What is a ketogenic diet? How does the ketogenic diet work?

The basis of the ketogenic diet is the elimination of carbohydrates from the daily menu and replacing them with fats. The ketogenic diet is used for the treatment of epilepsy and is primarily recommended for patients who do not have the expected effect of pharmacology. it happens.

foods for ketogenic diet

The main source of energy is carbohydrates, so we consume most of them (about 50%). Next to them are fats - 35%, in the daily diet - proteins (about 15%). When the body receives too little carbohydrates, thenIt requires energy from fat, which forms the basis of a ketogenic diet. Fat can range from 80 to 90 percent.

Its use gives quick results and those who use it after a few days will start to notice the difference, this change does not last long. They are often malnourished and lack essential nutrients.

Contrary to appearances, the ketogenic diet is not the next "miracle" diet. This particular menu is designed for a specific purpose. Research shows that limiting carbohydrate intake to fat is ideal for people with refractory epilepsy.

Adjuvant therapy with fat, diet for autism, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, some types of epilepsy and encephalopathy is also being considered.

The ketogenic diet - how does it work?

When fats become the body's main fuel during their decomposition, ketone bodies are formed: acetone, acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyric acid. They reach the nervous system, where instead of glucose they feed nerve cells.

Although the metabolic changes in this diet are similar to those that occur in starving people, they have a beneficial effect in the case of epilepsy. A high concentration of ketone bodies in the blood prevents the onset of seizures.