The basis of the ketogenic diet is the elimination of carbohydrates from the daily menu and their replacement with fats. The ketogenic diet is used to treat epilepsy and is mainly recommended for those patients for whom pharmacology does not have the expected effects.
The main source of energy is carbohydrates, so we consume the most (about 50%). Next to them are fats - 35%, in the daily diet - proteins (about 15%). When the body receives too few carbohydrates, it needs energy from fats, which form the basis of the ketogenic diet. Fat can be 80 to 90 percent.
While its use gives fast results and people who use it after a few days will notice a change, this change does not last long. They are very often malnourished and lack essential nutrients.
Contrary to appearances, the ketogenic diet is not the other "miracle" diet. This special menu was created for a specific purpose. Research shows that limiting the intake of carbohydrates into fat 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.
The ketogenic diet - how does it work?
When fats become the main fuel of the body during their decomposition, ketonic bodies are formed: acetone, acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyric acid. They reach the nervous system, where instead of glucose they feed the nerve cells.
Although the metabolic changes in this diet are similar to those that occur in people who are hungry, in the case of epilepsy they have a beneficial effect. A high concentration of ketone bodies in the blood blocks the onset of seizures.