The ketogenic diet seems to be one of the most popular topics to reach the current diet world. The ketogenic diet, or the keto diet, is characterized as a high fat, low carb dietary regimen. With claims that you can eat all the fat you want while not feeling hungry and considering its belief to reduce your blood sugar when you have type 2 diabetes as well as help improve overall performance, the ketogenic diet appears to be the ideal nutritional standard of the modern world. However, is the ketogenic diet right for everyone? Below, we will discuss what the ketogenic diet is and describe the modified ketogenic diet, their benefits and risks.

What is the Ketogenic Diet?

The “classic” ketogenic diet was created in 1923 by Dr. Russell Wilder for the treatment of epilepsy. The keto diet is based on the principle that by decreasing the intake of carbohydrates, the human body’s main supply of energy, it is possible to induce the cells to burn fat for fuel, maximizing weight loss. When you eat foods with carbohydrates, the body transforms these into glucose, or blood sugar, which it then uses for energy. Glucose is the easiest type of energy the body can utilize, however, excess sugar can turn into fat. The objective of the keto diet is to limit carbohydrate intake so the body needs to break down fat instead of glucose for energy.

When this happens, fat is broken down in the liver, thus producing ketones, which can be by-products of your own metabolism. These ketones are subsequently utilized to fuel the body in the absence of sugar. The classic ketogenic diet is characterized by a 4:1 ratio of fat to protein and carbohydrates, where 90 percent of calories come from fats, 6 percent from proteins, and 4 percent from carbohydrates. Although a 4:1 ratio is regarded as the gold standard for the classic keto diet, a modified ketogenic diet can involve a 3:1 ratio. This diet is also regarded as a low glycemic treatment and results in continuous sugar and glucose levels.

What is the Modified Ketogenic Diet?

There are a variety of modifications of the ketogenic diet.The “modified” ketogenic diet is a less restrictive variant of the classic keto diet, which may be helpful for people starting out with the ketogenic diet plan or for those who simply wish to follow a less strict, long-term dietary regimen. With a macronutrient ratio between 2:1 -1:1, the modified ketogenic diet was created with versatility in mind to improve compliance and reduce possible gastrointestinal health issues as well as nutritional deficiencies which could occur with the long-term classic ketogenic diet. Nearly all people following a modified keto diet follow the standard ketogenic diet program closely.

Other types of modified ketogenic diets consist of the cyclic ketogenic diets, also called carb cycling, and targeted ketogenic diets, that allow for alterations to carbohydrate consumption around physical activity and exercise. These alterations are generally implemented by athletes seeking to utilize the ketogenic diet to boost endurance and performance rather than by people especially focused on weight loss. As with any ketogenic diet, however, you should plan to eat less than 10 percent of your calories from carbs every day. The rest of the calories must include 20 to 30 percent protein and 60 to 80 percent fat.

How to Follow a Ketogenic Diet

There are many variations of the ketogenic diet plan, but, to accomplish a state of ketosis, you need to tremendously lower the number of carbohydrates you consume on a regular basis. Research studies have demonstrated that the average American man over the age of 20 intakes approximately 47.4 percent of their daily calories from carbohydrates where the average American woman over the age of 20 intakes approximately 49.6 percent of their daily calories from carbohydrates. In the “classic” ketogenic diet, 80 to 90 percent of calories come from fat, 5 to 15 percent come from proteins, and 5 to 10 percent come from carbohydrates. A common modified variant of the ketogenic diet, permits 20 to 30 percent of calories to come from proteins with the exact same carbohydrate limitation.

Some of the goals of the ketogenic diet are weight loss and improved athletic endurance and performance. The ketogenic diet for weight loss is predicated on the thought that forcing the entire body into ketosis will optimize fat reduction and weight loss. Ketosis is a normal metabolic process which happens when the body doesn’t have enough sugar stores for energy. Whenever these stores are depleted, the body resorts to burning stored fat for energy rather than carbohydrates. This method creates acids called ketones, which build up in the human body and may be used for energy. Ketones are a necessary part of a healthy metabolism.

The ketogenic diet comprises more than just diet. Nutritional supplements, electrolytes, hydration and physical activity or exercise levels will also be a crucial factor in the nutritional program. Those that suffer from digestive problems normally require extra support. This is where a ketogenic expert can be greatly beneficial. Tracking ketosis is another important element of therapy. Ketosis can be quantified by three distinct approaches: Blood, urine and breath. Blood readings would be the most precise and reliable way of testing, even though it’s also the most expensive. Urine strips give a reasonable alternative, though readings may vary widely according to hydration. Though technology is advancing, breath screens have likewise varying consequences and also a higher initial cost.

The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet which has been demonstrated to have a wide variety of health benefits. As a matter of fact, many research studies have shown how the keto diet can help with weight loss, improving overall health and wellness. Modified versions of the ketogenic diet may also be utilized to accommodate to different needs. Ketogenic diets may even provide benefits against type-2 diabetes, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.  By drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat, the human body enters a metabolic state called ketosis, which efficiently burns fat and turns it into energy.

Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

What are the Advantages of Ketosis?

Reaching a state of ketosis may have many advantages from treating chronic ailments to maximizing functionality. While the advantages are well documented, the underlying mechanism of activity isn’t completely known. The ketogenic diet appears to boost the capability of mitochondria, the energy plants of our cells, to provide our own bodies’ with the energy it needs in a manner that reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. Through optimizing how our body uses energy we reinforce our bodies’ capacity to undertake the ever-growing temptations of the contemporary method of living, improving overall health and wellness.

What to Expect with the Ketogenic Diet

Although the ketogenic diet may result in rapid weight loss through ketosis, the dietary program includes some health risks, such as nutrient deficiencies, heart problems, gastrointestinal health issues, such as constipation, and much more. As a result of health risks involved, specialists advise some people, like those with cardiovascular disease or even people that are at a greater risk for this, to be careful with the ketogenic diet. Individuals with type 2 diabetes should consult their healthcare professionals. Due to the severe limitations and removal of certain food groups, such as carbohydrates, the strategy might also be hard to stick to in the long term.

If you’re planning to try out the ketogenic diet, make sure you speak with a healthcare professional to be sure to meet your nutritional requirements with the nutritional regimen. Working with an expert can help you figure out if you need to make modifications or stop using the ketogenic diet in the event that complications may occu. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal health issues. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topic Discussion: Acute Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.

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