In case you missed Kirby’s interview on Heart Radio Station, see Q&A below…
What is a keto diet?
The keto diet is a very high fat (70-80% of total calories), extremely low carb (less than 80g but can be reduced to 20-30g per day), moderate protein diet.
What is ketosis?
The idea is that when you deprive your body especially your brain of its primary fuel source (carbohydrates -starchy veg, all grains, all sources of sugar or fruit) it forces the body to use an alternative fuel source, fat for energy instead. This causes the body to produce something called ketones. These are chemicals made by the liver that can be used by cells for energy. When you are in this state, it’s called being in ketosis.
Is a keto diet safe?
A ketogenic diet could be an interesting alternative to treat certain conditions, and may accelerate weight loss. But it is hard to follow and it can be heavy on red meat and other fatty, processed, and salty foods that are notoriously unhealthy. We also do not know much about its long-term effects, probably because it’s so hard to stick with that people can’t eat this way for a long time, so we need more evidence to fully understand long term effects.
How do you know when your body is in ketosis?
Once ketone levels in the blood rise to a certain point, which you can test with a urine dipstick. This also depends on how strict you limit your carbs as well as other factors: genetics, medical history, body composition, energy needs.
What foods can you eat on a keto diet?
A few examples include:
Fats- olive oil, coconut oil, grass fed butter, lard, some nuts and seeds, avo.
Veg- cruciferous, leafy greens, asparagus, cucumber, zucchini etc.
Protein- grass fed meat, poultry, eggs, bone broth, wild caught fish, organ meats, some full fat dairy.
Is a keto diet safe for the kidneys? -do you have an answer to this one?
It should be, if done correctly as you are not increasing your protein at all. The concern is more the liver, heart and arteries.
Is ketosis safe for diabetics?
Ketosis has been shown to improve blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes at least in the short term. *no long term studies have concluded this, more research is required.
What can you drink on the keto diet?
- Water
- Unsweetened coffee+tea
- Bone broth
- Bullet proof coffee
- Kombucha
- Kefir