The basis of a ketogenic diet is the elimination of carbohydrates from the daily menu and their replacement by fats. The ketogenic diet is used to treat epilepsy and is recommended primarily to those patients in whom pharmacology has no expected effects.
The main source of energy is carbohydrates, which is why we consume the most (about 50%). Next to them are fats - 35%, in the daily diet - proteins (about 15%). When the body gets too few carbohydrates, it needs energy from fats, which form the basis of a ketogenic diet. Fat can be 80 to 90 percent.
Although quick use gives 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 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 show that limiting carbohydrate intake to fats 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.
Ketogenic diet - how does it work?
When fats become the main fuel of the body during their decomposition, ketone bodies are formed: acetone, acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyric acid. They reach the nervous system, where they feed on nerve cells instead of glucose.
Although metabolic changes in this diet are similar to those that occur in the hungry, in the case of epilepsy they have a beneficial effect. High concentrations of ketone bodies in the blood block the onset of seizures.