The KETOGENIC DIET Explained: The benefits of becoming keto-adapted

andrarchy(73)

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#diet

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Did you know your body can run on two different types of fuel? Glucose OR Ketones (but not both at the same time ... whaaaaaaat?)

Don't worry, I didn't either, that's why in today's video I summarize what I have learned so far about the ketogenic diet, why I am going to give it a shot, and what that means (what do I have to do/eat?).

For those who are not able to watch the video I have included the text (the "first principles") that I derived from the video with some additional notes below which should give all the pertinent information you need to begin thinking about the ketogenic diet and becoming keto-adapted. For those interested in listening to the audio-only I have included that below the video.

Audio only:

The Ketogenic Diet

What? A diet that contains a macronutrient ratio that mimics fasting: high fat, moderate protein, low carb

Ketosis: When fat becomes the body's preferred fuel (as opposed to sugar/glucose)

How? Traditionally 5-7 days of fasting (NO THANKS)
Now: ketone supplementation plus a ketogenic diet

Why? Re-frame: There are two diets; 1. The Glucose Adapted Diet (GAD) and 2. The Keto-adapted Diet (KAD)

You are already on the GAD, the question is, "Should you be?"

The Glucose Adapted Diet

leads to insulin-spikes, fat storage, cancer growth, free radical generation, and potentially gluconeogenesis (breaking down muscle to create glucose)

The Ketone Adapted Diet

stabilizes insulin levels, burns fat for energy, cancer starving, generates fewer free radicals, not gluconeogenic, anti-inflammatory

Medical

treatment of diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, ALS, alzheimer's, dementia, migraines, bipolar disorder
long-term studies show minimal risk of long-term harm and likely long-term benefits
obesity/diabetes study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17447017
given the number of medical applications, maybe it's not "medicine" it's just a healthier fuel for our bodies

Why for me?

ENERGY, brain function, overall health
help deal with a history of chronic fatigue and brain fog
help guide my dietary behavior, push me to consume fewer carbs and more vegetables
allow me to take advantage of the well-known benefits of fasting and intermittent-fasting, without the need to fast

SUPPLEMENTS

Exogenous Ketones

#1: KetoOS

BHB (exogenous ketones)
powdered medium chain triglycerides (MCTs)-->ketone fuel
salts to combat diuretic effect of exogenous ketones (biggest risk associated with the diet)
KetoOS seems like an all around solution for pushing your body into a ketotic state (fasting state) without actually fasting. Consumption of KetoOS (or KetoCaNa) in conjunction with a ketogenic diet enables your body to become keto-adapted (physiologically structured to burn fat and ketones for energy) as opposed to glucose adapted (what you are now, physiologically structured to use glucose as your fuel source).
appears to be ALL you need to SAFELY enter ketosis without fasting and remain healthy, though supplementing with multi-vitamins is advised just to be sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs

#2: KetoCaNa

Like KetoOS but without the MCTs which can cause gastrointestinal distress for some people

Medium Chain Triglycerides

#1: C8 (Caprylic Acid)

fastest conversion to ketones, i.e. fastest increase concentration of ketones in blood-->push body into ketosis faster
fastest to metabolize in the brain, so ideal for improving cognitive function
minimal gut irritation

#2: C10 (Capric Acid)