Ketogenic Therapeutic

The Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet is a form of nutrition with very low carbohydrate content, moderate protein, and high fat levels, used not only for weight loss but also for medical purposes.

It is used in epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and inflammatory processes.

The main goal is to transition the body into a state of ketosis, where ketone bodies derived from fats become the energy source.

Why the Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet is Needed

The ketogenic diet was originally developed for treating epilepsy in children resistant to medication. Later, it was found to have a positive impact on various metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

Ketosis lowers glucose and insulin levels, reduces oxidative stress, modulates mitochondrial function, and improves energy supply to neurons.

This makes the diet effective for brain diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and even in cancer therapy as an adjunct approach.

Basic Principles

• limiting carbohydrates to 20–30 g per day (depending on goals and condition);
• the proportion of fats in the diet should be 70–80% of calories, proteins 15–20%, carbohydrates 5–10%;
• transitioning to fat sources with anti-inflammatory potential (omega-3, MCT, olive oil, avocado);
• adequate intake of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent side effects;
• monitoring ketones in blood or urine to assess the state of ketosis.

Allowed Foods

• meat, poultry, fish, and seafood;
• eggs, butter, ghee, coconut and olive oil;
• green vegetables, cabbage, broccoli, zucchini, spinach;
• avocado, olives;
• nuts (walnuts, macadamia, pecans) and seeds;
• cream, sour cream, fatty cheeses, coconut and almond cream.

Foods to Avoid

• all types of sugar, honey, syrups;
• grains and flour – wheat, oats, rice, corn;
• starchy vegetables – potatoes, carrots, beets;
• fruits high in sugar – bananas, grapes, dates;
• sweet drinks, juices, and alcohol.

Variants of the Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet

• classic keto (4:1) – 4 parts fat to 1 part protein and carbohydrates, used for epilepsy;
• modified Atkins – a milder version for adults allowing 30–50 g of carbohydrates;
• MCT-keto – part of the fats comes in the form of medium-chain triglycerides, enhancing ketone production;
• cyclical and targeted keto – used in sports and recovery practices;
• protein-keto – increased protein content while controlling carbohydrates, used for body weight correction.

Benefits of the Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet

• reduction in the frequency of epileptic seizures;
• improvement in cognitive functions and brain energy;
• normalization of glucose and insulin levels;
• reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress;
• weight loss without muscle loss;
• improvement in mitochondrial function and cellular respiration.

Conclusion

The Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet is a powerful tool for metabolic and neurological correction. It requires a knowledgeable approach, monitoring of electrolytes, and a gradual entry into ketosis, but when properly followed, it can significantly improve quality of life, stabilize metabolism, and support brain and nervous system functions.