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Ketogenic Diet
A ketogenic diet is a diet high in fat and protein, and virtually no carbohydrate. This will force the body into a state of ketosis whereby ketones are used as a fuel source – rather than glucose.
Ketogenic diets have been used to treat epilepsy and for weight loss. Many body builders also use a ketogenic diet during their ‘cutting’ phase (attempting to burn as much fat as possible while retaining muscle mass). Ketogenic diets have gained some popularity due to the extensive media coverage of low/no carb diets such as Atkins.
Is a Ketogenic Diet Healthy?
A ketogenic diet is suitable for some people – but most definitely not all. Depriving the body of carbohydrates can place significant strain on the body – particularly liver and kidney function. Many people will feel considerably fatigued during the first few weeks of ketosis – the body is trying to adapt to using ketones as a fuel source. Ketones are a byproduct of fat metabolism (fat burning).
There are many opposite schools of thought regarding the safety of a ketogenic diet – however the fact that many epilepsy sufferers have successfully been using ketosis for years – certainly gives the diet some credence.
However, it must be done carefully. Many who start the diet stop it within a few days due to the fatigue and difficulty encountered.
See Also
The Ketogenic Diet: A Complete Guide for the Dieter and Practitioner which retails for $29.95.
www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/ketogenic.html – Information on the ketogenic diet from Epilepsy Action UK.
Other Ketogenic diets – Lindora, Atkins
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I don’t know why people say this diet is unhealthy. It isn’t, and our brain can function better off ketones than glucose.
@ Goodwin…..your opinion has been noted! While I can sympathesize with you for having a child with such health issues, I do not tolerate disrepect..which is exactly what you are giving to everyone on the site. I do not have the time to lookup all the information on epilepsy and their effects with ketogenic diets, but Im sure you have done the research as a parent and that is wonderful. However, by just looking up information on the internet and asking a couple doctors, does not make you an expert on how many ways this diet can be helpful. While it may have started for a specic purpose(like epilepsy), so have many other meds and treatments out there. It is obviously working for people with diebetes, adhd, etc., it can also be used for weight loss.
I am currently using the “Ketogenic Diet” called the Dillard Diet. It requires a very strict food intake and monitoring by a doctor(in office) once a week. To even start the diet, you must have a consult with the doctor as well as complete blood work taken. Im not sure where the fat came in with some of these posts but on this diet, there is no fat. Your first five days are nothing but protein(very lean meat and only 800 calories a day). After five days, you will introduce two vegatables and 2 fruits a day into the mix. Now with this, you have a daily intake of appetite suppresants, a nutritional supplements and calcium cyruvates along with your b-12 shot that you get once a week. I am on my 8th day on the diet and have lost 12.5 pounds. All while being monitored by my doctor. And yes, I do weigh my food!
My point is though, while this diet may have been started for persons like your son, there is no reason why it cannot help others as well. You said yourself that it was made in the 1920′s….umm that was almost a hundred years ago..I think more research has been done since then.
A Goodwin, your posts are not helpful to anyone (not to mention deluded!) take your anger out somewhere else.
A Ketogenic diet is one where the body gets energy from ketones as opposed to glucose.
The goal of a Ketogenic diet is to get into Ketosis.
This is a type of diet anyone can try and some people feel really good on it, high energy, stable moods, no food cravings etc.
I had to jump in here…@A. Goodwin, are you for real? This is just an information source for different types of DIETS. Calm down. Ketogenic diet is in fact a GENERIC term used for a particular type of diet, say, like a Vegan. Your own source states that “IN MEDICINE” it is used for certain disorders. ie. “dietary medical therapy” It’s also used for depression, autism, some diabetes….not just epileptics. Pretty harsh to be calling people a “bunch of fools”. If someone is going to treat their children for such a severe disorder by JUST reading something on a website and NOT consulting a doctor, well, they are the fools. Get a grip. You’re obviously a miserable person and just want to take it out on others.
I forgot to mention that I take one serving of a ZMA supplement on an empty stomach before bed. That’s zinc, magnesium, and vitamin b6 (for melatonin production supposedly). With the high potassium-to-sodium ratio in my diet, the magnesium helps keep my electrolyte balance a little more stable (which also helps cardiac function working properly). For the guys, the zinc and magnesium help testosterone production. You don’t want to take zinc at the same time as eating a food or supplement with calcium in it; hence taking it on an empty stomach (with water) before bed.
