The basis of the ketogenic diet is to eliminate carbohydrates from the daily menu and replace them with fat. The ketogenic diet is used to treat epilepsy and is mainly recommended for patients whose pharmacology has not achieved the expected results.
The main source of energy is carbohydrates, which is why we consume the most (about 50%). Next to it is fat-35%, in the daily diet-protein (about 15%). When the body consumes too few carbohydrates, it needs energy from fat, which forms the basis of a ketogenic diet. Fat can be 80% to 90%.
Although using it will produce results quickly, and people who use it a few days later will notice the difference, the change will not last long. They are often malnourished and lack essential nutrients.
Contrary to appearances, the ketogenic diet is not the next "miracle" diet. This special menu was created for a specific purpose. Studies have shown that limiting carbohydrate intake and fat is an ideal choice for patients with intractable epilepsy.
Fat support therapy, autistic diet, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, certain types of epilepsy and encephalopathy are also under consideration.
The ketogenic diet-how does it work?
When fat becomes the body's main fuel during the decomposition process, ketone bodies are formed: acetone, acetoacetic acid, and β-hydroxybutyric acid. They reach the nervous system, where they replace glucose to provide nutrients to nerve cells.
Although the metabolic changes in this diet are similar to those in hungry people, they have beneficial effects for epilepsy. High levels of ketone bodies in the blood can prevent seizures.