Ketogenic Diet Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is the ketogenic diet?
A high-fat, very low-carb diet that induces ketosis, where the body burns fat instead of glucose for energy.
What is the typical macronutrient ratio in a ketogenic diet?
75% fat, 20% protein, 5% carbohydrates.
What is ketosis?
A natural metabolic state where the body produces ketones from fat to use as energy, especially when glucose is low.
How is ketosis different from ketoacidosis?
Ketosis is a safe metabolic state; ketoacidosis is a dangerous condition in uncontrolled diabetes with excessive ketone buildup.
What are common foods eaten on the ketogenic diet?
Meats, fatty fish, eggs, cheese, oils, avocados, nuts, seeds, and low-carb vegetables.
Which foods are avoided on a ketogenic diet?
Grains, sugars, starchy vegetables, fruits, milk, and flour-based products like bread and pasta.
What are some health conditions the ketogenic diet may benefit?
Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer (especially brain tumours), cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
How does the ketogenic diet help with epilepsy?
Ketones may reduce neuronal excitability and have anticonvulsant effects, lowering seizure frequency.
How can the ketogenic diet support neurological health?
By increasing ATP, reducing oxidative stress (ROS), stabilizing membranes (via PUFA synthesis), and affecting neurotransmitter activity.
How might the ketogenic diet aid weight loss?
By lowering insulin, boosting fat breakdown, suppressing appetite, and increasing metabolic energy expenditure.
What are potential disadvantages of the ketogenic diet?
Constipation, dehydration, acidosis, nutrient deficiencies, kidney stones, and dyslipidaemia.
What nutrients may be deficient on a keto diet?
Fibre, polyphenols, and plant-based vitamins and minerals.
What are the long-term concerns of the ketogenic diet?
Nutrient imbalance, poor fat quality, cholesterol issues, and difficulty maintaining strict dietary restrictions.