I’m a hobbyist natural (drug-free) gym rat, and I’ve been on a ketogenic diet for roughly three days now. I’ve felt a little sluggish, but it’s not so bad since I’ve been drinking MCT (medium chain triglyceride) oil (aka coconut oil) for the “ketonic” energy.
My meals are almost entirely liquid: reguar-sized water bottle with one scoop of whey/casein protein mix with high potassium-to-sodium ratio, a medium squirt of hemp seed oil (for good ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 long chain triglyceride essentially fatty acids), large squirt of MCT oil (to help get your body producing ketones), and topped-off with water. I also buy this powder supplement at Whole Foods (organic supermarket) called Miracle Reds. It has “superfruit” extracts, a little fiber, and some probiotic bacteria. Even when I was on a regular diet before starting this ketogenic diet, I would say that a pinch of Miracle Reds powder with each water bottle meal (along with drinking lots of water throughout the day) certainly helped my bowel movements more than when I was eating “just/only” oatmeal (soluble and insoluble fiber) all the time. Those bacteria seem to want to keep your food inside your body longer so they can work on it more before your body is ready to let it go…and I haven’t felt that constipation that people warn about while on a ketogenic diet.
I still get carbs from yogurt, though; I still try for three servings of yoplait yogurt for the calcium/vitamin D (a lower pH of blood due to ketones plus protein over time will chew-off bone and release calcium, so you must replace it) and for the high potassium-to-sodium ratio in yoplait yogurt. I also take an athletic multivitamin (high dosages but not of iron which can cause overdose) twice a day (AST Sports Science brand Multi Pro 32x).
I noticed that if I carried a bag up a stairwell, my arm would get sore/tired (from lactic acid build-up maybe?), but it goes away after awhile…probably a side effect of only using ketones as energy as opposed to glycogen.
I’ll try this diet for as long as I can. I was hitting a stall/plateau while eating low-GI carbs, whey/casein protein, EFA’s/MCT…plus lifting heavy weights on compound exercises twice a week with HIIT and steady state cardio every other day (which is pretty hardcore, in my opinion…but still stalled/plateau’d…wtf?).
Ted, I’m sorry, but you are STILL wrong. The ketogenic diet was deveoped at Johns Hopkins in the 1920′s DIRECTLY for epilepsy. It was, and always has been, geared directly towards those with true disabilities (such as epilepsy) – not for someone who wants to shed a few pounds. I cited wikipedia, because I figured most people would connect with that. If you want more evidence, go to websites like The Charlie Foundation (http://www.charliefoundation.org/); Epilepsy Foundation (http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/treatment/ketogenicdiet/); Epilepsy.com (http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/keto_news_november07); Johns Hopkins Medicine (http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/specialty_areas/epilepsy/about_us/ketogenic_diet.html); Massachusetts General Hospital (http://www2.massgeneral.org/childhoodepilepsy/medical/treatment.htm) to name a few. Fact is, as I mentioned before – there is nothing wrong with a low carbohydrate diet that restricts carbs further than Atkins. It is called the modified Atkins/low glycemic diet and for an adult you should work towards only eat about 20 carbs per day. The REAL ketogenic diet limits carbs further and requires MUCH more fat. Even hinting that this is anything like the REAL ketogenic diet could cause a person serious health issues. The REAL diet lacks several important vitimins and nutrients that a body needs. The REAL diet can cause kidney stones, gall stones, dehydration, constipation, issues with bone density, inflammation of the pancreas, prolonged QT intervals in heart rhythms, enlargement and problems with the heart muscle, selenium deficiency, severe carnitine deficiency, and basal ganglia changes (a deep part of the brain) – just to name a few. THAT is why it is so important to have a specialist and nutritionist work directly with a person to ensure that these side effects can be managed! You want to call this the ketogenic diet – it is not. Does a person on the Atkins go into “ketosis” like the ketogenic diet – yes, but not at the same ratio. Please inform yourself before you go out trying to inform others.
I still disagree, any diet that causes your body to produce and burn keytones could be a type of ketogenic diet.
Hi All,
I am also wanting to loose some weight after having an underactive thyroid. I have tried everything, i am at gym at least 5 times a week, I have tried at least every diet pill and diet plan out there and nothing, I am at least at this point where i am not gaining anymore but still not loosing. Please is there anyone who would be able to help me with the ketosis diet. If there is anyone who have used it before it would be much help to be able to have contact with that person to be able to ask questions. Please if any of you can help i would really appreciate it.
