The Ketogenic Diet is basically a diet that stresses low-carb and high-fat foods. It's primarily intended for rapid weight loss, which often occurs by removing most carbohydrates from meals. Doing so puts your body into a state of ketosis, making your body burn ketones for energy. People on the Ketogenic Diet are usually trying to lose about a pound a week, though most commonly that's not enough to result in significant weight loss.
One of the biggest benefits of starting a Ketogenic Diet is cancer treatment. In some cases, cancer treatment requires patients to eat very few carbs. When you go on a Ketogenic Diet, most of those requirements are removed, and you can enjoy all the benefits of eating a lot of carbs-without losing muscle mass and having your hair grow back faster-while losing weight. So if you're going through cancer treatment, this diet may be perfect for you to begin with.
Aside from cancer treatment, The Ketogenic Diet has other benefits. It has been shown to help stop seizures, especially in children. Seizures are often caused by high blood sugar levels. By following a strict Ketogenic Diet, your blood sugar will remain more even throughout the day, lowering your risk of seizures.
A second, less obvious benefit of Ketogenic Diets is the prevention of epilepsy. One study performed at the University of Wisconsin shows that those on one week's worth of ketogenic diets had a significantly lower seizure rate as compared to those on a traditional diet. This doesn't necessarily mean you should run out and buy one of those fancy Ketostix restaurants just to protect your child's life, however. Doctors often recommend such diets because they show similar results in studies, which means it is quite possible that they are effective against epilepsy.
The third major benefit of The Ketogenic Diet comes from its potential effects in combating diabetes. Research shows that the diet can improve insulin resistance, potentially preventing the onset of diabetes. Diabetes is currently the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. With more people being diagnosed with the disease every year, any diet that can be developed to combat this increasing problem is a medical advancement.
In addition to fighting diabetes, The Ketogenic Diet has shown promise in fighting many forms of cancer. A recent study performed at the University of Toronto shows that diet can reduce the risk of colon cancer and breast cancer. In the study, test subjects who took part in a three-month "Ketostix Meal" regimen saw a significant reduction in insulin resistance, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of this diet in combating both types of cancers. The study also showed that when combined with psychological counseling, The Ketostix Meal was as effective in reducing mental stress as traditional anti-stress medications. The results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of the ketogenic diet in the treatment of cancer.
The fourth benefit of The Ketogenic Diet comes from, how it can be used to treat high cholesterol. High cholesterol can damage the arteries and increase your chances of developing heart disease. If you're suffering from heart disease, the last thing you want to do is add to your chances by eating too many carbs or eating a diet that is very high in saturated fat. By switching your diet to primary proteins, healthy fats, and lots of complex carbohydrates, you can effectively lower your cholesterol level while maintaining a healthy eating pattern.
Lastly, studies have demonstrated that The Ketogenic Diet can help treat many forms of depression and anxiety. Depression is often seen as a psychological disorder and is often associated with deep mental states. While this may be true, there's also evidence that shows eating carbohydrates increases your levels of what is known as neuropeptides. Neuropeptides are associated with a feeling of well-being and happiness. When your brain has an abundant supply of these neuropeptides, you can actually lower your anxiety and depression levels.
