorry, am I missing something? I thought the ketogenic diet means you don't eat any carbs. Which mean your body can only use the little fat pellet things called 'ketones.' But some people say they've been on this for a year or even longer. Won't your body give out once you run out of the excess fat? And I thought your brain couldn't use ketones. Basically, it seems like some people are saying its a lifestyle change while others are saying it's only a short term diet. A full year doesn't sound like a short term diet to me. So which is it? Is it a lifestyle change? And how do you avoid carbohydrates? Isn't that impossible? And what do you eat?
It's a very low carb diet that is around 20 to 50g per day. As a result of cutting carbs, dietary fat will be increased to make up for the lost calories. As a result, your body will switch energy systems to run off of fat. It can be used as a short term diet or long term plan. It really depends on your intended use.
What you eat: fatty cuts of mean, low sugar fruits/veggies, full fat dairy, oils.4 -
Keto is awesome both for health reasons and losing weight, but what's even better is zero-carb, where you only eat meat, eggs, and fat, with no plant foods at all. I've never felt better, honestly.5
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I'm sorry, am I missing something? I thought the ketogenic diet means you don't eat any carbs. Which mean your body can only use the little fat pellet things called 'ketones.' But some people say they've been on this for a year or even longer. Won't your body give out once you run out of the excess fat? And I thought your brain couldn't use ketones. Basically, it seems like some people are saying its a lifestyle change while others are saying it's only a short term diet. A full year doesn't sound like a short term diet to me. So which is it? Is it a lifestyle change? And how do you avoid carbohydrates? Isn't that impossible? And what do you eat?
Well, those that have been on it for a year must all be brain-dead then, since their brains can't use ketones.0 -
@nutmeg2576, I have the neurological movement disorder, Spasmodic Torticollis aka Cervical Dystonia. I began a ketogenic diet on 4/3/16 specifically and only to determine the effectiveness of this diet for minimizing the involuntary muscle contractions caused by the ST/CD which result painful, embarrassing and peculiar postures of my head/neck. Based on the visual and EMG evaluation by my neurologist who is a Movement Disorder Specialist, I have primarily 3 muscles involved (left SCM, right Splenius Cap and right Trap).
I am astounded and elated that I am experiencing considerable relief/improvement via the ketogenic diet. Initial improvement was noted within a couple of weeks of starting the diet. Slight but additional improvement continues.
What caused me to give Keto a try is the evidence that a ketogenic diet is effective for epilepsy and is currently an option for those who do not respond to anti-seizure medications. Also key in my decision making: the medication that has been prescribed to me for 16 years for my ST/CD is an "old timey" anti-seizure med. I felt it would be foolish for me NOT to try a ketogenic diet.
I was 1st diagnosed in 2000 and over the years I have been to 5 neurologists and other types of practitioners. All neurologists recommended the same treatment: BotoxA injections (350 units in my case) to paralyze the over active muscles. They also prescribed the use of the medication for when the efficacy of the BotoxA wanes (which it always does). I had 3 series of injections during 2000-2001. They were effective but I chose to not continue with them, mostly due to cost. In 2016 I decided/continued to once again to research outside the mainstream and stumbled upon the ketogenic diet for neurological diseases/disorders.
Please continue to research. My research has unveiled the trial of a ketogenic diet for several neurological disorders/diseases/conditions: parkinsons, alzheimers, strokes to name a few. The studies are small and few. I'm also intrigued by the research brought forth via the film Lorenzo's Oil and the work done by The Charlie Foundation for Ketogenic Therapies. I believe the Wahl's Protocol (diet) was mentioned above.6 -
My husband is trying keto to lose the 50 lbs of excess water heater was carrying on his lower body. He lost something like 9 lbs the first week and his mobility and comfort have improved dramatically. I am doing moderate low carb for now to see how my brain responds and may go keto soon. I have mental illness, autism, and seizures to deal with.2
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Keto is good for children with epilepsy. Otherwise it offers no benefit over low carb diets.
