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New research on the Keto diet
Balancing the risks and possible applications of the ketogenic diet
Sophie Corbett
August 09, 2024
Welcome to the MHD newsletter. Your short educational read to have with your Friday morning coffee.
Weekly check in:
How has your week been this week? I have been prioritising slowing down, trying to stop rushing and taking moments to be in the present. It has really helped me in my consultations with clients and keep me nice and calm.
Last week we touched on the subject of weighing kids in schools. At the time I was only able to access the research from the US on this topic. Now in a very timely manner it has been announced that UK research has been funded to look into this topic. I will keep you updated on this!
Nutrition in the news: New research on the Ketogenic diet
This week we are talking about the Ketogenic diet.
You may have heard of it from diet books and pop culture, but do you know the origins?
It started as a treatment option for epilepsy in children. Scientists are still not 100% sure how it works, but is currently a main treatment option for children who don’t respond well to medication.
There is a Meryl Streep film based on a true story of a mother giving her child the Ketogenic diet to treat epilepsy. |  |
The Keto diet is a highly restrictive diet, it is high fat and protein and very low carbohydrate. Many people will experience headaches, nausea and gut symptoms following the diet. Of course these side effects may be worth it, if it means you are not having life-limiting seizures. But outside of this it is unlikely to have health benefits. New research that came out this week has found (unsurprisingly) the harm of following this diet unnecessarily.
“The ketogenic diet reduced fibre intake to around 15 grams per day, half the NHS recommended intake. This reduction in Bifidobacteria might contribute to significant long-term health consequences such as an increased risk of digestive disorders like irritable bowel disease, increased risk of intestinal infection and a weakened immune function.”
“The ketogenic diet increased the levels of unfavourable fats in the blood of our participants, which, if sustained over years, could have long-term health implications such as increased risk of heart disease and stroke.”
So there we have it, the Ketogenic diet may be a good option for children with epilepsy. But not recommended for anyone else.
Book of the month
August book of the month: Genius Guts
Our read-along book club is now in full swing, and this is our book of the month.
“Unlock the secrets of your second brain and the way your gut bacteria not only impact your digestion, but can uplift your mood and sharpen your thinking.”
Podcast recommendation
I love this podcast, it is a father-son duo with Dr Rick Hanson (psychologist) and his son Forrest Hanson (psychology communicator).
This episode was on how to get past people’s defences and communicate about the difficult and deep things. I found it relates to my work as an eating disorder dietitian as often I work with defences and resistance. I hope you enjoy it too.
That’s all from us this week, back again same time next week.
Look after yourself <3
Sophie and the team at Mental Health Dietitians.
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