What is Ketosis?

 Ketosis occurs when we limit our carbohydrate intake to minimal levels in favor of a high fat diet or when we fast.  Once we’ve depleted our liver of glycogen by diet or fasting – that is, glucose stored as energy – our bodies utilizes ketone bodies from fatty acids and, in turn, use them as a temporary source of energy.  Essentially, the lack of carbohydrates in our body forces it to convert fat into fuel.  This is why people often feel surprisingly energetic for a limited period of time after a period of fasting even though no food has been eaten for an extended period of time.  Their bodies are in a state of ketosis.  Of course, there are varying levels of ketosis depending on one’s metabolism and dietary choices. 

The idea of a putting our bodies in a state of ketosis on purpose first came about as a method to treat epilepsy in the 1920’s by researchers at the Mayo Clinic.   According to significant amount of scientific research, epilepsy shares a somewhat mysterious relationship with metabolism.  Having individuals fast or greatly limit their carbs is viewed as an effective treatment of epilepsy.  In fact, Dr. Gary Yellen, a neurobiologist at Harvard Medical states: “The connection between epilepsy and metabolism has been such a puzzle.   I’ve met a lot of kids whose lives are completely changed by this [ketogenic] diet. It’s amazingly effective, and it works for many kids for whom drugs don’t work.”

 The Ketogenic Diet

As the explanation of ketosis suggests, the ketogenic diet is low in carbs and high in fats.  By utilizing the body’s stored fat it can be an effective, relatively quick way to lose weight as well.  However, the weight can easily be put back on if the diet is not strictly followed.  Even when treating epilepsy, Dr. Yellen cautions, “Diets in general are hard, and this [ketogenic] diet is really hard.”

 While the ketogenic diet is quite similar to diets such as Atkins, there are some differences.  For example, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center, a strict ketogenic diet has a daily caloric limit while The Atkins Diet does not (this is especially true in the treatment of epilepsy).

 It’s important to remember that ketosis is a metabolic state.  While this state can be triggered through a ketogenic diet of low carbs and high fats, ketosis also occurs when fasting. 

 Is a ketogenic diet effective in the treat of epilepsy?  Absolutely.  Is it for everyone, especially individuals trying to lose weight?  That depends on an individual and if they can be disciplined enough to follow it.  Do competitive athletes and all of us who love high intensity training need carbs to fuel their muscles?  Can a low carb diet negatively effect our ability to perform? Dr. John Berardi, founder of Precision Nutrition and the PN Certification Program, backs his “controlled carb diet” approach with extensive research and hundreds of show cases based around his experience as a personal coach and athlete. His method is based around a low carb diet as well, however it appears to be more easily sustainable lifestyle for most people, because you can earn your starchy carbs with a high intensity workout. 

Dr. David Jockers has been training professional athletes as much as the regular population, and is a huge fan of high intensity workouts himself.  He’s the author of Supercharge your life, Supercharge your brain,  and talks about the ketogenic diet as the Supercharge diet, that can take your performance, energy, and overall health to a whole new level.

 I have tried both, the Keto and the Low Carb. While the Ketogenic diet can deliver a great amount of energy that lasts all day, more focus, clearer thinking, and better looking skin, I found it super hard to stick with for hundred percent, which is the only way this diet can work. Jesse on the other hand, has been on Keto diet for over a year and loves it. Talking about someone with amazing discipline… I prefer the idea of eating lean and clean for most of the day and then earn my starchy carbs with a  high intensity workout. That way, I can satisfy my curiosity and cravings, while staying motivated with my training.