Unlocking the Potential of Very-Low-Carbohydrate Diets: Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Have you ever heard of a very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diet? This type of diet has gained popularity in recent years, particularly for weight loss purposes. However, there's more to this type of diet than just shedding pounds. A report titled "Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets" by Eric Kossoff, Zahava Turner, and John Freeman, delves into the therapeutic benefits of a ketogenic diet beyond weight loss.
Low-carbohydrate diets have been a popular approach for weight loss for several decades. However, the benefits of low-carbohydrate diets go beyond just shedding a few pounds. This report published in the US National Library of Medicine explores the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets.
The report begins by defining very-low-carbohydrate diets (VLCKD) as diets that limit carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day, resulting in the production of ketones in the liver. The ketones then become the body's primary source of energy instead of glucose. The report highlights that VLCKD has shown promising results in improving a variety of health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, neurological disorders, and even cancer.
One significant benefit of VLCKD is its effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes. The report notes that VLCKD can help reverse insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels. Furthermore, VLCKD can also improve other metabolic markers such as triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease have also shown improvements with VLCKD. Studies have demonstrated that VLCKD can reduce seizures in patients with epilepsy and improve cognitive function in patients with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Interestingly, VLCKD has shown promise in cancer treatment. The report cites evidence suggesting that cancer cells rely heavily on glucose for energy and that VLCKD can potentially limit the availability of glucose to cancer cells, thereby inhibiting their growth.
Furthermore, VLCKD may also benefit individuals with cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that VLCKD can lead to weight loss, reduce inflammation, and improve lipid profiles, which are all risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The report concludes by highlighting the benefits of VLCKD beyond weight loss, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic approach for a wide range of health conditions. However, it also acknowledges that further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of VLCKD and its potential risks.
In conclusion, VLCKD is a promising therapeutic approach for a variety of health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, neurological disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. By limiting carbohydrate intake and inducing ketosis, VLCKD can help improve metabolic markers, reduce inflammation, and inhibit cancer cell growth. While further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of VLCKD, it's clear that the benefits of this dietary approach extend far beyond weight loss.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3826507/