Overview
What is it?
The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that restricts carbohydrates to ≤10% of daily energy intake, forcing the body to shift from glucose metabolism to burning fat for energy. This process produces ketone bodies, which serve as an alternative energy source, particularly for the brain. The diet mimics a fasting-like state, naturally occurring during prolonged fasting or starvation .
How does it work?
The ketogenic diet works by drastically reducing carbohydrate intake, which depletes glucose stores in the body. This forces the liver to convert fats into ketone bodies, such as β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) and acetoacetate (AcAc). These ketones can cross the blood-brain barrier and provide energy to neurons, bypassing impaired glucose metabolism. This metabolic shift enhances mitochondrial function, reduces oxidative stress, and decreases inflammation, which are critical for improving brain health and potentially extending longevity .
What are the benefits?
The ketogenic diet has been linked to several benefits that may contribute to improved longevity. These include enhanced cognitive function, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, improved metabolic health by reducing blood glucose levels and increasing insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation. Ketone bodies also act as signaling molecules that regulate gene expression and protect against cellular damage, which may slow aging processes .
Effectiveness
What does the research say?
Research suggests that the ketogenic diet can improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, potentially slowing disease progression. Animal studies have shown that the diet can increase lifespan by 13% and improve healthspan measures like memory and motor function. However, human studies are still limited, and more research is needed to confirm these effects on longevity .
Side Effects
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can occur during the initial phase of the diet as the body adapts to reduced carbohydrate intake .
Dehydration
Dehydration: The diet can lead to fluid loss, especially in the early stages, due to reduced glycogen stores and increased water excretion .
Gastrointestinal issues
Gastrointestinal issues: Common complaints include constipation, nausea, and stomach upset as the digestive system adjusts to the high-fat intake .
Weight loss
Weight loss: While beneficial for some, rapid weight loss can occur, which may not be desirable for everyone .
Transient hyperlipidemia
Transient hyperlipidemia: Elevated levels of fats in the blood can occur temporarily but may normalize over time .
Nutrient deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies: Long-term adherence to the diet may lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals due to restricted food choices .
Liver dysfunction
Liver dysfunction: In rare cases, the diet may strain the liver, particularly in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions .
Evidence
Clinical Studies & Trials
[1] The Effects of High-Protein Diets on Kidney Health and Longevity
This paper discusses the potential risks of high-protein diets on kidney health, which may indirectly affect longevity. It highlights concerns about kidney hyperfiltration and glomerular injury.
View study[2] Alzheimer's Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Use of MCT Oil and a Ketogenic Diet
This review explores how the ketogenic diet can improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's and type 2 diabetes by providing an alternative energy source to the brain.
View study[3] Diet and Mental Health
This paper synthesizes evidence on the role of diet in mental health, including the potential benefits of the ketogenic diet for brain health and longevity.
View study[4] Nutrition and dietary restrictions in cancer prevention
This review discusses how dietary patterns, including the ketogenic diet, influence aging and cancer risk, with implications for longevity.
View study[5] Ketogenic Diet in Alzheimer's Disease
This paper reviews the neuroprotective effects of the ketogenic diet in Alzheimer's disease, including improved mitochondrial function and reduced oxidative stress.
View study[6] Antiaging diets: Separating fact from fiction
This review examines the effects of ketogenic diets on lifespan and healthspan in animal models, highlighting potential benefits for longevity.
View study[7] Dietary Patterns and Alzheimer's Disease: An Updated Review Linking Nutrition to Neuroscience
This meta-analysis reviews the cognitive benefits of ketogenic diets in Alzheimer's patients, with a focus on improving brain health and longevity.
View study[8] The Ketogenic Diet and Alzheimer's Disease
This paper explores the potential of the ketogenic diet in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease, with implications for brain health and longevity.
View study[9] Ketogenic Diets Alter the Gut Microbiome Resulting in Decreased Intestinal Th17 Cells
This study investigates how ketogenic diets alter the gut microbiome, reducing pro-inflammatory Th17 cells, which may have implications for reducing chronic inflammation and improving longevity.
View study[10] Ketogenic diet in cancer therapy
This review discusses the use of the ketogenic diet as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment, highlighting its potential benefits and risks.
View study[11] Our (Mother's) Mitochondria and Our Mind
This paper explores the role of the ketogenic diet in enhancing mitochondrial function and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases, with potential implications for longevity.
View study[12] International society of sports nutrition position stand: ketogenic diets
This review discusses the effects of ketogenic diets on athletic performance and body composition, with limited focus on longevity.
View study[13] Mediterranean Diet, Ketogenic Diet or MIND Diet for Aging Populations with Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review
This systematic review compares the effects of the ketogenic diet, Mediterranean diet, and MIND diet on cognitive decline in aging populations, with a focus on brain health and longevity.
View study[14] Dravet Syndrome: An Overview
This review discusses the use of the ketogenic diet in treating Dravet syndrome, a form of epilepsy, with limited focus on longevity.
View study