A ketogenic diet stimulates production of substances called ketones, causing your body to depend upon fat, instead of glucose, for energy. Although the specific reason remains unknown, according to MayoClinic.com, the moderate-protein, carbohydrate-restricted, high-fat diet that mimics effects of starvation inhibits seizures. The diet also claims to help manage other conditions, including obesity and high blood pressure. Because the diet is strict and tightly controlled, a doctor's supervision and, occasionally, hospitalization is important. It begins with a 24-hour fast, followed by gradual introduction of appropriate foods, and lasts approximately two years.
Oils
While following a ketogenic diet, roughly 80 percent of your calories come in the form of fat. Not all fat sources are created equal, however. If you have difficulty maintaining a state of ketosis, or the state in which your body uses fat for energy, "The Ketogenic Diet: A Treatment for Children and Others with Epilepsy," coauthored by dietitian Millicent T. Kelly, recommends limiting denser fat sources, such as butter and mayonnaise, and consuming flaxseed, canola or olive oil instead.
Dairy Products
Dairy products are valuable sources of calcium, vitamin D and protein. Much of the fat in classic ketogenic diets derive from high-fat dairy products, such as cream cheese, sour cream, butter and whole milk. For a ketogenic-friendly dessert, the Epilepsy Foundation recommends combining cream cheese, sour cream and egg substitute then topping the mixture with berries and an approved liquid sweetener -- stevia extract, for example. If you do not tolerate or consume dairy products, opt instead for dairy-free equivalents, fortified with calcium.
Fruits and Vegetables
Because ketogenic diets limit carbohydrates, particularly during the initial phases, choosing nutritious sources is important for maintaining nutritional wellness. Each meal typically contains a fruit or vegetable serving. Because fruits vary significantly in carbohydrate, water, calorie and nutrient content, your doctor or dietitian may suggest sticking to lower-carbohydrate varieties, such as strawberries, other berries, cantaloupe, oranges and peaches. The Epilepsy Foundation recommends steaming vegetables for optimized nutritional value. Particularly nutrient-rich vegetables include broccoli, leafy greens, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and artichokes. Avocados provide rich amounts of fiber, antioxidants, such as vitamin E, and heart-healthy fat. Spaghetti squash provides a low-carbohydrate alternative to pasta.
Protein-Rich Foods
Your doctor or dietitian will specify how much protein you should consume daily, depending on your body weight, overall health and other factors. Tuna and chicken salad make for healthy, ketogenic-friendly lunch options, according to Kelly. Eggs provide valuable amounts of fat and protein, yet less protein-per-serving than steak, beef and chicken, making it potentially easier to stay within your protein guidelines. Beans, such as soy, Lima and garbanzo beans, provide modest amounts of protein and carbohydrates, and rich amounts of nutrients, such as iron and B-vitamins.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Epilepsy: Treatment of Children
- Epilepsy Foundation: Treatment Options: Ketogenic Diet
- "The Ketogenic Diet: A Treatment for Children and Others with Epilepsy"; John Mark Freeman, Jennifer B. Freeman, Eric H. Kossoff, Millicent T. Kelly; 2007
- Epilepsy Foundation: Ketogenic Diet: Holiday Recipes
Member Comments