Recent Research in Keto

I wanted to take a moment to mention some of the many advantages of the ketogenic diet. One very important health advantage is that it keeps blood glucose levels low and steady all day, even after eating. No more blood sugar spikes and crashes! This is also good for insulin levels as well. When I had my LP-IR (insulin resistance) blood test after about 5 months on zero-carb keto, it was <25, which is excellent. Reference range is <=45! Research studies (and personal stories) demonstrate that a ketogenic diet will improve glucose and insulin levels, even allowing some diabetics to be able to be free of supplemental insulin. Here's a quote from one very recent study:

Blood glucose, insulin, and IGF-1 dropped significantly by 3.0, 22.2 and 20.2%, respectively.​
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12986-017-0175-5
Impact of a 6-week non-energy-restricted ketogenic diet on physical fitness, body composition and biochemical parameters in healthy adults Published: 20 February 2017

Those figures are amazing!

Along with steady glucose levels, there are steady brain levels as well when on keto. It has been used to treat epilepsy since the 1920s. Here's a quote from another very recent study on keto for epliepsy:

The ketogenic diet (KD) is an effective therapy primarily used in pediatric patients whom are refractory to current anti-seizure medications. The mechanism of the KD is not completely understood, but is thought to involve anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant processes.

​http://www.newsrx.com/newsletters/Obesity,-Fitness-and-Wellness-Week.html
New Findings on Seizures from Creighton University Summarized (Regulation of brain PPARgamma2 contributes to ketogenic diet anti-seizure efficacy) ​
Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week. Feb. 4, 2017

The ketogenic diet is also being researched to treat autism, related to how keto improves the gut (which I can attest to!):

In summary, this study demonstrates that KD consumption triggers gut microbiota remodeling in an animal model of ASD. These findings may provide insight into the therapeutic potential of KD manipulation by influencing gut microbial composition.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13229-016-0099-3
Ketogenic diet modifies the gut microbiota in a murine model of autism spectrum disorder
Molecular Autism. 7.1 (Sept. 1, 2016)

There's just so much potential for a ketogenic diet to treat metabolic, neurological, autoimmune, and gut disorders. And cancer as well!

I will continue to post new findings. I try to keep up on all of the latest research through my public library database. There's a lot going on with keto! It's very exciting!

Grassfed beef heart with shot of homemade clotted cream