Fat First – the Ketogenic Diet

The aim is to achieve ketogenic metabolism or ketosis. This condition usually only arises during fasting or starving. Carbohydrates are thus replaced by the so-called ketone bodies, as the primary source of energy. These are formed by the decomposition of fatty acids and can cover a large part of the body’s energy needs. Smaller amounts of non-replaceable glucose are obtained during gluconeogenesis by the decomposition of different substrates, like some amino acids.

By reconfiguring metabolism, and a lack of rapidly available carbohydrates, the body is forced to fall back on its own glycogen and fat reserves. This has the result, at least to begin with, of a fast reduction in fat mass. Moreso, the proportion of the body’s water also sinks through the decomposition of the glycogen stores, which bind large quantities of water. Fast dehydration and fat reduction are particularly valued in power sports and bodybuilding. The loss of muscle mass can be countered by a precisely balanced daily protein addition and physical training. Endurance athletes also try to stimulate their fat metabolism in the run-up to competitions by training and nutrition, since an aerobic breakdown of fats produces no lactic acid, releases large quantities of energy and thus enables long-distance sporting performance. Fats eaten during a ketogenic diet should be high quality and rich in unsaturated fatty acids. These are found in, for example, fish, vegetable oils, and nuts. Special emulsions with medium chain triglycerides are also often used. By comparison to the long-chain triglycerides present in most edible fats, they are absorbed more efficiently and form more ketone bodies. In addition, the required quantity of protein must be precisely calculated and other nutrients, vitamins and trace elements sometimes substituted. Regular medical examinations, and the support of professional and experienced nutritional consultants, are recommended because of the complexity and possible side-effects of the diet.

From a medical point of view, its use can be beneficial for some childhood epilepsies which only respond poorly to medication-based therapy. It has already been used successfully since the 1920s with these patients. Even if the effect mechanism cannot yet be completely explained, there is an assumption that the influence of cerebral glucose metabolism contributes to the reduction in the frequency of episodes. There is not yet any evidence of a positive effect on other illnesses. The ketogenic diet does not represent a mainstream nutritional concept. In general, a balanced diet based around the guidelines of general diet companies is recommended. Physical activity and calorie reduction should always be the focus of a diet, if the aim is to lose weight.

Image 1  © “anaumenko” / Fotolia.com