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Ketogenic Mechanism of Action

4,281 bytes added, 20:34, 7 November 2013
Created page with "While the obvious, measurable change from the Ketogenic Diet is the increase in Ketone Levels, there are many different changes that occur and the [..."
While the obvious, measurable change from the [[Ketogenic Diet]] is the increase in [[Measuring Ketones| Ketone Levels]], there are many different changes that occur and the [[Ketogenic Diet as a Treatment| benefits of the Ketogenic Diet]] could be dependent on any of these changes.
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* '''Increased Ketone Levels'''. The increase in Ketones is likely to be responsible for a number of the benefits.
** '''AcAc'''. This is fuel for the brain, preferentially used. It also tends to acidify the blood.
** '''BOHB'''. Unclear if there are benefits to BOHB directly.
** '''Acetone'''. Originally thought to be an inactive waste product, this has shown to be biologically active in a number of ways. Some suggestions this might be the mechanism for action for Epilepsy treatment.
* '''Reduced Blood Glucose'''. The Ketogenic Diet tends to reduce and stabilize blood glucose levels, and this is likely to be responsible for some of the benefits.
** Cancer cells require glucose and can't use [[Ketones]].
** There is a strong correlation between reduced blood glucose and seizure reduction for Epilepsy.
* '''Reduced Insulin Levels'''. The lower carbohydrate availability reduces insulin levels and prevents insulin spikes. This may have a number of health impacts, including a reduction in the risk for diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
* '''Food Avoidance'''. Some of the benefits of the Ketogenic Diet may come from the removal of specific foods that cause problems.
** '''Gluten'''. There are a number of health problems linked to gluten, which is a protein found in many grains. There is wheat allergy, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeliac_disease celiac disease] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_bowel_syndrome irritable bowel syndrome] (IBS), but there are also a number of other subclinical issues linked to gluten including neuropathies. This might be the mechanism behind the treatment of Schizophrenia with the ketogenic diet.
** '''Fructose'''. Because [[Fructose]] has some potential health impacts, its removal from the diet may have some benefits.
* '''Modified Fiber Intake'''. Typically the [[Ketogenic Diet]] results in reduced [[Fiber]] intake, which tends to lead to constipation, a common [[Health Risks of the Ketogenic Diet| Health Risk of the Ketogenic Diet]]. It's unlikely, but possible, but this reduction in fiber might help some health condition. On the other hand, the constipation suffered with the [[Ketogenic Diet]] may require much higher levels of fiber than the comparable Standard American Diet, which may have some health benefits.
* '''Changes to digestive flora'''. The Ketogenic Diet produces changes in the intestinal bacteria, and reduces the availability of Short Chain Fatty acids, especially butyrate.
** Reduced Dietary Intake of Carbohydrates by Obese Subjects Results in Decreased Concentrations of Butyrate and Butyrate-Producing Bacteria in Feces
* '''Blood pH Levels'''. The Ketogenic Diet tends to acidify the blood slightly, and this may have some health impacts.
* '''Reduced Micronutrient Intake'''.
* '''Changes in Blood Lipid Levels'''.
* '''Increased Fat Intake'''. The Ketogenic Diet obviously involves a dramatic increase in the dietary fat intake, which may have some direct benefits, especially around ensuring an adequate supply of essential fats.
* '''Thyroid Changes'''. Studies have shown a reduction in thyroid hormone production, particularly T3. This may contribute to the conservation of Glycogen during exercise. (The human metabolic response to chronic ketosis without caloric restriction- preservation of submaximal exercise capability with reduced carbohydrate oxidation).
* '''Supplementation'''. If patients receive nutrient supplements, then their health might improve because a deficiency has been overcome. (Note that it is not clear if the [[Ketogenic Diet]] changes the Recommended Daily Allowance of nutrients.)
* '''Nutrient Deficiency'''. While nutrient deficiency is typically a [[Health Risks of the Ketogenic Diet| Health Risk of the Ketogenic Diet]], it is possible that a particular deficiency could improve a particular health condition if patients have been getting an excess of a particular nutrient.
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