The word “diet” often makes people think of New Year’s resolutions or vacations, but it’s not actually just about what we eat to stay healthy or manage our weight. It’s about all the food we eat, and it’s much more than just a way to control our weight. Dieting is a complex idea that connects with our body’s biology, our lifestyle, and our culture.
While humans can eat a variety of foods, different cultures and individuals have their own preferences and restrictions. Some might avoid certain foods because they don’t like them or for ethical reasons.
The choices we make about what to eat can affect how healthy we are. Eating right means getting the right mix of vitamins, minerals, and energy from our food, which includes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. What we eat plays a big role in our overall health and how long we live, and it can also impact diseases like obesity and heart disease.
One popular diet is the ketogenic, or “keto,” diet, which is similar to the Atkins diet and other low-carb diets. This diet involves eating fewer carbs and more fats, which changes how your body gets energy. By cutting down on carbs, your body starts a process called ketosis. During ketosis, your body gets very good at burning fat for energy and also creates ketones in the liver, which help power your brain.
A FASTinating- Journey of Keto Through History
The ketogenic diet, often called the keto diet, started in the early 20th century and has evolved significantly over time:
Early Beginnings with Fasting
The idea behind the ketogenic diet originates from fasting, recognized for its health benefits since ancient times. Greek and ancient Indian physicians like Hippocrates used fasting to treat various illnesses, including epilepsy. In ancient medical writings known as the Hippocratic Corpus, there’s a text called “On the Sacred Disease” that discusses how changes in diet could help manage epilepsy. In another text from the same collection, called “Epidemics,” the author mentions that a man was cured of epilepsy when he stopped eating and drinking altogether for a while. In the early 1900s, fasting was also employed to manage diabetes, with practitioners like osteopath Hugh Conklin fasting children with epilepsy for weeks to improve their condition.
The Birth of the Keto Diet
In the 1920s, Dr. Russell Wilder from The Wilder Clinic sought safer alternatives to fasting for children with epilepsy. He discovered that a diet high in fats but low in carbohydrates could replicate the metabolic effects of fasting. His diet quickly became the go-to treatment for pediatric epilepsy for many years, marking the official start of the ketogenic diet.
Resurgence and Popularity
Though the introduction of anti-seizure medications in the 1930s made these drugs the preferred epilepsy treatment due to their convenience, the ketogenic diet saw a revival in the 1970s fueled by growing interest in weight loss and dieting. Today, the keto diet is celebrated not just for weight management but also for its potential to enhance neurological functions, increase mental clarity, and provide sustained energy.
Modern Keto Diet and Health Benefits
The modern keto diet emphasizes low carbohydrate intake alongside moderate protein and high fat. This diet structure helps reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, promoting fat burning and increasing ketones in the body. Many people adopt the keto diet to lose weight, enjoy a stable energy supply, and experience reduced appetite.
Wide-Ranging Effects
Proven effective for weight loss, the ketogenic diet is also beneficial for those with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. It’s being explored for its potential benefits in other areas, including neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and certain cancers.
Considerations Before Starting Keto
Despite its benefits, the ketogenic diet isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s essential to research thoroughly and consult healthcare professionals if possible before starting the diet. What works for one person may not work for another, highlighting the importance of finding a dietary approach that suits individual needs and conditions.
What makes a Keto Diet?
Foods to Eat on a Ketogenic Diet:
- Meat and Poultry: These are primary foods in the keto diet because they contain no carbs but are high in B vitamins and minerals like potassium and zinc.
- Seafood: Fish and shellfish are also excellent for keto. They’re rich in nutrients like B vitamins and selenium but have virtually no carbs.
- Low-Carb Vegetables: Non-starchy vegetables are low in calories and carbs but high in vitamins such as vitamin C and various minerals.
- Cheese: With hundreds of varieties available, almost all cheeses are low in carbs and high in fat, making them perfect for a ketogenic diet.
- Avocados: A medium avocado has about 9 grams of carbs and offers a good dose of healthy fats.
- Eggs: Eggs are low in carbs and high in protein, making them an ideal choice for the ketogenic lifestyle.
- Coconut Oil: This oil is a favorite in keto diets due to its properties that support fat burning.
- Plain Greek Yogurt and Cottage Cheese: While they do contain some carbs, these high-protein foods can still be part of a ketogenic diet.
- Olive Oil: Great for heart health, olive oil is rich in oleic acid, a fat that reduces heart disease risk factors.
