The Low-carb Ketogenic Diet

A ketogenic diet is a diet low in carbohydrates. Ketosis, which refers to the utilization of fat and the ketone bodies derived as a by-product of fat oxidation, occurs when your carbohydrate intake drops below 50 g a day. Ketosis is not dangerous, unlike the ketoacidosis that can be seen in uncontrolled type 1 diabetics. To follow a ketogenic diet, you need to keep your carb intake very low by avoiding grains, legumes, sugar, starchy vegetables and most fruits and dairy, but you can include some carbohydrates from non-starchy vegetables. Moderate amounts of protein and a high fat intake is encouraged to promote ketosis.

Epilepsy

The origin of the low-carb ketogenic diet goes back to the 1920s when its antiseizure properties were discovered, although humans lived on a ketogenic diet for thousands of years prior to the introduction of Agriculture. The carb-restricted and high-fat ketogenic diet is still used today in epileptic patients, especially in children. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, the ketogenic diet helps about a third of epileptics become seizure-free, while another third see a significant improvement. The remaining third does not seem to benefit from following a ketogenic diet, but it is unclear whether it is due to a lack of response to the diet or an inability to adhere to it.

Fat Loss

Many low-carb diets recommend dieters to stay in the ketogenic range to promote a faster and more efficient fat loss. A ketogenic diet helps dieters utilize fat from their body fat stores more easily as a source of energy, facilitating weight loss. Moreover, ketogenic diets have a satiating effect, which makes it easier for dieters to consume the right amount of calories for their body without having to feel deprived or hungry.

Diabetes

A low-carb ketogenic diet helps diabetics improve their blood sugar levels and decrease their need for medications or insulin significantly better compared to low-fat, low-glycemic diet, as shown in a study published in December 2008 of "Nutrition & Metabolism." Keeping blood sugar levels in the target range is essential to prevent the long-term complications associated with diabetes, which can affect the kidneys, eyes, heart, brain and lower extremities. Diabetics already suffering from kidney diseases as a result of their diabetes can reverse the effects within two months of following a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet, as published in the April 2011 issue of "PlosOne."

Neuroprotective Properties

The ketone bodies produced when following a low-carb ketogenic diet have neuroprotective properties, according to a review paper published in the November 2008 issue of "Current Treatment Options in Neurology." Adopting a low-carb, high-fat diet that induces ketosis could not only help you prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, but could also prevent a worsening of these conditions for those already affected. Autism, depression and narcolepsy are other neurological conditions that could be improved by following a ketogenic diet.