Hendrika
Um, Ted, no it is not. Not even close! The true ketogenic diet should only be used under strict medical supervision with a doctor and nutritionist. The ketogenic diet is not for people who want to lose weight! This is a VERY serious diet that can cause major health issues – some of which can potentially be life-threatening since the diet CAN stress the liver! If you have a doctor and they are telling you to go on the ketogenic diet for weight loss…you should not walk but RUN out of your doctor’s office! They are quacks who have no idea what this diet is and how it can affect the body. The REAL ketogenic diet is typically initiated in a hospital! Is the diet used for other people than those who have epilepsy – absolutely. However, those people (diabetics, those with ADHD) still work in concert with their doctor and still work with a nutritionist to ensure that you are not physically harming themselves. It reqiures WEEKLY check-ins with their nutritionist, MONTLY visits with their doctor, monthly blood tests and urine tests…this is not some QUACK diet for those who want to lose weight! To indicate so is blatently FALSE!!! Can you lose weight on a low carbohydrate diet – ABSOLUTELY. Go on the modified Atkins then. Bascially it is the Atkins but when eating veggies/fruits – only eat low glycemic foods. Meaning, go heavy on the broccoli and cucumbers and forget about oranges and bananas. My worry is that there is a family out there who is considering the ketogenic diet for their loved one who has epilepsy or is a diabetic…who will read these comments and act on what you are putting out there which is FALSE and MISLEADING information. I worry that someone will get sick…could DIE from liver issues because someone out there will deem this diet to be for every tom-dick-and-harry. IT IS NOT. Am I harsh? Yes…and too bad. The ketogenic diet is NOT a generic term…go to wikipedia and tell me what the FIRST sentence says.
That is still Just your opinion and wikipedia is not the authority on all things, sorry. There are indeed different versions and severities of ketogenic diets and we even have a link to an epilepsy website so this is in noway misleading.
You are all a bunch of fools. First off, the REAL ketogenic diet is for those like my son who has epilepsy. The REAL ketogenic diet is comprised of ONLY high fat foods and the diet should be strictly overseen by a neurologist and dietitian. The REAL ketogenic diet is not a diet aid – its to control seizures. I’m appalled at the amount of ignorant people here. You are all doing a modified Atkins diet, calling it the ketogenic diet – meanwhile there is a family out there who has a kid with epilepsy on this website and might think its real. This site is purely DISGUSTING. Want to be on the full ketogenic diet – then you’ll have to have uncontrolled seizures…go through a battery of testing…spend your lives at neurologist offices…and subject yourself to eating foods nobody wants to live off…including weighing every single morsal that goes into your body. Grow up people. Go on the darn Atkins and stop pretending what you are doing is SAFE for you.
Wow, that was harsh. A ketogenic diet can be generic term to describe a diet that causes your liver to convert fats to keytones for energy instead of carbs. While this is a goal of Atkins it would be just one of many ketogenic diets available. I think those with epilepsy would be under the care of a physician and not relying on the internet for treatment.
Trying to lose some weight and looking for ideas.
I really enjoyed reading Katie’s comments. I did basically the same things she mentioned, and was very successful. I drank lots of water to keep from getting dehydrated, took multi-vitamins, drank 5-Hour Energy shots to fight off the lethargy the first few days (never more than 1 or 2 a day), and I’ve been taking adderall for ADHD, but it also acts as a stimulant and appetite suppressant. I also worked out at the gym 4-5 days a week, running 5-7 miles every time, and doing lots of strength training. This also boosted my metabolism and was great for my energy levels in the long term. My diet consisted mainly of steaks, protein shakes, and some chili. I try to stay around 600 calories.
My husband has had multi TIA’s in 2007. He has come a very long way. I have worked in the medical field for several years and am somewhat familiar with the ketogenic diet. He suffers from vascular dementia, even though he has improved significantly, I wanted to know if anyone had ever tried the ketogenic diet on stroke victims and if it could hurt trying it. Thanks
hello everyone thanks for sharing glad your here keep up the good work!
I’m overweight and I’ve tried everything! Does diet really work and how do I get started? I want to give it a go.
