Ketogenic Diet (KD) is a high fat, low carbohydrate diet that provides a great alternative for people who want to lose weight. The diet works by inhibiting carbohydrate-based energy production in the body, which in turn triggers the body’s natural metabolism into a ketogenic state – a state of energy production highly conducive to weight loss.
While there are many benefits to the KD, one of the most bothersome issues for those following the diet is the presence of low energy and poor concentration. Because of this, people with hypothyroidism are often cautioned against following a strict ketogenic diet. The low thyroid hormone level in the body inhibits cognitive function, causing lethargy and memory loss. Some people with hypothyroidism even find it difficult to remain awake during the day. In most cases, this symptom is managed with the aid of medication.
Despite these concerns, people with hypothyroidism can achieve excellent control of their weight with ketogenic diet. In this article, we will discuss the benefits and the challenges of the ketogenic diet, focusing on those with hypothyroidism.
Ketogenic Diet Is A “Low Carb” Diet
Ketogenic Diet works by inhibiting carbohydrate-based energy production in the body, which in turn triggers the body’s natural metabolism into a ketogenic state. This is a great source of energy for the body, especially during times of dietary restriction when the body is forced to rely on its fat stores. When carbohydrates are limited, the body is forced to utilize its stores of fats for energy, producing ketones as byproducts. The byproduct ketones are then readily available for the brain to use for energy – an energy source that is more stable and effective than carbohydrates. Because of this, ketogenic diet has been labeled as a “low carb diet”, which can be particularly beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes or those who are simply looking to improve their metabolic efficiency and lower their blood glucose levels.
Fewer Disorders Than Thought
Although ketogenic diet has been known to be effective for epilepsy and other neurodegenerative disorders, its ability to induce weight loss and metabolic improvements make it suitable for a wide variety of disorders. Several studies have suggested that the diet may be able to prevent or reverse Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and even some forms of cancer. Because the diet can improve so many different functions in the body, it may be the key to improving quality of life for individuals suffering from a wide range of chronic conditions – especially those that are associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Ease Of Living
One of the major attractions of the ketogenic diet is its ability to make living easier for obese and diabetic people. The diet requires less frequent meal planning and preparation than traditional diets, and it also eliminates the need for most supplements and medications used to manage diabetes and weight loss. It is generally considered to be a simpler and more practical way of eating than many other diets, which makes it particularly attractive to persons with a busy schedule. In addition, by avoiding carbohydrates, the diet reduces the need for insulin and other hypoglycemic medications, easing the burden placed on patients with Type 2 diabetes. Many individuals with diabetes find the ketogenic diet to be a comfortable and practical alternative that improves quality of life while lowering medical costs – definitely a winning combination!
Help Maintain A Healthy Mental State
Adopting a ketogenic diet may also help to maintain a healthy mental state. The high fat and low carb nature of the diet provides a steady stream of energy to the brain, nourishing its cells and preventing the development of dementia and mental disorders. Several studies have also indicated that the diet may be able to prevent or treat various kinds of cognitive deficits and brain injuries, particularly in relation to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Some researchers have even gone so far as to propose the diet as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. There is definitely some scientific rationale for thinking that ketogenic diet may be used to maintain a healthy brain. However, more research is needed to validate these findings.
People with Alzheimer’s disease and other kinds of dementia experience progressive memory loss and cognitive deficits. The disease affects over 45 million people worldwide and is considered to be one of the biggest health issues of our time. As a result of the disease, patients have to learn to live with new skills and often rely on loved ones for assistance. The disease itself interferes with the patient’s ability to perform daily tasks independently, resulting in a significant decrease in quality of life. It should come as no surprise that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias would benefit from a ketogenic diet – it can help to maintain a healthy mental state and improve quality of life while lowering healthcare costs!
Improved Quality Of Life
The last decade or so has seen an explosion of interest in the ketogenic diet, leading many people to try it for weight loss, which in turn has lead to an improvement in quality of life for many individuals. The high fat content of the diet provides an energy source that is more stable and effective than carbohydrates, causing fewer fluctuations in energy level and fewer gastrointestinal issues. It is well-known that the diet can be very difficult to follow for those with severe gastrointestinal distress, but for those with less severe symptoms, the benefits of ketogenic diet make it a valuable tool for controlling weight and improving quality of life.
Ketogenic diet has also been shown to raise antioxidant levels in the body, protecting it from the damage caused by free radicals. These radicals are atoms with an odd number of electrons that are produced during normal metabolism and can lead to cell damage and disease. The high fat content of the diet is also beneficial because it increases the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, including antioxidants, from ingested food – a significant advantage for those on the diet. In most cases, individuals will lose weight without even trying, due to the increased energy and functional capabilities that the diet provides.
The ketogenic diet is not a magic bullet for weight loss, but it does offer some great advantages that make it worth considering as a viable option for people seeking to lose weight. There is also some scientific rationale for using the diet to treat various disorders, particularly neurodegenerative diseases and Alzheimer’s disease.
Ultimately, the decision to adopt a ketogenic diet should be made based on an individual’s needs and abilities. Some doctors may also recommend the diet for their patients with Type 2 diabetes or other forms of metabolic syndrome, since it improves their patients’ ability to manage blood sugar levels. For those who are simply looking to improve their health, quality of life, and eliminate some common health concerns, the ketogenic diet could be a valuable option. It promotes good nutrition while preventing many diet-related diseases – what’s not to like?