- Nuts and Seeds: These are high in fat but low in carbs, linked to reduced risks of heart disease and other chronic conditions.
Benefits of the Ketogenic Diet:
- Reduced Appetite: Low-carb eating typically reduces hunger, which can lead to consuming fewer calories.
- Weight Loss: People on keto often lose weight quicker and more significantly than those on low-fat diets.
- Abdominal Fat Loss: This diet effectively reduces harmful abdominal fat.
- Improved Health Markers: Keto has been linked to better blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control.
- Potential Therapeutic Benefits: Research suggests benefits for conditions like diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Potential Downsides:
- Keto Flu: Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea can occur as your body adjusts to the diet.
- Kidney Stress: High animal food intake can increase the risk of kidney stones due to more acidic urine.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Excluding grains, legumes, many fruits, and certain vegetables can lead to a lack of essential nutrients and fiber.
- Digestive Issues: Low carb intake may cause constipation due to insufficient fiber.
- Long-Term Health Risks: The long-term effects of a ketogenic diet are still being studied.
Given the specifics and potential impacts of the ketogenic diet, it’s important to consult healthcare professionals before starting to ensure it suits your individual health needs.
Keto and its link to Cancer Treatment?
The Jimmy Dore Show is a political commentary YouTube channel hosted by comedian Jimmy Dore. It focuses on delivering news analysis and opinion from a progressive perspective, often critiquing mainstream media and political figures from both major U.S. parties. Dore’s approach mixes humor with serious discussion on topics such as foreign policy, health care, and corporate influence in politics. The channel is known for its skeptical view of establishment politics and has become a platform for alternative voices and dissenting opinions, attracting viewers who are looking for news beyond traditional media outlet
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On March 1st 2024 Jimmy talked to Dr. Thomas Seyfried about the history of cancer treatment, how his research led to his conclusions and all the problems underlying our traditional approach to cancer treatment.
Dr. Seyfried has been researching cancer treatment for decades, and he says the underlying theory for how we treat cancer — based on the premise that cancer is a genetic disorder — is all wrong. Instead, cancer is a mitochondrial disorder that is much more effectively treated by starving the cancer cells of the specific nutrients that they need to survive and grow.
It wasn’t just Jimmy Dore who had this topic recently on his channel Dr Ranjan Chatterjee also had this as a topic when he interviewed Dr William Li The Head of The Angiogenesis Foundation.
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Dr. Rangan Chatterjee is a British physician, author, television presenter, and podcaster. With over 20 years of clinical experience, he has become one of the most influential medical doctors in the United Kingdom. Dr. Chatterjee is known for his holistic approach to health, emphasizing lifestyle changes and personalized medicine. Here are some key points about him:
TV Show and BBC Contributions: Dr. Chatterjee gained widespread recognition through his TV show “Doctor in the House”, where he worked with families to address their health issues by focusing on lifestyle modifications. He has also been a resident doctor on BBC Breakfast and a regular contributor to BBC Radio.
Dr. William Li is a renowned medical doctor, research scientist, and New York Times bestselling author. His work focuses on the intersection of food and health. Dr. Li encourages people to embrace a life of vitality and well-being through scientific inquiry, culinary exploration, and practical guidance. His website offers exclusive access to recipes, research study breakdowns, and tips on how food can stave off disease and improve health. You can also find him on YouTube, where he shares valuable insights and information.
Angiogenesis Foundation: Dr. Li is the President of the Angiogenesis Foundation, an organisation that focuses on understanding blood vessel growth and its impact on health.
The Role of Blood Sugar in Cancer: Cancer cells need energy to grow and multiply and tend to consume glucose at a higher rate than normal cells, a process known as the Warburg effect. The ketogenic diet may limit glucose availability, potentially “starving” the cancer cells of their preferred energy source.
Ketogenic Diet and Cancer Research: Research on the ketogenic diet’s impact on cancer is still in early stages, primarily involving animal or laboratory studies. Some results from these studies suggest that the ketogenic diet could slow tumor growth and extend survival in mice. A few human studies, particularly with certain brain tumors, have also shown promising results. However, although these findings are preliminary, and extensive research is ongoing there seems to be mounting evidence to confirm these benefits. Currently, the ketogenic diet is not a standard cancer treatment and is yet to replace conventional therapies.
The ketogenic diet, often known as the keto diet, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has gained attention for its potential in cancer treatment. Its primary aim is to change the body’s metabolism from using glucose as a primary fuel to burning ketones, which come from fats. By significantly lowering carbohydrate intake and boosting fat intake, the body enters a state called ketosis, wherein fats become the main energy source.