Hello Everybody, I have started the diet 6 days ago, and lost 6 pounds for the first 4 days. For the last 2 days I haven’t lost any.I do not consume any carbs and drink lots of water. Do you think it is because I do not take any supplements or vitamins? Can you please advise which ones to take? There are many, but I do not know which ones to choose exactly. I will really appreciate your help. I like the diet and want to stay on to lose more weight, but need some of your support. Please, share what works and what doesn’t. Thank you very much.
Kevin, if you are near the ocean and it is unpolluted, use 10% seawater for cooking, it contains everything.
Often cravings are a sign of low magnesium.
Holly, reduction in weight higher than 0.5kg (1lb) per week will cause flabbyness until the skin is reduced. The fat cell can increase up to 1000 times in size and they increase in number when a person gets overweight. It takes a while before the slack is taken up.
I started on a ketogenic diet on May 11, 2010 at 245 pounds; I am 6 feet 2 inches tall, and 52 years old. I have lost over 35 pounds so far, and a recent blood test showed all my numbers right in the good zone. There was one low number: sodium. I guess I should use more salt! I do take some of the best-rated vitamins, to make sure my vitamin K (and others) are good. I find it very easy to maintain. Two weeks into the diet I was having craving for sweets — but I turned my food over to the care of God, and immediately all cravings stopped. It works!
I started a 600 calorie ketogenic diet under a medical doctor on June 10th. I have a ton of vitamins/supplements that I have to take, along with a b-12 mixture (with some other things) that I take every 4 days and an appetite suppressant (1/2 a table twice a day..morning and very early afternoon).
I have a ton of energy and up until now (the 3rd day), the diet has been easy. I don’t get hungry and I have a bunch of energy!
I am a diabetic and just wondering how long it takes to see results. I know that it has only been 2 days, but it does not appear that any weight has been loss on my end.
And, the only other liquids that I have been drinking beyond the shakes I was given is water. I’m drinking about 130 oz a day.
I have been on a ketogenic diet for the past 6 weeks and have noticed weight loss within the first week. My body has slimmed down significantly and left me with ungodly stretch marks. I recommend doing lots of light exercise at first and increase it gradually. I’ve noticed my acid reflux has almost disappeared and I’m no longer constipated. I would recommend this diet to everyone; however, it is definitely for those with discipline.
I have been on Dr.Dillards Diet for 7 days and dropped 15 pounds. Have not felt anything more than mind being very clear. This flat out works!
I havent tried any diets yet, wxcept cutting back on junk food,just wanted to know if anyone knew what kind of diet is safe and works for children ages 12 & 8. They are getting bigger(stomach’s) every week I think. Could use some input.
Thanks…
I have lost 105 lbs in one year being in ketosis, feel ery energenic,, actually have a bounce in my step and no more blood pressure issues, no more feeling bloated . we recommend to all
I started Dr Dillards Diet on March 3, 2009 and I have lost 43.8 lbs. It is the easiest diet I have ever done. I am 1.4 lbs. from my goal weight. I can not say enough good things about it I feel great.
where are you located?
I do a ketogenic diet, and it has been very beneficial. i have very regular BMs without the aid of scratchy fiber. No cholesterol problems. I absorb nutrients much easier than before. If you stick with it, it will stick with you. I highly recommend it.
I have been on Dr. Dillard’s diet for 10 days now and have lost 6 lbs. at least.. I don’t feel hungry and am not feeling bad at all. My fourth day was the hardest but on the diet you are advised to eat an apple if not feeling well and that should fix it, and it did. I am a diabetic and have had to lower my daily requirements for insulin and am seeing great bllod sugar results.
I used this diet before going on a more moderate diet, and was advised to work out really hard during it – the theory being that if you don’t, the cholesterol and fat’s gonna get me into trouble! The diet definitely worked – my workouts got really aggressive too, and I felt no ill effects after three days. I will recommend this though……if you don’t taker a fiber supplement twice a day with this diet, you are asking for BIG trouble in the bathroom!
Dr. Floyd Dillard of Dillard Diet Designs uses this process very effectively for his patients. The process involves an initial 5-Day period where you eat only protein and drink lots of water, along with his custom vitamin supplements, B-12 shots and a controlled appetite suppresant. After those first few days, you add simple carbs such as fruit and veggies along with your protein. Sugar is not allowed nor are certain fruits due to their high fat and sugar content. Patients see Dr. Dillard once a week and he carefully monitors their health and progress. His success rate is very high. His program is genius and if you stick to it, he will help you get to the size you want and become healthy. If interested, you can find him at http://www.dillarddietdesigns.com