The Nutrition Science Podcast Pros and Cons of a Ketogenic Diet
Oct 22, 2025
Explore the ketogenic diet's potential benefits and drawbacks. Discover what ketosis is and how it could stabilize energy levels. Learn about ketone bodies in medical uses, such as for epilepsy and brain injury. Delve into whether keto is truly superior for weight loss and the difference between short-term water loss and actual fat loss. Consider cholesterol concerns and the risks of low fiber intake. The conversation wraps with insights on when a ketogenic diet might be a reasonable choice.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
What Ketosis Actually Is
- Ketosis is a metabolic state where the body produces ketone bodies to replace glucose as fuel.
- Ketones provide a more consistent energy source for tissues like the brain and heart during carbohydrate restriction.
True Keto Versus Popular 'Keto'
- A true ketogenic diet is extremely low in carbs, very high in fat (~80%+), and low in protein to prevent gluconeogenesis.
- Many popular 'keto' approaches are higher in protein and do not produce the same metabolic ketosis.
Medical Uses And Mechanism
- The medical use of ketogenic diets includes treatment-resistant epilepsy and experimental use after traumatic brain injury or for cognitive disorders.
- The proposed mechanism is stabilizing brain energy supply and reducing neural excitability.