With a high fat Ketogenic diet, the body converts the fat into a non-glucose energy source. If a calorie restricted Ketogenic diet is used, then excess body fat will also be converted into an energy source and consumed. Our bodies have an amazing ability to produce all the energy that we need from such a diet. The prolonged use of this diet will normalize weight, protect muscle tissue, and

in the more caloric restrictive Ketogenic diet, even starve cancer. (See – ‘Modified Ketogenic Diet as Treatment’).

On a Ketogenic diet your entire body switches its fuel supply to run almost entirely on fat. Insulin levels become very low and fat burning increases dramatically. It becomes easy to access your fat stores to burn them off. This is obviously great if you’re trying to lose weight, but there are also other less obvious benefits, like for example less hunger and a steady supply of energy.

When the body produces ketones it’s said to be in ketosis. The fastest way to get there is by fasting – not eating anything – but obviously it’s not possible to fast forever.

A Ketogenic diet, on the other hand, can be eaten indefinitely and also results in ketosis. It has many of the benefits of fasting – including weight loss – without having to fast.

However, continuously remaining in nutritional ketosis can actually cause counterproductive side-effects, and is likely not optimally healthy in the long term. Hence cycling in and out of nutritional ketosis (say once a week) is a good practice. The ketogenic cycling is implemented once you are out of the initial stage and your body has regained its ability to burn fat. At that point, you begin cycling in and out of nutritional ketosis by upping your carbs and protein intake as recommended, once in a week.

Many Physicians do not understand that it is possible to have moderately elevated ketone levels and yet, for the body to function normally. There is a difference between nutritional ketosis and pathological ketoacidosis. Nutritional ketosis occurs during times of fasting or during very low carbohydrate consumption.

In nutritional ketosis, the concentrations of ketone bodies will be in a range of 0.5 to 5.0 mM. This level of ketosis is not dangerous. It is the human body’s normal reaction to reduced carbohydrate availability. This is the condition that many people experience on an annual basis in parts of the world where food availability is limited during certain times of the year. It is also the condition that occurs with people who use periodic abstinence from food (fasting) as part of their religious practices. Such intermittent fasting is also recommended in the regimen herein, as it has beneficial effects.

On the other hand, pathological ketoacidosis is a consequence of other disease conditions such as poorly managed type-1 diabetes. In this case, the level of ketones will be in the range of 15 to 25 mM. These extremely high levels of ketones can be a serious health problem. The Ketogenic diet does not produce this level of ketones.

Most people can safely do a ‘Ketogenic diet’. But in these four situations you may need extra preparation or adaptation, so do consult your Physician if you are: on medication for diabetes, say insulin, or on medication for high blood pressure, or Breastfeeding, or already suffering from severe kidney impairment.

Around 20 scientific studies of the highest class (RCTs) show that, compared to other diets, Low-Carb and Ketogenic diets result in more effective weight loss. A Ketogenic diet is excellent for reversing type 2 diabetes, since it lowers blood sugar levels and the negative impact of high insulin levels

Ketosis results in a steady flow of fuel (ketones) to the brain. And on a Ketogenic diet you avoid big swings in blood sugar. This often results in the experience of increased focus and improved concentration. A lot of people specifically use keto diets for increased mental and physical performance and energy.

Interestingly, there’s a common misperception that eating lots of carbs is needed for proper brain function. But this is only true when ketones are not available. Carbs bring their own problems.

The Ketogenic diet requires a major lifestyle adjustment and the willingness to live through carbohydrate withdrawal. Today most people are physically and emotionally addicted to sugar and to

other carbohydrates that are converted into sugar. Thus, when a person begins using this diet, there will usually be a period of withdrawal, which is similar in experience to any addiction withdrawal. During this period of Keto-adaptation people may experience some difficulty concentrating, have headaches and become easily irritated – thereafter the body and brain can run effortlessly on ketones. The symptoms pass rapidly after a few days to a week or so, and a heightened sense of peace and mental clarity will soon be experienced as the body moves into nutritional ketosis. Such symptoms can be minimized by drinking some extra fluids and temporarily increasing your salt intake. A good option is to drink a broth or soup every few hours. To help your body get into ketosis sooner, you can start by fasting for 18 to 22 hours. Say from dinner to tea / tiffin the next day.

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