Ketogenic diet, to whom it is recommended and how to do it

Do you always have those extra “pounds” to eliminate, have you long wanted to reshape your silhouette right on the waist and hips? The solution could be to follow the ketogenic diet. The exact definition is a ketogenic protein protocol, widely adopted for slimming purposes, but which finds application in many other fields. In Finland the Ministry of Health wanted it as a first choice therapy for the treatment of obesity and related risk factors, it has been used for some time to treat epilepsy especially in the pediatric field and has been found to be effective in improving risk parameters. cardiovascular, type 2 diabetes, glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia.

«This slimming program, to be followed under medical supervision, consists in the consumption of high quality proteins and some fats, limiting the introduction of carbohydrates – explains Maria Papapithagora, specialist in nutrition science in Milan -. In this way it is possible to quickly lose several kilos of pure fat, without affecting the muscle tissue and experiencing fatigue and the stimulus of hunger ».

How does it work
Proteins are nutrients present in meat, eggs, fish, but also in foods of plant origin, such as seeds, legumes and represent one of the main sources of energy. Their contribution is essential for the construction of blood and lymph, the maintenance of tissues and organs, the proper functioning of the digestive, endocrine, muscular and immune systems.

“This low-carbohydrate diet is much more effective than conventional balanced diets – continues the expert -. The drastic reduction of carbohydrates induces a physiological process called “ketosis” which has a specific activity on weight loss. The ketone bodies produced optimize the function of all organs, protect the tissues from inflammation and fight the feeling of hunger and fatigue. It takes about three days to enter the state of ketosis and you must not “stray” from the food plan developed by the doctor, otherwise you get out of ketosis and you have to start all over again. The result? A significant weight loss in a short time where only localized fat is lost, such as abdominal fat, buttocks and hips, reshaping the silhouette. Not only that, the protein diet limits abdominal bloating, fights water retention and consequently cellulite, increases energy and improves mood, since ketone bodies are “bombs” of energy ».

To whom it is recommended
This ketogenic regimen can be followed by all healthy people, without kidney, liver and metabolic diseases. It is not recommended in children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for those suffering from hypercholesterolemia not treated in a pharmacological way and for those with high blood uric acid values.

For reasons of safety and efficacy it is essential to be followed by a doctor – concludes Papapithagora -. The restriction of carbohydrates does not have to be indefinite, but must be replenished when the desired weight is reached. The timing of the reintegration and the daily amount must be decided by the doctor. The protocol foresees several phases that must be respected. The weight loss phase (ketogenic) is followed by a transition phase (weight stabilization) and the final phase which aims at maintaining weight through a correct diet tailored to the needs of the patient ».

Carbohydrate replacement products
There are several companies that specialize in the production of products to be used during the ketogenic diet. These products, thanks to advanced technologies, have the appearance and taste of bread, pastries and other sweet products, but in reality they are composed of natural proteins with a high biological value, obtained from soy and milk.