According to statistics, 95% of weight loss diets fail. They provide only short-term solutions, and many people regain the lost weight within 1 to 5 years. Worse still, some people may end up being even heavier than they were before they embarked on the weight loss diet.
This article will delve into what a ketonic diet is, how it works, its benefits and why you may need to use ketogenic supplements:
What is a ketogenic diet?
In simple terms, a ketogenic diet helps in the generation and elimination of ketones. It does this by forcing the body to burn fat for energy production. This type of diet is made up of moderate protein and high fat intake, with very little carbohydrates if any.
How does a ketogenic diet work?
It allows your body to shift its fuel source from carbohydrates to fats. Ketone bodies are created via the oxidation of fat. The ketones become the body’s primary source of fuel. The fact that ketones become the main source of fuel is what makes the ketogenic diet have numerous benefits.
What are the benefits of a ketogenic diet?
-
Improving blood sugar
Ketones help to reduce blood sugar and insulin. Low carbs in the diet also keep sugar and insulin levels low.
2. Aiding in fat loss
It does this via training your body’s metabolic system to use fat as the primary fuel source. The body, therefore, uses the fat reserves to provide energy. Your body has less fat, leading to weight loss.
3. Increasing cognitive performance
Ketones will bypass the blood-brain barrier. Ketones are the preferred fuel source for brain energy. Your brain is able to function more efficiently when using ketones as fuel when compared to when it is using carbohydrates.
4. Reducing cravings
Fluctuations in body sugar cause cravings. When the body’s primary fuel source is fat, sugar fluctuations are eliminated, getting rid of cravings.
5. Increasing energy levels
The mitochondria help in energy production in the cells. The mitochondria are more efficient when using fat as the primary fuel, resulting in higher energy levels in the body
6. Decreasing inflammation
Ketones inhibit NLRP3, which constitutes a complex protein set that causes inflammation when you are suffering from disorders like type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
7. Fighting cancer
Many types of cancer cells will only survive if fueled by glucose. Using ketones as a source of energy will starve these cancer cells.
Ketogenic supplements
There is a transition period, known as keto-adaptation, as your body tries to adapt to using fat as its primary source of energy. This period can be difficult. The transition can take a few days or even as long as four weeks. You are likely to feel lethargic and tired, and experience headaches, weakness, and diarrhea.
You may need to include some supplements in your ketogenic diet in order to make this transition smoother. These supplements are known as ketogenic supplements. They include caffeine, vegetables or vegetable supplements, fiber supplements, and foods high in electrolytes. You also need to stay hydrated to keep carbohydrate cravings at bay.
All in All
The ketogenic diet is 100% natural. It uses food that constitutes the recommended healthy diet to instigate a natural process in your body, fat metabolism. Is it a wonder then that it is so effective?