Ketogenic low-carbohydrate diets have no metabolic advantage over nonketogenic low-carbohydrate diets
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/83/5/1055.abstract
Some of us find ketones do offer health benefits though. I was personally shocked and pleased by the increase in mental clarity that I experienced. To be honest, it was a bit disturbing how much my thinking improved.
I also found that a ketogenic diet was the perfect "cure" for my reactive hypoglycemia too. Severe carb restrictions are the only way to control my blood glucose and insulin resistance too.
Low carb can help many, and ketosis can help some people even more.I'm sorry, am I missing something? I thought the ketogenic diet means you don't eat any carbs. Which mean your body can only use the little fat pellet things called 'ketones.' But some people say they've been on this for a year or even longer. Won't your body give out once you run out of the excess fat? And I thought your brain couldn't use ketones. Basically, it seems like some people are saying its a lifestyle change while others are saying it's only a short term diet. A full year doesn't sound like a short term diet to me. So which is it? Is it a lifestyle change? And how do you avoid carbohydrates? Isn't that impossible? And what do you eat?
As other's said, a nutritional ketogenic diet does involve carbs, just not a lot. Most keep their carbs under 50g per day, with many aiming for closer to 20g per day. The liver can create any extra glucose that is needed via gluconeogenesis. At first that basic amount of carbs needed per day is around 130g of glucose, but as time goes by, and the keto'er becomes more fat adapted, the body's (and brain's) minimum glucose needs drops further; sometimes down to under 50g.
The rest of the body, including the brain, is very happy to use ketones for most of it's fuel. In fact, ketones for fuel are often beneficial to the brain and can be used as a treatment after a stroke or brain injury, and it is starting to be used as a treatment for Alzheimer's patients.
So yes to both questions. It can be used as a shorter term diet, and it can also be a long term, even lifelong, diet.
And the only way to avoid carbs is to eat animal products only (dairy, eggs, meat) and even those have trace carbs. A carnivore will often be under 5g of carbs per day but won't often be right at 0g of carbs.
@kpk54 That's pretty awesome. Thanks for sharing that.
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Keto is good for children with epilepsy. Otherwise it offers no benefit over low carb diets.
Ketogenic low-carbohydrate diets have no metabolic advantage over nonketogenic low-carbohydrate diets
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/83/5/1055.abstract
Some of us find ketones do offer health benefits though. I was personally shocked and pleased by the increase in mental clarity that I experienced. To be honest, it was a bit disturbing how much my thinking improved.
I also found that a ketogenic diet was the perfect "cure" for my reactive hypoglycemia too. Severe carb restrictions are the only way to control my blood glucose and insulin resistance too.
Low carb can help many, and ketosis can help some people even more.I'm sorry, am I missing something? I thought the ketogenic diet means you don't eat any carbs. Which mean your body can only use the little fat pellet things called 'ketones.' But some people say they've been on this for a year or even longer. Won't your body give out once you run out of the excess fat? And I thought your brain couldn't use ketones. Basically, it seems like some people are saying its a lifestyle change while others are saying it's only a short term diet. A full year doesn't sound like a short term diet to me. So which is it? Is it a lifestyle change? And how do you avoid carbohydrates? Isn't that impossible? And what do you eat?
As other's said, a nutritional ketogenic diet does involve carbs, just not a lot. Most keep their carbs under 50g per day, with many aiming for closer to 20g per day. The liver can create any extra glucose that is needed via gluconeogenesis. At first that basic amount of carbs needed per day is around 130g of glucose, but as time goes by, and the keto'er becomes more fat adapted, the body's (and brain's) minimum glucose needs drops further; sometimes down to under 50g.
The rest of the body, including the brain, is very happy to use ketones for most of it's fuel. In fact, ketones for fuel are often beneficial to the brain and can be used as a treatment after a stroke or brain injury, and it is starting to be used as a treatment for Alzheimer's patients.