Potential Mechanisms: The possible anti-cancer effects of the ketogenic diet might be due to: Lowering blood sugar levels, potentially depriving cancer cells of their preferred energy source. Reducing levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor, which can promote cancer cell growth. Increasing production of ketones, which some studies suggest might have anti-cancer properties.
- Considerations and Risks: Despite potential benefits, the ketogenic diet comes with risks. It’s high in fat and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are crucial for fiber and essential nutrients. Long-term adherence could lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health issues like constipation.
Moreover, the diet might not be suitable for everyone, especially cancer patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, as these treatments can affect protein and fat metabolism. It’s crucial for anyone considering the ketogenic diet for cancer treatment to consult healthcare professionals to assess its suitability and safely integrate it with their treatment regimen.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KETO DIETS?
We at SuccessDrivenHealth have looked extensively at resources about Keto diets our TOP 5 favourites are listed below.
1. Healing Gourmet – Kelly Herring
Kelly Herring founded the Healing Gourmet 20 Years ago due to her own personal dietry caused illnesses, with an educational background in nutritional biochemistry Kelly was better place than most to devise ways in which our favourite foods can not only taste good but be of benefit to our overall health. Since its foundation Healing Gourmet has become the world’s leading provider of healing recipes and meal plans – combined with science-based education on the power of foods to promote health and protect against disease. Kelly has also written more than a dozen books, cookbooks and programs, touting the life-saving benefits of a natural, low-sugar, grain-free, anti-inflammatory diet.
Keto Breads is a physical book with nearly 40 meticulously-tested, grain-free and low-carb bread recipes, which taste just like the real thing! Also included is an extensive introduction, with detailed how-to instructions to make things easy for you the consumer. With a number of 5 star reviews this high-quality product – provides a practical step by step approach to making and eating your favourite bread based products from biscuits and buns to bagels and focaccia.
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2. Over 40 Hormone Reset Diet – Shaun & Karen Hadsell
The over 40 Hormone Reset Diet is a clever diet that helps those who are over the age of 40 to reset their metabolism in as little as 24 hours. This Over 40 Hormone Reset Diet combines healthy eating by showing you which foods to combine to gain the best weight loss and jump start your sluggish slow metabolism.
It includes directions and a training manual that will literally walk you through the process without hesitation. You’ll never have to give up the foods that you love. You’ll learn how to eat and combine your foods with this Over 40 Hormone Reset Diet.
The author has tried the Over 40 Hormone Reset Diet himself with excellent results. After trying to get rid of some stubborn belly fat he lost the weight and felt wonderful. But what really changed his life was a life-changing the diagnosis to his wife who had colorectal cancer.
His results were so dramatic and she was struggling to maintain her health. So he talked to her about the diet and she tried it. Within weeks she was feeling healthier than ever before and her once stubborn belly fat was gone.
Not only that, she’s now cancer fee and enjoying her life with her husband, and her grandchildren. She was working a full-time job, caring for her grandchildren (all 5 of them) and struggling with her cancer diagnosis. She had a very stressful situation and when she began the diet she regained her energy and her health.
So not only has the author discovered this diet, he has tried it himself with excellent results and so has his family. There’s no better testimony than that folks.
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3. Keto Diet Bundle – Martina Slajerova
Martina Slajerova is a best-selling UK cookbook author, recipe creator, blogger, and co-founder of the popular KetoDiet App. Born and raised in the Czech Republic, Martina has a degree in economics but a passion for nutrition and health. She discovered the ketogenic diet after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease in 2011. Since then, she has become a firm believer in low-carb living and regularly shares her easy low-carb, keto, and gluten-free recipes as well as expert articles to help people make informed choices. Her contributions to the world of healthy eating have been invaluable, and her KetoDiet App has helped countless individuals follow a whole-foods-based, low-carb, and ketogenic lifestyle.
“Get ready to revolutionize your lifestyle and embark on a journey towards optimal health with our transformative bundle of comprehensive diet plans and guides! Crafted by the renowned expert, Martina Slajerova, these eBooks are your golden tickets to a healthier, happier, and more energetic you”.
