The Ketogenic diet was popularized and redefined by my great mentor Dr. Robert Atkins. I have additionally reformed the diet further over the last several years.
How does it work, and why does it work?
Ketogenic literally means the creation of ketones. Ketones are a substitute fuel for our bodies when glucose is not readily available. Ketones decrease hunger, maybe a greater source of fuel for our brain function, particularly damaged brain cells, and are increasingly showing signs of additional health benefits.
Therefore when we eliminate all carbohydrates from our diet and have 90 percent fat and 10 percent protein, our bodies will create ketones since carbohydrates are eliminated. Carbs convert to sugar in our blood. Since there are no carbs, insulin is not stimulated and will become low. This is a very good thing for weight loss. When insulin is elevated by high carbohydrates or sugar diets, insulin will send signals metabolically for our bodies to store fat. Additionally, since the diet is high in fat, hunger is decreased, and caloric intake is decreased! It’s a win-win!
In my practice, through the years, I have noted that many more patients have elevated insulin than they had 20 years ago. This relates to poor eating habits, fast food intake, and high amounts of sugars and carbohydrates. When I prescribe a ketogenic diet, adding nutrients like Glucose Factor, insulin will drop. Since we are able to reduce insulin, it becomes less resistant.
This not only drives weight loss, it has many other major health implications. Ketogenic diets will affectively address metabolic syndrome, one of the strongest predictors for heart disease and stroke. Many type two diabetics will convert to normal blood sugar readings, even without taking their medication. In addition, current research shows ketogenic diets control childhood epilepsy and may even prevent and improve Alzheimer’s disease.
How long can one stay on a ketogenic diet?
The answer really is indefinitely. As long as the food is organic, free-range, grass-fed, and totally free of preservatives, it is considered quite safe. When patients are generally on the ketogenic diet for a month, I will slowly add back some good carbohydrates, like vegetables and some fruits, just enough such that the rate of weight loss is slowed but not stopped. Often times, when my patients hit a brick wall with weight loss, I will have them go back on the ketogenic diet for two weeks at a time.
In the New Year, the Salerno Center will be seeing patients and instruct them on the proper way of starting a ketogenic diet for weight loss. Additionally, we will be offering our HCG diet for our patients who may have difficulty with the ketogenic diet to start. It is important to follow progress with blood tests, including thyroid, insulin, blood glucose, and ketones. It’s is a highly successful diet because it is easy to follow and does not allow for hunger.
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