So yes to both questions. It can be used as a shorter term diet, and it can also be a long term, even lifelong, diet.
And the only way to avoid carbs is to eat animal products only (dairy, eggs, meat) and even those have trace carbs. A carnivore will often be under 5g of carbs per day but won't often be right at 0g of carbs.
@kpk54 That's pretty awesome. Thanks for sharing that.
I am almost wondering if that was due to addressing your medical issues? The only reason I wonder this, is because when my wife cut out gluten for her POTS, she saw sweeping improvements in her health and energy base. Either way, it's great when something finally works.
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Keto is good for children with epilepsy. Otherwise it offers no benefit over low carb diets.
Ketogenic low-carbohydrate diets have no metabolic advantage over nonketogenic low-carbohydrate diets
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/83/5/1055.abstract
Some of us find ketones do offer health benefits though. I was personally shocked and pleased by the increase in mental clarity that I experienced. To be honest, it was a bit disturbing how much my thinking improved.
I also found that a ketogenic diet was the perfect "cure" for my reactive hypoglycemia too. Severe carb restrictions are the only way to control my blood glucose and insulin resistance too.
Low carb can help many, and ketosis can help some people even more.I'm sorry, am I missing something? I thought the ketogenic diet means you don't eat any carbs. Which mean your body can only use the little fat pellet things called 'ketones.' But some people say they've been on this for a year or even longer. Won't your body give out once you run out of the excess fat? And I thought your brain couldn't use ketones. Basically, it seems like some people are saying its a lifestyle change while others are saying it's only a short term diet. A full year doesn't sound like a short term diet to me. So which is it? Is it a lifestyle change? And how do you avoid carbohydrates? Isn't that impossible? And what do you eat?
As other's said, a nutritional ketogenic diet does involve carbs, just not a lot. Most keep their carbs under 50g per day, with many aiming for closer to 20g per day. The liver can create any extra glucose that is needed via gluconeogenesis. At first that basic amount of carbs needed per day is around 130g of glucose, but as time goes by, and the keto'er becomes more fat adapted, the body's (and brain's) minimum glucose needs drops further; sometimes down to under 50g.
The rest of the body, including the brain, is very happy to use ketones for most of it's fuel. In fact, ketones for fuel are often beneficial to the brain and can be used as a treatment after a stroke or brain injury, and it is starting to be used as a treatment for Alzheimer's patients.
So yes to both questions. It can be used as a shorter term diet, and it can also be a long term, even lifelong, diet.
And the only way to avoid carbs is to eat animal products only (dairy, eggs, meat) and even those have trace carbs. A carnivore will often be under 5g of carbs per day but won't often be right at 0g of carbs.
@kpk54 That's pretty awesome. Thanks for sharing that.
I am almost wondering if that was due to addressing your medical issues? The only reason I wonder this, is because when my wife cut out gluten for her POTS, she saw sweeping improvements in her health and energy base. Either way, it's great when something finally works.
That could well be. Unfortunately. I may have been (may be) experiencing the beginning of insulin resistance dementia (alzheimer's) so going with ketones for fuel would be of great benefit.
So many people have insulin resistance (NAFLD, PCOS, T2D, prediabetes, Alzheimers - if you hit 80 years old your chances are 50/50) so saying that ketones can have a healthful impact isn't too sweeping of a statement. About half of North America could benefit; at the very least, a third might regain some health.
I do agree that when you remove problem foods (for an individual) the impact can be dramatic.
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Only ever used it as a way to lose weight quickly, which has worked ok most times, but in general, I'd say it's pretty unsustainable as you have to cut full food groups out on a mid-long term basis. If you like fruit, this can be an issue. Also, it does dick about with your energy levels, so if you like working out, you can end up feeling about 75%-80% of your normal energy levels due to the reduced carbohydrate and glycogen storage.
please stop spreading disinformation3
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