Low carbohydrate diets have increased in popularity in recent years with the promise of fast weight loss and optimization of the metabolic function. You may have seen or heard about the Atkins diet, paleo way of eating or the ketogenic diet. While all have slight differences, what they have in common is an extremely low intake of sugars and starches.
When sugars and starches are removed from the diet, the body and brain will eventually revert to using a product of fat metabolism (ketones) as it’s primary source of fuel. Ketones are an efficient and ‘clean’ source of energy in the body. Provided you have a diet high in healthy fats (such as avocado, olives, natural oils, nuts, and seeds) your cells can acquire everything they need to keep themselves running optimally.
Our nutritional doctor Melbourne support certain patients with a ketogenic diet plan when considering all things, it is believed to be of benefit. It is not all about the physical gains. The best naturopathic doctor will also consider if a patient has the emotional stamina to undertaking a difficult diet, if they have the financial means, they have an appropriate amount of time and dedication and if they have adequate support from friends and family. The process is only truly beneficial if it creates a sense of wellbeing alongside positive physical changes.
One big consideration when undertaking a ketogenic diet is the impact it can have on your gut microbiomesays gut health Naturopathy Melbourne clinic. Restricting foods high in sugar and starch can by default also exclude foods rich in prebiotic fibers, the preferential food of beneficial gut bugs. Naturopath Melbourne recommends supplementing prebiotic foods and herbs while following a ketogenic diet, such as slippery elm powder, LSA, psyllium husk and guar gum. It is also important to include large amounts of allowed vegetables (with as much variety as possible) to provide these fibers e.g. mushroom, onion, garlic, leek, green leafy vegetables, asparagus, berries and fresh herbs. If you have an already compromised gut microbiome (e.g. you have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or you have low levels of beneficial bugs in your gut) it is best to discuss whether the diet is appropriate for you with a specialist in gut healing Melbourne.
Melbourne naturopathy clinic makes one final point on the ketogenic diet – there is a heap of products available on the market targeted toward people who fall prey to convenience food. These products can contain high amounts of fillers, preservatives, artificial sweeteners and be of overall poor nutritional quality, while still satisfying the ‘keto rule book’. Be wary of these products, because it’s easy to fall into relying on them while doing the diet. A ketogenic diet done properly includes only wholefoods and involves a lot of preparation in the beginning. To ensure that you have the time and energy to invest in doing it right if you decide that the ketogenic diet is the correct choice for you.