Page 40 - Robeson Living Fall 2020

Is the KETO Diet Right For You?

Written By Dr. Ryan Beck

Have you ever heard of the Keto diet? It has recently become energy backup plan.
quite popular and many studies have been able to show its safe-
ty, effectiveness and benefits for weight loss, health, and per- The goal of a Keto diet is to make your metabolism work more
formance. So what is Keto? Keto is short for ketosis, which is efficiently. However, it can be a slower process of produc-
a metabolic state that results in the body breaking down fat to ing energy, which means no bursts of energy after a meal or
make energy. Most people get their energy from eating carbo- snacks. Once ketosis occurs it can be a more effective long
hydrates such as grains, starches, fruits, beans, root vegetables lasting type of energy.
and other sugary foods.
Research has shown that a Keto diet is useful for losing ex-
Normally, our bodies break down carbohydrates into blood cess body fat without hunger. Other studies have shown im-
glucose which is used as the main source of energy for cells, provements in type 2 diabetics stating that insulin resistance
tissues, and organs. But when we don’t eat enough carbohy- improved quickly for most people when they begin the diet and
drates, the body looks for other forms of energy such as fat this change appeared to be due to ketones, not just the reduced
to satisfy that role. A decrease in carbs causes insulin levels intake of carbohydrates. Ketosis has also been linked to im-
to drop and fat to be released from our cells. The liver then provements in HDL cholesterol levels and reduced blood pres-
turns the fat into ketones which is our body’s second choice sure while some research claims it has even been found to help
for energy. This state is called ketosis and is the body’s natural slow tumor growth, produce massive reductions in seizures

Page 40 Robeson Living ~ Fall 2020