for every cell. The neuron-rich brain uses one-half of all the glucose energy in the body. When the brain lacks suf- ficient glucose, its chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) are not produced and communication between neurons breaks down. Recent research has indicated that neurons deprived of glucose due to insulin resistance could trigger AD.


In her three books, Mary Newport,


MD, addresses the positive impact of ketones on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other diseases (see coconutketones. com). She maintains that studies prove that the areas of the brain affected by AD can use ketones as an alterna- tive energy even when it cannot use glucose. She further asserts that MCT oil could help prevent or delay the onset of AD. In the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association (2015), she reported in her 20-month ketone study that the single patient observed (her 63-year-old husband) greatly improved in mood, affect, self-care, and cognitive and daily activity performance.


2.Cancer: Emerging scientific evidence shows that cancer develops from


impaired cellular energy metabolism due to defects in mitochondrial DNA or membranes. Since nearly all can- cer cells depend on the processing of glucose, and some cancers cannot metabolize ketones, the rationale is that KT starves cancer cells of energy but promotes survival of normal cells that adapt to using ketones for energy. Cancer growth is further inhibited by the resulting reduced levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor, both of which cause cancer cells to multiply. Although animal research has shown that KT improves colon, prostate, and brain cancer, more studies are needed to establish it as a consistently valid approach for cancer patients.


3.Insulin Sensitivity & Diabetes (Type 2): Ongoing high intake of sugar and carbohydrates can result in high blood glucose levels and insulin resistance, which can cause obesity and related health problems. Since KT excludes foods that the body readily converts to glucose, it lowers glucose and insulin levels. By giving insulin receptors a rest, this process increases insulin receptor sensitivity.


4.Sports Performance: Even thin athletes store far more energy as fat than as carbohydrate (glycogen). KT advocates maintain that it can help athletes avoid “hitting the wall” when their glycogen supply is depleted.


5.Weight Loss/Obesity: Using glucose for fuel inhibits the body’s ability to access and burn fat. Also, though the body stores excess glucose as fat, it excretes in urine any ketones that cells do not use. KT uses food to curb appetite and change levels of weight-influencing hormones (including insulin and leptin, which inhibits hunger) so that the body burns fat rather than stores it. As Ron Rosedale, MD, explains, “You eat today to control the hormones that will tell your cells what to eat tomorrow.”


Some Disadvantages of KT Although KT is cutting-edge and


provides a potentially hopeful approach to addressing weight loss and certain diseases, it does have these drawbacks: (1) requires unwaivering commitment –replacement of glucose with ketones for energy can take several days or weeks; (2) requires nutrition- al supplementation –[calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin B6, electrolytes, diges- tive enzymes and ox bile, greens powder, fish oil, and potassium citrate (to address the increased risk of kidney stones)]; (3) may cause leaky gut, and thereby induce chronic intestinal inflammation; (4) has potential transition side effects (“keto flu”), such as nausea, fatigue, brain fog, constipation, and muscle aches/cramps; (5) requires multiple supplies and attention to many details (glucose and ketone monitoring devices, lancets, digital food scale); and (6) requires some type of fasting (Mercola recommends so-called Peak Fasting, which calls for not eating 13-18 hours of each day).


While many of the guiding principles of KT promote wellness, a full-blown keto- genic diet should be adopted with caution and input from a holistic KT specialist.


Integrative nutrition health coach Chinese medicine practitioner Licensed acupuncturist


203/698-0793 - 203/253-9885 c. health@donnabunte.com www.donnabunte.com


36 Natural Nutmeg - January/February 2019


The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Adminis- tration, are for educational purposes only, and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice. Submitted by J. Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutri- tion®, Nutrition Consultant and owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178), 378 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT, www.cthealthshop.com), nutrition specialists trusted since 1956. Erika is available to speak to groups. This article is evidence-based and references are available upon request. See ad on page 7.


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