The Science Behind Ketogenic Diets
Ketogenic diets are all the craze these days, helping people maintain their weight. While everyone knows that being on a low-carb diet is better than a low-fat diet, this seems very counter-intuitive.
Some people like to understand why a certain lifestyle change is going to work for them rather than blindly following it. For them as well as for anyone curious, read on to know the science behind keto!
What are ketosis and ketogenesis?
Under normal conditions, the body uses carbs for energy, breaking them down into glucose or storing them as glycogen. However, when you switch to a low-carb diet, your body must make use of alternative sources of energy.
In most cases, this alternative source is fats. When the body switches to using fats, it breaks them down into ketones. This is where the term ketogenesis is derived from – generating ketones.
When the body switches to this state, it is said to be in ketosis. It is a natural state that usually occurs during diabetes, low-calorie intake in pregnancy and childhood. However, health experts have found that it is possible to induce a state of ketosis through fasting or controlled diets.
There are multiple benefits to being in a state of ketosis, ranging from weight management to reducing epileptic seizures.
Why do you lose weight on a ketogenic diet?
The answer is rather simple. Whenever there is a calorie deficit created, you lose weight. Ketogenic diets achieve this slightly differently than just counting calories.
When on a keto diet, hunger is very reduced and people feel fuller for longer. This forces the body to use fats that have been stored to generate energy. Without constant spikes in insulin levels, the body feels satiated without having consumed a lot.
When insulin levels are low on a long-term basis, fat is pulled out and burned faster. It breaks the dopamine addiction mechanism from spiking blood sugar through sugar consumption. Thus, it helps you reduce your cravings for sugary food.
Does the low level of glucose impair brain function?
It is right to assume that the brain needs glucose to function. However, ketones are some of the very few molecules that provide energy and can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Under normal conditions, the brain needs 100g of glucose per day to function. If this is not fulfilled, the body begins to use ketones to provide energy, and the brain functions as normally as ever with this energy provision.
As your body gets used to the change, it is in a phase of induction. During this, it slowly provides energy through ketones. There is, therefore, no impairment of brain function and is shown to protect against brain damage and epileptic seizures.
How can I implement the keto diet?
Although they look simple, ketogenic diets can have side-effects if not followed correctly. They lead to ketoacidosis, higher chances of developing kidney stones and other effects.
Hence, it is best to consult with health experts before making lifestyle changes. And that’s precisely why we’re here!
We help you get healthier through a comprehensive approach to body wellness. Through customized weight goal programs, we help you attain your desired goals faster. Consult with us to get tailored diets, meal deliveries, mentoring, regular health assessments and much more.
Speak to our representatives or contact us through our websites today!