The basis of the ketogenic diet is the elimination of carbohydrates from the daily menu and their replacement with fats. The ketogenic diet is used for the treatment of epilepsy and is mainly recommended for those patients for whom the pharmacology does not have the expected effects.
The main source of energy are carbohydrates, which is why we consume them more (about 50%). Next to them are fats - 35%, in the daily diet - proteins (about 15%). When the body is low in carbohydrates, it needs energy from fat, which forms the basis of the ketogenic diet. Fat can be between 80 and 90%.
Although using it quickly produces results and people who use it after a few days will notice a difference, this change doesn't last long. They are very often malnourished and lacking in essential nutrients.
Contrary to appearances, the ketogenic diet is not the next "miracle" diet. This special menu was created for a specific purpose. Research shows that limiting carbohydrate intake to fat is ideal for people with refractory epilepsy.
Supportive fat therapy, diet for autism, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, some types of epilepsy and encephalopathy are also being considered.
The ketogenic diet: how does it work?
When fats become the body's main fuel during their breakdown, ketone bodies are formed: acetone, acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyric acid. They reach the nervous system, where instead of glucose they feed nerve cells.
Although the metabolic changes in this diet are similar to those that occur in people who are hungry, in the case of epilepsy they have a beneficial effect. A high concentration of ketone bodies in the blood blocks the onset of seizures.