The ketogenesis diet is the precursor of the low carbohydrates, high protein and high fat Atkins weight loss diet. Bodybuilders use an adaptation of the ketogenesis diet as the high protein content of the diet enables them to maintain muscle tissue while stripping off fat in preparation for a contest or photo-shoot. Fat metabolism in a ketogenesis diet results in ketosis. Seek the advice of your doctor before starting the diet.
Identification
A ketogenesis or ketogenic diet is low in carbohydrates, low in protein and high in fat. According to the Vanderbilt website, lack of carbohydrates in the diet induces the body to produce more ketones that are metabolized as an energy source.
A ketogenic diet results in ketogenesis, the production of ketone bodies, which leads to a ketotic state where through the absence of glucose, the body is increasingly reliant on ketones as an energy source.
Weight Loss
The ketogenesis diet is also known as the low-carbohydrate diet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the low-carb diet works on the premise that carbs, such as white potatoes, white bread, white rice and pasta, increase insulin levels and cause a blood sugar spike. The subsequent drop in sugar levels causes hunger and a craving for more carbs. The excess energy from excessive carbohydrate intake adds to your fat deposits and results in weight gain. Vanderbilt says a low-carb diet reduces cravings for carbohydrates, limits your calories and results in weight loss.
Epilepsy
The ketogenesis diet has other uses. According to Epilepsy, the ketogenic diet was introduced in the early 1900s for the treatment of children suffering from epileptic seizures. Low levels of carbohydrates in the ketogenic diet increase ketones in the blood that suppress epileptic seizures. The development of anti-convulsant drugs reduced the use of the diet, but in 1994 the ketogenic diet proved effective in treating children with difficult-to-control seizures.
Diabetes
The ketogenic diet may also be useful for controlling diabetes. A study published in the December 2005 issue of "Nutrition and Metabolism" found a low-carb ketogenic diet improved blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Most patients were able to discontinue or reduce diabetic medication.
Caution
Consult your doctor before starting a ketogenic diet. The increased levels of ketones in the blood causes ketosis. Vanderbilt reports ketosis can make you feel tired, lethargic and constipated. Children with epilepsy may experience nausea, weakness, sweating and dizziness. According to the U.K., National Health Service, ketosis may make your blood more acidic, risking damage to your liver and kidneys.
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