Let’s talk Keto, but before you think it’s all bacon and butter, hold up! The ketogenic diet can be a powerful tool for health, but not in the way most people imagine. I’ve always loved a healthy approach to Keto, and no, it’s not about eating bacon every meal, LOL! In reality, it’s about balancing high-quality fats and proteins while keeping carbohydrates low, and it can work wonders for people dealing with autoimmune diseases, cancer, and more.
What Is Keto, Really?
Keto is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carb diet that shifts your body’s metabolism. Normally, your body relies on glucose (from carbohydrates) for energy. But when you cut carbs drastically, your body enters a state called ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead. This metabolic state produces ketones, which are a great alternative energy source for your brain, muscles, and other tissues.
Keto is far from new—it was first used nearly 100 years ago to treat epilepsy in children. But lately, it’s been getting a lot of buzz for its potential benefits in everything from weight loss to blood sugar control.
Keto for Autoimmune Diseases, Cancer, and More
As a naturopathic practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how the ketogenic diet can be helpful, especially for people dealing with autoimmune disorders, metabolic diseases like diabetes, and even cancer. The high-fat, low-carb approach can help reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar, and even starve cancer cells of their primary fuel source (glucose), which can potentially slow cancer growth.
For people with autoimmune diseases, the keto diet can act as a natural anti-inflammatory. By cutting out carbs, we’re reducing inflammation-causing sugars that can aggravate the immune system. For those fighting cancer, ketones may act as protective agents, offering a fuel source for your cells without feeding the growth of harmful cells.
How Does Keto Work?
When you cut carbs drastically (think less than 50 grams a day), your body depletes its glycogen (sugar) stores, and after a few days, it starts producing ketones from fat to use as fuel. This switch to ketosis isn’t easy for everyone and can take some getting used to, but it’s a natural metabolic state designed to keep our bodies functioning when food is scarce.
Why I Love a Healthy Keto Approach
Here’s where I differ from the traditional “bacon and butter” Keto crowd. My approach is more about nourishing your body with healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds, rather than overloading on saturated fats. I also emphasize high-quality proteins and veggies like leafy greens, broccoli, and cauliflower, which are packed with vitamins and fiber but low in carbs.
This balanced approach can support the body’s healing mechanisms without the risk of clogging your arteries with processed fats.
The Benefits of Keto for Brain Health
One of the most exciting areas of Keto research is brain health. Studies show that a ketogenic diet can help manage epilepsy, but there’s also promising research on its potential for Alzheimer’s, ALS, and even traumatic brain injuries. Ketones act as a cleaner fuel for the brain, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which could slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Is Keto Sustainable?
Here’s the thing about Keto: It can lead to quick weight loss and improved blood sugar control, but it’s not always sustainable long-term. Many people experience side effects like keto flu—fatigue, headaches, nausea—especially in the beginning. But with adequate hydration, electrolytes, and a well-balanced Keto plan, these symptoms can be minimized.
Long-term, Keto can be hard to maintain. It’s very restrictive, and you have to be mindful of potential nutrient deficiencies (since many fruits and veggies are off-limits). For this reason, I always recommend working with a naturopath who can check in with you regularly to ensure you’re on the best path for your personal health success. They can monitor your progress and help avoid potential issues like nutrient deficiencies or kidney stress.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Keto?
Keto can be incredibly beneficial for some people, especially those with specific health concerns like autoimmune diseases, cancer, or metabolic disorders. But it’s important to focus on high-quality fats and nutrient-rich foods—it’s not just about cutting carbs. I recommend choosing healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and nuts, while including low-carb veggies like leafy greens, cauliflower, and peppers.
If you’re considering Keto, I have lots of recipe bundles and meal inspiration in my Holistic Nutrition course inside the Warrior Center. It’s the perfect place to get started! Before diving into Keto, make sure you have a solid plan that aligns with your health goals, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me or another naturopath to help guide you.
Here’s to your health and healing!
