A keto diet is well known for being a low carb diet, where the body produces ketones in the liver to be used as energy. It’s referred to as many different names – ketogenic diet, low carb diet, low carb high fat (LCHF), etc.
What is a Ketogenic Diet?
The ketogenic diet is a very low carb, high fat diet that shares many similarities with the Atkins and low carb diets.
It involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis.When this happens, your body becomes incredibly efficient at burning fat for energy. It also turns fat into ketones in the liver, which can supply energy for the brain.
Ketogenic diets can cause significant reductions in blood sugar and insulin levels. This, along with the increased ketones, has some health benefits.
In regular diet, the body mostly uses glucose from carbohydrates for energy. In ketosis, the body shifts to using ketones derived from fats. This change is thought to have a variety of metabolic impacts, including increased insulin sensitivity and changes in how the body processes energy.
There are several versions of the ketogenic diet, including:
Standard ketogenic diet (SKD) : This is a very low carb, moderate protein and high fat diet. It typically contains 70% fat, 20% protein, and only 10% carbs.
Cyclical ketogenic diet (CKD): This diet involves periods of higher carb refeeds, such as 5 ketogenic days followed by 2 high carb days.
Targeted ketogenic diet (TKD): This diet allows you to add carbs around workouts.
High protein ketogenic diet: This is similar to a standard ketogenic diet, but includes more protein. The ratio is often 60% fat, 35% protein, and 5% carbs. However, only the standard and high protein ketogenic diets have been studied extensively. Cyclical or targeted ketogenic diets are more advanced methods and primarily used by bodybuilders or athletes.
The information in this article mostly applies to the standard ketogenic diet (SKD), although many of the same principles also apply to the other versions.
Ketogenic Diet to Fight Cancer
The association between the ketogenic diet nd cancer is a topic of ongoing research, and while some studies suggest potential benefits, it's essential to approach the topic with caution.
The theory behind the use of a ketogenic diet in cancer treatment is that cancer cells mainly use glucose as fuel, and by limiting your intake of carbohydrates, you may be able to deprive cancer cells of their preferred fuel.
The ketogenic diet may also have an impact on additional factors, such lowering inflammation and enhancing insulin sensitivity, which may have an impact on the development and progression of cancer.
However, it's important to note the following:
a. Need Further Studies
The majority of preclinical and several clinical studies argue for the use of the ketogenic diet in combination with standard therapies based on its potential to enhance the antitumor effects of classic chemo- and radiotherapy, its overall good safety and tolerability and increase in quality of life. (
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Here are some animal studies have suggested potential benefits of a ketogenic diet in cancer treatment; in 1987, Tisdale et al. saw decreased tumor weight and improved cachexia in mice with colon adenocarcinoma xenografts eating a ketogenic diet
[30]. Additional studies have shown that ketogenic diets reduce tumor growth and improve survival in animal models of malignant glioma
[31–33], colon cancer
[34], gastric cancer
[35], and prostate cancer
[36–38].
Even though some animal studies and small human studies have suggested potential benefits of a ketogenic diet in cancer treatment, further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet as a therapy and examine its application in clinical practice.
b. Not a Standalone Treatment
The ketogenic diet should not be viewed as a standalone treatment for cancer. Before making major dietary changes, cancer patients should speak with their healthcare team and think about it as part of their overall treatment plan.
c. Cancer Complexity and Individual Variations
Cancer is a diverse group of diseases, and different types of cancer may respond differently to dietary interventions. A treatment that is successful for one type of cancer might not be for another. Furthermore, different people will respond to the ketogenic diet in different ways, so what works for one person might not work for another.
Our Take
In conclusion, additional research is required to fully understand the effectiveness, safety, and particular forms of cancer that the ketogenic diet may benefit from. If someone is considering the ketogenic diet as part of their cancer treatment plan, it is crucial to work closely with healthcare professionals who can monitor and guide the process.
1. Can I ever eat carbs again?
Yes. However, it’s important to significantly reduce your carb intake initially. After the first 2 to 3 months, you can eat carbs on special occasions — just return to the diet immediately after.
2. Will I lose muscle?
There’s a risk of losing some muscle on any diet. However, protein intake and high ketone levels may help minimize muscle loss, especially if you lift weights.
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3. Can I build muscle on a ketogenic diet?
Yes, but it may not work as well as on a moderate carb diet. For more details about low carb or keto diets and exercise performance, read this article.
4. How much protein can I eat?
Protein should be moderate, as a very high intake can spike insulin levels and lower ketones. Around 35% of total calorie intake is probably the upper limit.
5. What if I am constantly tired, weak, or fatigued?
You may not be in full ketosis or be utilizing fats and ketones efficiently. To counter this, lower your carb intake and revisit the points above. A supplement like MCT oil or ketones may also help.
6. My urine smells fruity. Why is this?
Don’t be alarmed. This is simply due to the excretion of by-products created during ketosis.
7. My breath smells. What can I do?
This is a common side effect. Try drinking naturally flavored water or chewing sugar-free gum.
8. I heard ketosis was extremely dangerous. Is this true?
People often confuse ketosis with ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is dangerous, but the ketosis on a ketogenic diet is usually fine for healthy people. Speak to your doctor before starting any new diet.
9. I have digestion issues and diarrhea. What can I do?
This common side effect usually passes after 3 to 4 weeks. If it persists, try eating more high fiber veggies.
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