The basis of the ketogenic diet is the elimination of carbohydrates from the daily menu and replacing them with fat. The ketogenic diet is used for the treatment of epilepsy and is recommended especially for patients whose pharmacology does not have the expected effect.
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 gets too few carbohydrates, it needs energy from fat, which is the basis of the ketogenic diet. The fat can be 80 to 90 percent.
While using it quickly produces results and people who use it after a few days will notice the 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 "magic" diet. This special menu is made for a specific purpose. Research shows that limiting carbohydrate intake to fat is ideal for people with refractory epilepsy.
Supportive therapy with fat, diet for autism, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, certain types of epilepsy and encephalopathy is also being considered.
The ketogenic diet - how does it work?
When fat becomes the body's main fuel during decomposition, ketone bodies are formed: acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutyric acid. They reach the nervous system, where instead of glucose they feed nerve cells.
Although these metabolic changes in the diet are similar to those that occur in a hungry person, in the case of epilepsy, they have a beneficial effect. High concentrations of ketone bodies in the blood prevent seizures.