The ketogenic diet is a high fat and low carbohydrate meal plan that is used as an alternative form of treatment for epilepsy, weight loss and body building.http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/keto.htm Under the careful supervision of medical professionals, the ketogenic diet has shown to dramatically reduce seizures in people with epilepsy.Epilepsy Foundation: Ketogenic Diet
Ketogenic diets work by essentially starving the body of glucose and making fat the primary source of energy. When glucose is at a minimum, the body begins to burn fat, rather than sugar, for fuel. This causes a condition called ketosis. Diets that use the state of ketosis include the Atkins diet and the South Beach Diet.http://www.webmd.com/diet/atkins-diet-what-it-ishttp://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/treatment/ketogenicdiet/ketowhatitdo.cfm
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, epileptic children or adults must be under the supervision of a medical professional during a ketogenic diet. Those who use a ketogenic diet to lose weight should always consult their physicians before changing their eating habits. The side effects of a ketogenic diet can include constipation, dehydration and occasionally gall stones or kidney stones.http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/treatment/ketogenicdiet/ketosidefx.cfm
Possible Side Effects
Those who follow a ketogenic diet may experience certain side effects as a result of the types of foods eaten (as well as from avoiding the types of foods that may be missing from such plans):
- Weight loss
- Kidney stones
- Dehydration
- High cholesterol
About Ketones and Ketoacidosis
Ketones refer to a by-product that is released into the blood when the body burns fat rather than glucose for energy. Those with Type 1 Diabetes are at risk of developing a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. This occurs when ketones accumulate in the blood and disturb the chemical balance of the body.http://www.myfreestyle.com/fs/d/en_US/50.110:110/ketones
Atkins: Ketosis vs. Ketoacidosis
In this video, the difference between "ketosis" and "ketoacidosis" is explained. The video gives an overview of what ketosis is and how it works. The host explains that ketosis is the burning of fat for fuel, while ketoacidosis is a dangerous medical condition. Ketogenic diets cause the body to go into a state of ketosis.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a physician about the ketogenic diet.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Ketogenic diets are used as a treatment for epilepsy
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Ketogenic diets cause the body to go into a 'starvation' state due to the lack of carbohydrates
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When there are no carbs or glucose, the body releases ketones
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Fact:
When ketones are released, fat in the body begins to burn and the body is in a state of ketosis
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Fact:
Those on ketogenic diets should be monitored by a medical professional