In total the bundle includes 8 eBooks:
Whole Food Keto & Primal Diet Plan, Premium 4-Week Diet Plan
Whole Food Keto & Paleo Diet Plan, Premium 4-Week Diet Plan
KetoDiet Guide (bonus – free)
Easy Prep Meal Recipes (bonus – free)
Kick Start Keto 2-Week Diet Plan (bonus – free)
Dairy Free Keto 2-Week Diet Plan (bonus – free)
Vegetarian Keto 2-Week Diet Plan (bonus – free)
For Busy People Keto 2-Week Diet Plan (bonus – free)
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4. 30 Day Keto Creator Plan
Keto Creator contains everything people need to start a ketogenic diet today to reach their goal weight.
Personal Ketogenic Diet Plan, Easy and delicious recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, Ideal portion size based on the body’s needs, Recommended exercises to increase weight loss, Everything needed to start a ketogenic diet and start losing weight and Keto Creator is designed for people with all levels of ketogenic diet experience.
Keto Creator has the following benefits: Real-time Customization: It is possible to customize the Keto Creator plan based on the user’s weight, nutritional goals, and food preferences. It is a customizable meal plan that people can edit in real-time to fit their unique needs.
Users can eat their favorite food at their favorite restaurant: Keto Creator lets people keep eating their favorite food at their favorite restaurant. If they are too tired to cook for themselves, they can find keto meals at nearby restaurants. Keto Creator makes it easy to follow a ketogenic diet plan by offering a large selection of ketogenic-friendly fast food options.
Combine Intermittent Fasting with a Ketogenic Diet: If people are on an intermittent fasting diet, Keto Creator’s ketogenic diet plan can help. The meal plan is designed for intermittent fasting, which creates a meal plan around this meal plan. This part of the plan is optional.
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5. The Sublime Keto Cookbook – Alison Binder
Dive into the delicious world of “The Sublime Keto Cookbook,” a culinary treasure trove crafted by Alison Binder. This digital delight is packed with 121 meticulously crafted keto recipes that cater to every meal of the day. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a smooth and soothing smoothie, this cookbook has you covered. Plus, it’s brimming with snack options to curb those midday cravings.
Perfect for both the seasoned keto aficionado tired of the culinary same-old and the curious newcomer hunting for something special—like vegan keto or exotic keto cocktails—this cookbook ensures variety remains the spice of life. Each recipe is designed to be simple to prepare with easy-to-follow instructions, making your journey into ketogenic cooking as seamless as it is scrumptious.
With “The Sublime Keto Cookbook,” Alison Binder invites you to refresh your keto routine and keep your taste buds tantalized. Whether you’re committed to maintaining a ketogenic lifestyle or just exploring, these recipes are designed to inspire and delight every palate. Ready to shake up your keto cooking with a splash of creativity and a dash of fun? This cookbook is your perfect kitchen companion.
All the resources in this whole program come with a 60-day money-back guarantee. You can have a refund if you are not satisfied with the program.
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Conclusion
The ketogenic diet has become a notable option for those seeking health improvements and weight loss. Originally developed as a treatment for epilepsy, the keto diet has since evolved into a popular method for shedding pounds and enhancing overall health. This diet focuses on high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrate intake, shifting the body’s metabolism to burn fats instead of carbohydrates.
Integrating the Keto Diet into a Lifestyle: While the keto diet can be effective, it’s crucial to view it as part of a broader lifestyle change. This includes incorporating regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. The ultimate aim of any diet should be to achieve sustainable, long-term results and to foster a healthy, lasting relationship with food.
Keto Diet for Weight Loss and Health: The keto diet has shown considerable success in helping individuals lose weight quickly, thanks to its ability to increase fat burning and reduce appetite. It also has potential benefits for blood sugar control and cardiovascular health, making it a versatile tool in managing various health issues.
Keto Diet as Adjunct Therapy in Cancer Treatment: There’s growing interest in the ketogenic diet as a possible adjunct therapy for cancer, based on its ability to alter the body’s energy metabolism, which could potentially starve cancer cells and inhibit their growth. However, research in this area is still emerging, and the keto diet is not yet a standard cancer treatment.
Considerations Before Starting the Keto Diet: Given the significant changes in diet and nutrient intake with keto, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions or those undergoing other treatments. Not everyone may find the ketogenic diet suitable, as individual responses can vary based on a multitude of health factors.
In summary, while the ketogenic diet offers promising potential for weight loss and health improvement, it should be approached with careful consideration and professional guidance to ensure it aligns with your overall health goals and dietary needs. Millions have benefited from a Keto diet all around the world and the science certainly seems to back it up.
This article was written by Andy Smith MSC (SCL), BSC (MCL).
Andy is based in Southaven Mississippi and is a healthcare professional, strength & conditioning coach and former semi-professional sportsman.
