Neurological Disorders & the Ketogenic Diet

Is it conceivable that alterations in certain dietary componets could affect the course and impact the outcome of these disorders? Is it also possible that a common neurometabolic pathway might be influenced by a variety of dietary interventions? The most notable example of a dietary treatment with proven efficacy against a neurological condition is the high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD) used in patients with medically intractable epilepsy.

In a normal diet, carbohydrates are converted into glucose, which then is used as an energy. However, the Ketogenic Diet causes Ketosis, where there is production of ketone bodies, reduced blood glucose levels, and elevated fatty acid oxidation in the liver. Basically, this means that the liver must convert fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies as an alternative energy source to glucose.

Diabetes and Dementia

 Dementia is a numerous brain disorder (47.5 million people suffer from dementia and there are 7.7 million new cases every year) with very clear roots in metabolic processing. It has had an impact on my personal life 4 times. 

Above, a healthy brain, Below, a brain a patient with sever Alzheimer’s disease

The chance of developing dementia is within a 1.5 to 2.5-fold greater risk in the elderly population when they have diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus should not be confused with diabetes mellitus (DM), which results from insulin deficiency or resistance leading to high blood glucose, also called blood sugar. ... Diabetes mellitus has two main forms, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes insipidus is a different form of illness altogether.

Diabetes mellitus results from when either the body does not properly use insulin, and develops insulin resistance, or when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Insulin promotes the absorption of glucose from the blood, and without it (either from resistance or no production), blood sugar levels spike over prolonged periods of time, which cause numerous complications. 

Dementia is a brain disease that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. The greatest risk factors are increased age, genetics and family history, head traumas, and overall metabolic health (like diabetes). 

Yet, there is hope.......

Beth Zupec-Kania is a world-renowned ketogenic expert, clinician, and speaker. She is a registered and certified dietitian and nutritionist.

Beth Zupec Kania - How effective is the Ketogenic Diet?

Donald Grandy

Precision Nutrition Certification - Pn1

Sport and Exercise Coach

dongrandy@gmail.com

*This content is strictly for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any lifestyle program.