Implementing the Ketogenic Diet for Optimal Health

Who needs carbs anyway? Did you know that a high-fat diet is good for your health? Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates are the macronutrient responsible for diminished levels of well-being, obesity, and health disorders like diabetes.rnGoing-carb free can be a liberating experience that everyone should try at least once. The health benefits of a ketogenic diet are numerous and well researched; maybe it’s time to give it a try? rnKetosis ExplainedrnThe human body uses a process called gluconeogenesis to convert glycogen from dietary carbohydrate sources to fuel metabolic function. By removing carbs from your diet, you remove the primary source of fuel for the body. Glycogen levels will continue to diminish for as long as you abstain from eating carbohydrates.rnWhen the body depletes glycogen completely, it will signal the brain to induce the liver into producing ketones for energy. This biological process is called ketosis and has many health benefits associated with its implementation. Implementing the Ketogenic DietrnExecuting the ketogenic diet is simple. All you need to do is eliminate all carbs from your diet and replace them with healthy sources of fat and protein. Make smarter food choices and use good sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat as your primary macronutrient in your ketogenic diet. Eggs, coconut oil, avocados, and fatty fish are all examples of excellent dietary options.rnIncrease your consumption of leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach to satisfy your daily fiber requirements and keep the levels of inflammation in the GI tract to a minimum. What to Expect in Your First Week on the Ketogenic DietrnDuring the first week of ketosis, you can expect to feel lethargic and energy-less as the glycogen depletes from your body. After the depletion competes, you will rise one morning to feel completely restored and full of energy, this is a sign that you have entered the ketogenic state. rnOver the course of the week, you may also notice that you lose a fair amount of body weight. This reduction in body weight occurs because of glycogen molecules bonding to water. As glycogen depletes, excess water excretes through the urine. The Health Benefits of the Ketogenic Diet #1 Reduce InflammationrnInflammation of the GI tract from excessive consumption of carbohydrates leads to a smorgasbord of negative health results. By eliminating carbs from your diet, you remove the majority of the inflammation. This reduction in inflammation results in improves assimilation of nutrients and increased metabolic function. #2 Lower Fasted Blood Sugar LevelsrnA carb-free diet means that you will never be spiking insulin. By controlling your body's insulin response, you improve your insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of blood sugar disorders such as diabetes developing. #3 Faster Fat LossrnThe liver uses dietary fat and adipose body fat to fuel ketone production giving you a faster rate of fat loss. #4 Improved Cognitive Function and AwarenessrnReducing inflammation in the gut will improve assimilation of nutrients as well as blood flow to the brain. This increased oxygen flow results in clearer thought processes and improved cognitive awareness. #5 Better Health MarkersrnConsuming a diet that is rich in quality fats and protein will improve your cholesterol markers. Total cholesterol levels will fall, and you will improve the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol in your blood. In ClosingrnGiven the incredible health benefits of implementing the ketogenic diet in your life, it may be well worth it to give it a try. Learn as much as you can about the ketogenic diet by visiting a site like ketoresource.org for the best information on how to use the diet in your life.