Nutrition

Ketogenic Diet: The Science-Backed Breakthrough Transforming Health in 2024

Study participants had severe mental illnesses, however, on a ketogenic diet they experienced significant improvements in their mental health and related metabolic abnormalities.

Lyn Wells

07 Nov 2024 — 5 min read

Keto Diet: Science-Backed Breakthroughs Transforming Health in 2024

The ketogenic diet, often referred to as the "keto diet," has gained significant popularity in recent years. This dietary approach involves consuming a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, which forces the body to use fat as its primary energy source instead of carbohydrates. By doing so, the body enters a state of ketosis, producing ketones for energy. This article highlights the latest research findings and benefits of the ketogenic diet reported in 2024, making it accessible and engaging for non-medical readers worldwide.

Definition of "Ketosis"

A metabolic state characterized by raised levels of ketone bodies in the body tissues, which is typically pathological in conditions such as diabetes, or may be the consequence of a diet that is very low in carbohydrates.

1. Mental Health Benefits

A groundbreaking pilot study by Stanford Medicine in 2024 has shed light on the potential mental health benefits of the ketogenic diet. The study focused on participants with severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The results were astonishing: participants following a ketogenic diet experienced significant improvements in their mental health.

Key Findings:

Reduction in Metabolic Syndrome: Participants showed a decrease in metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Weight Loss: The ketogenic diet aided in weight loss, is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Improved Mood and Energy Levels: Participants reported enhanced mood and increased energy levels, contributing to better mental health.
Significant Psychiatric Improvements: On average, there was a 31% improvement on clinical scales measuring psychiatric symptoms.

Pictured left: The first author of the new paper, Shebani Sethi, MD, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences. In the four-month pilot trial, Sethi’s team followed 21 adult participants who were diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, taking antipsychotic medications, and had a metabolic abnormality — such as weight gain, insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia or impaired glucose tolerance. The participants were instructed to follow a ketogenic diet, with approximately 10% of the calories from carbohydrates, 30% from protein and 60% from fat. They were not told to count calories.

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“It’s very promising and encouraging that you can take back control of your illness in some way, aside from the usual standard of care,” said Shebani Sethi. “The focus of eating is on whole non-processed foods including protein and non-starchy vegetables, and not restricting fats,” said Sethi, who shared keto-friendly meal ideas with the participants. They were also given keto cookbooks and access to a health coach.

“We’re seeing huge changes,” Sethi said. “Even if you’re on antipsychotic drugs, we can still reverse the obesity, the metabolic syndrome, the insulin resistance. I think that’s very encouraging for patients.”

The participants reported improved energy, sleep, mood and quality of life.

The psychiatric benefits were also striking. On average, the participants improved 31% on a psychiatrist rating of mental illness known as the clinical global impressions scale, with three-quarters of the group showing clinically meaningful improvement and greater life satisfaction.

These findings suggest that the ketogenic diet could be a valuable tool in managing severe mental illnesses, offering hope for those seeking alternative treatment options.

2. Impact on Mortality Rates

Research Findings on Mortality Reduction

Recent findings from News-Medical indicate a remarkable 24% reduction in mortality rates associated with adherence to a ketogenic diet. This significant decrease in mortality can be attributed to several factors related to improved metabolic health.

Metabolic Health Improvements:

Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity: The ketogenic diet helps improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Reduced Inflammation: The diet contributes to overall health and longevity by reducing inflammation.

These improvements in metabolic health play a crucial role in reducing mortality rates, making the ketogenic diet a promising approach for enhancing lifespan and quality of life.

3. Neurological Benefits

Therapeutic Role in Neurological Disorders

The ketogenic diet has shown promising results in managing various neurological disorders. Studies published in PMC highlight its effectiveness in conditions like epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases.

Potential Neuroprotective Effects:

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Ketones produced during ketosis have anti-inflammatory properties, and protect the brain from damage.
Brain Metabolism: Ketones serve as an alternative energy source for the brain, improving brain metabolism and function.

These neuroprotective effects make the ketogenic diet a valuable therapeutic option for individuals with neurological disorders, offering hope for improved brain health and function.

4. Cardiovascular Health

Heart Health Improvements

The ketogenic diet has been shown to have positive effects on cardiovascular health. Studies indicate that the diet can lower LDL cholesterol and improve overall heart health by reducing inflammation and enhancing metabolic parameters.

Heart Health Benefits:

Reduced Inflammation: Lowering inflammation levels is crucial for maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Enhanced Metabolic Parameters: Improvements in metabolic health contribute to better heart function and reduced risks associated with cardiovascular diseases.

These findings suggest that the ketogenic diet can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

5. Weight Management and Metabolic Health

Weight Loss Mechanism

The ketogenic diet is well-known for its effectiveness in promoting weight loss. This is achieved through several mechanisms:

Appetite Suppression:

The high-fat content of the diet helps suppress appetite, making it easier to control calorie intake.

Increased Fat Oxidation:

By using fat as its primary energy source, this diet increases fat oxidation, leading to weight loss.

Managing Obesity-Related Diseases:

Managing obesity-related diseases like diabetes and hypertension makes it a valuable tool for health optimisation.

These mechanisms contribute to the ketogenic diet's effectiveness in weight management and metabolic health, offering sustainable weight loss and disease management.

6. More Health Benefits

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, the ketogenic diet offers more health improvements:

Professor Thomas Seyfried says a Keto diet can Starve Cancer Tumours

Improved Gut Health:
- The diet can modulate gut microbiota and improve gut health and overall well-being.
Enhanced Mitochondrial Function:
- The ketogenic diet contributes to better cellular health and energy production.
Reduced Oxidative Stress:
- This is crucial for maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of various diseases.

These comprehensive health improvements make the ketogenic diet a holistic approach to enhancing overall health and well-being.

In summary, the ketogenic diet offers a range of benefits, from mental health improvements to reduced mortality rates, neurological benefits, cardiovascular health, weight management, and other comprehensive health improvements. The latest research findings from 2024 highlight the diet's potential as a valuable tool for enhancing overall health and well-being.

Call to Action: The ketogenic diet's numerous benefits make it a compelling option. Consult a healthcare professional to determine if it is right for you and how to incorporate it safely into your lifestyle. Embrace the potential of the ketogenic diet to transform your health and well-being.