Ketogenic diet

What is a ketogenic diet?

A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that is designed to encourage the body to burn fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This is achieved by restricting carbohydrate intake and increasing fat intake, which induces a metabolic state called ketosis.

In ketosis, the body produces ketones, which are molecules that are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy in the absence of carbohydrates. Ketones can be used by the body for energy instead of glucose, which is the primary energy source when carbohydrates are abundant.

A typical ketogenic diet involves getting about 70-75% of your daily calories from fat, 20-25% from protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. This usually means drastically reducing carbohydrate intake to around 20-50 grams per day, depending on individual needs.

Some of the potential benefits of a ketogenic diet may include weight loss, improved blood sugar control, increased mental clarity, and reduced inflammation. However, it's important to note that the diet is not suitable for everyone and may have some potential risks and side effects, such as nutrient deficiencies, constipation, and increased cholesterol levels. It's always recommended to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or making significant dietary changes.