Examining the Keto Diet

The high-protein, low-carb keto diet is more than just the latest trend in weight loss. It has been used since the 1920s for treatment-resistant epilepsy, according to Amen Clinics, specialists in brain health. 

Research shows that the diet cuts seizure frequency in children by more than 50%, while studies have shown improved symptoms related to depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and schizophrenia. The diet has also been shown to help diabetes, acne, and even some forms of cancer. Its effects on bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and the thyroid, however, have been mixed, says Amen.

The keto diet can be challenging to maintain. The main objective is to get more calories from protein and fat and significantly fewer calories from carbohydrates, meaning you cut back on things like sugar, soda, pastries, and white bread—carbs that are easy to digest. 

Weight loss is the goal of many who follow the diet. When you eat less than 50 grams of carbohydrates a day, your body runs out of blood sugars and eventually (usually after three or four days) starts to break down protein and fat for energy, a process that is called ketosis. 

The downside to the diet is that it is low in dietary fiber and thus can negatively impact gut bacteria. For some women, consuming a keto-friendly diet may cause hormonal imbalances, which can interfere with healthy neurotransmitter production and contribute to mood issues, anxiety, and irritability.