Ketogenic Diet

A ketogenic diet (KD) is one of the popular dieting methods in relation to weight loss. It is primarily characterized by high fats, moderate proteins, and very low carbohydrates (Masood, Annamaraju, and Uppaluri, 2021). Reduction of carbohydrate intake significantly reduces insulin secretion, and the body enters into a catabolic state. When glucose stores deplete, ketogenesis is activated. Ketogenesis provides ketone bodies that replace glucose as the primary source of energy. KD can be healthy as the body remains in a state called nutritional ketosis, which is considered safe since ketone bodies are produced in small concentrations without altering the blood pH.

The KD has shown evident benefits in stabilizing various syndromes and metabolic disorders. A reported study indicated that nearly two-thirds of children with Dravet syndrome experienced a decrease in seizures by over 75% after being placed on the KD. Also, it was observed, in a rat brain study, that the total quantity of bioenergetics substrates, such as Adenosine Triphosphate, increased due to KD, thereby stabilizing the cell membrane. This can be potentially used in a state of high energy demand, like in the case of seizures (Dhamija, Eckert, and Wirrell, 2013).

Conversely, KD may result in adverse effects. For example, in a case where ketone bodies are produced in extremely large quantities, the blood pH can be altered, leading to ketoacidosis due to the acidotic state of the blood. Blood lipid levels, such as low-density lipoproteins, also drop during active weight loss (Freedman, King, and Kennedy, 2001). Additionally, the KD may lack adequacy in nutrients like vitamins B₁₂ and E, calcium, dietary fiber, and zinc as the intake of meat and fat is low. Some of the other side effects of KD include headaches, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and constipation, which are short-term.

In summary, a ketogenic diet is a popular diet that can be implemented to acquire health benefits, as discussed above. However, before starting with this kind of dieting method, education about its nature, benefits, and side effects is important. It is essential to understand that KD should be closely followed in order to gain its beneficial effects.

References

Dhamija, R., Eckert, S. and Wirrell, E. (2013). Ketogenic Diet. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques, 40(2), pp.158-167.

Freedman, M., King, J. and Kennedy, E. (2001). Popular Diets: A Scientific Review. OBESITY RESEARCH, 9.

Masood, W., Annamaraju, P. and Uppaluri, K. (2021). Ketogenic Diet. StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing.

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You are going to evaluate different types of diets that are trending currently. Obesity is a current problem in America and many first-world countries, and there is always a new diet that is being promoted that can help shed pounds. But not all diets are equal, and some may not be as healthy for you as you think.

Ketogenic Diet

In your discussion post, you must:

Research and evaluate one type of diet or dieting method. Summarize what it entails. Evaluate if it is healthy to implement. Explain the pros and cons of the diet or dieting method. Support your claims with evidence.