Ketones Questions and Confusion

(Wayne) #1

My nutritionist, after discussion with her and my PCP, decided that the KETO diet was for me. I have had good success with it and lost nearly 40lbs. That’s not my primary reason for going on the diet. My real reason for it was because I am Epileptic and studies have shown that high Ketone levels can help prevent episodes or seizures. Lately, I am having a real hard time getting my KETONES above 0.4mmol/L. I am sticking to the plan and eating only what the nutritionist has suggested. I’m not sure when I entered Ketosis because I didn’t have a meter but bought one about three weeks after starting and I was getting around 1.1 to 1.8. Sometimes higher. I test first thing in the morning before any meals or coffee.

I’m not sure what questions to ask directly but can only say that I am sticking to the plan. I have a bunch of energy and I’m always on the go. I feel good and I’m less anxious. I haven’t had a seizure in over two months. I should also mention that I have gained 3lbs. Something has changed?!?!

I’m confused

#2

Given that you’re actually using Keto medically, you’d want to prioritize your fat intake, then the protein of course but realize that you’ll still get lower ketones as you go, If your energy is good, your seizures are gone, I’d say you’re doing it right for your body. That said, you may consider having exogenous ketones on hand, they’re not even remotely as expensive as they used to be.

I should also mention that I have gained 3lbs. Something has changed?!?!

Keto doesn’t change how our metabolisms work, only the fuel source. If you eat a surplus for whatever your metabolic rate is, you’ll gain. Pretty easy to do with fat since it’s over twice as calorie dense as protein and carbs.

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #3

The weight gain could be water weight that will likely disappear again, or it could be muscle or denser bones. It could also be fat, of course, but that’s not likely on a ketogenic diet. And even with a three-pound gain, you are still 37 pounds to the good. Unless your clothes are getting tight in the waist, I wouldn’t worry about it.

The therapeutic diet for epilepsy was originally formulated to be almost entirely fat and so low in protein as to be deficient for many people. My understanding, however, is that a more reasonable level of protein can still allow the diet to be effective. The therapeutic diet was intended to be used only when drug treatments all failed. If you are an adult, it is likely that a ketogenic diet will be helpful for your epilepsy, but whether it can completely prevent seizures is an open question. You may still need a drug as well.

Given all that you say is going well for you, I’d say you are doing just fine.

(Wayne) #4

Thank you for responding!

I’m still taking medications for my seizures. I’m not totally nuts, lol. I have been having breakthrough seizures and was wondering about alternative treatments. Things like THC are off the table, so this was an alternative. Some studies have shown that the KETO diet can help reduce the number of seizures an epileptic may have in adults, but it’s not a cure-all. They are still doing studies on it.

As far as the weight gain goes, I was wondering that. All my clothes are LARGE compared to what I was before. 285 to 248 is a good chunk of me gone. I’m happy but was noticing that it was going the wrong way. LOL! Maybe just a plateau?

Anyway, I’m thinking of trying to mix it up and lowering my carb intake a bit. I do eat a fair amount of leafy greens and stuff. No starches, sugars or processed foods at all.

Thanks again!

Wayne