Contents:
- Medical Video: Ketogenic Diet-Mayo Clinic
- What is ketosis?
- What are the benefits of the ketogenic diet?
- 1. Lose weight
- 2. Control blood sugar levels
- 3. Make the brain more focused
- 4. Control epilepsy
- Danger of ketosis if not done carefully
Medical Video: Ketogenic Diet-Mayo Clinic
The ketogenic diet, which utilizes the state of ketosis in the body, has recently been hotly discussed as one way to lose weight. Have you ever heard that? Or, are you interested in trying it? Before continuing your intentions, you should first find out what ketosis is when you are on a ketogenic diet. Is it really beneficial for the body without "side effects"?
What is ketosis?
Everyone's body may be in a state of ketosis. Your body must have experienced it, but you didn't realize it.
Ketosis is actually a normal metabolic process that occurs in everyone's body. This situation occurs when the body does not have enough carbohydrates from food to energize cells. So, to overcome this deficiency, the body uses fat to provide energy.
The condition of ketosis usually occurs when you fast or when you are limiting carbohydrate intake (when undergoing a low carbohydrate diet, for example). You can also apply the ketogenic diet - a diet that has been trending lately - to reach a state of ketosis in the body.
What are the benefits of the ketogenic diet?
Some of the benefits of the ketogenic diet are:
1. Lose weight
Because the body eventually burns fat into energy, ketosis is now widely used as a way to lose weight. When you apply the ketogenic diet to achieve ketosis, you are advised to consume less carbohydrates and increase your intake of healthy fats. That way, the body will use more fat to become an energy source.
Research in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2008 also supports this. Research shows that the ketogenic diet can reduce hunger and reduce overall food intake, so it can help you lose weight.
2. Control blood sugar levels
Not only to lose weight, it turns out ketosis can provide other benefits, such as to control blood sugar levels. This may be very helpful for those of you who suffer from diabetes.
When applying the ketogenic diet, the body only gets a little carbohydrate intake. So, this can help you control blood sugar levels. When low carbohydrate intake, the body will be better able to use carbohydrates as energy. So, sugar levels will not be excessive in the blood.
3. Make the brain more focused
Ketosis produces ketone compounds which can be an energy source that is more durable for the brain than glucose. This makes the brain more focused and concentrated.
When glucose is a source of energy for the brain, it will only last for one to two days. This makes the brain work will decrease when the glucose reserves are thinning. Conversely, when ketones become a source of energy for the brain, this will last for weeks. So, optimal brain work will last longer.
4. Control epilepsy
Actually, before the ketogenic diet or the condition of ketosis is used to lose weight, this diet is used to treat epilepsy first. Experts believe that ketone compounds produced when the body is in a state of ketosis can be a source of energy for the brain that is better than glucose. Ketones can also protect brain cells from damage.
This has been proven through various studies. Many studies have shown that the ketogenic diet can reduce seizures in epilepsy patients.
Not only that, some studies also show that the ketogenic diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.
Danger of ketosis if not done carefully
The state of ketosis produces ketone compounds for the body. The ketone is actually acceptable to the body and is not dangerous if in an amount that does not exceed the limit. However, excessive production of ketones can make the body acidic. This condition is called ketoacidosis and can endanger health.
Ketoacidosis can be caused by hunger or when the body does not produce enough insulin (in diabetics). This condition can cause symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, dry skin, fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and confusion. In fact, severe ketoacidosis can cause coma until death.
