Ketosis: Necessary for Weight Loss?
- ubiosis
- Feb 26, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 19, 2022
“Fasting & other dietary regimens have been used to treat epilepsy since 500 BC.” The Ketogenic Diet (KD) has been proven an effective treatment for children dealing with epilepsy & seizures. Over the last 30 years, there has been a rise in the use & scientific research on the KD. Gaining popularity in the “Health” world as the solution for rapid weight loss; but is it really a healthy solution?
Ketosis is a process that occurs in the body when ketones are produced as an energy replacement source for carbohydrates (glucose). The KD heavily relies on fats & protein, while minimizing carbohydrates to no more than 25 grams. Fats are extremely nourishing as they aid in the absorption of nutrients, specifically Vitamins A, D, E & K. However, solely relying on fats for fuel pose problems in the long-run.
Our body’s preferred fuel source is glucose. When carbohydrates are ingested, the body separates them into glucose, fructose &/or galactose before being absorbed by the blood in the small intestine. Absorbed carbohydrate molecules may either be used immediately for fuel or stored in liver, muscle or adipose tissue for later use. The brain relies primarily on glucose to function optimally, so replacing its food source may impair memory & brain function. Fats, on the other hand, absorb at a much slower rate than carbohydrates, therefore, it may not be optimal for a person with an active lifestyle who requires quick energy, especially during high-intensity exercise. In such cases, the ability to maintain a stressful lifestyle without carbohydrates may be detrimental to well being.
The body interprets the lack of glucose as a stressor & reacts by increasing cortisol. As cortisol goes up, anabolic hormones (Testosterone) go down. Estrogen dominance, as a result, creates all sorts of conditions from production of free radicals & lipid peroxides contributing to Lipofuscin (Yellow Fat Disease) to excitotoxicity & death of nerve cells leading to premature aging. Internal stress combined with external stressors also leads to Adrenal Fatigue due to an impaired HPA Axis. The HPA Axis is the main physiological system that regulates stress response & release of endocrine hormones. When it becomes dysregulated, so does metabolic function. Low metabolic function means low T3 hormone production. In the long-run, this may likely cause an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s characterized by chronic fatigue, unstable body temperature, increased sensitivity to cold, muscle/joint pain, enlarged thyroid gland & weight gain. “How can you gain weight without carbs??!” Long-term High Fat Diet (especially Polyunsaturated Fats) is linked with imbalanced glucose & lipid metabolism which is a major cause of insulin resistance, obesity & Type-2 Diabetes. “High Fat Diet treatment for 16 weeks was found to increase fatty acid levels & blood glucose, while damaging glucose tolerance & insulin responsiveness.”
Although the majority of people would do better focusing on high protein while indulging in carbohydrates stress-free, those diagnosed with epilepsy & very sedentary people may be more capable of following a carbohydrate-restricted diet (it is not necessary however). Instead, a healthier, more enjoyable option for weight loss would be to:
Improve metabolism by eating smaller, more frequent meals a day consisting of all 3 food groups (Fats, Protein, Carbohydrates). Focus on getting 0.8-1 gram of Protein per lb of body weight depending on activity level
Eating within the first hour upon awakening to refuel the depleted glycogen reserve of the liver which promotes detoxification pathways
Drink Organic Mycotoxin-Tested coffee (if tolerable) after breakfast to reap its pro-metabolic & liver supporting effects. When consumed on an empty stomach, coffee over stresses the adrenals & increases cortisol while suppressing the appetite. I like to pair my coffee with Organic Maple Syrup & Coconut Oil to stabilize the caffeine absorption rate & remain grounded
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