A ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating plan designed to shift the body’s metabolism from carbohydrates to fat. By significantly reducing carbohydrate intake, the body enters a metabolic state known as ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat for energy, rather than glucose alone, and in the process, the liver creates ketones, which serve as an alternative and supportive energy source, particularly for the brain.

A keto diet generally has the macronutrient profile of 60-75% of calories from fat, 15-30% from protein, and 0-10% from carbohydrates. This encourages the body to burn dietary and stored body fat for energy, leading to fat loss in those carrying extra weight, and improved metabolic health. A ketogenic diet has been shown to have significant therapeutic benefits for treating, reversing and preventing various conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, serious mental illness, autoimmune disorders and other disorders.

A ketogenic diet has long been associated with health risks, but a closer review of the medical literature does not substantiate these claims. Concerns include high cholesterol, heart disease risk, kidney dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and others. These concerns are based largely on flawed studies, incorrect assumptions, and inaccurate representations of the evidence. Thousands of people around the world are healing from disease with ketogenic diets. We welcome you to explore our content around the efficacy and safety of therapeutic carbohydrate reduction, so you can assess the benefits and perceived risks for yourself.