Why are we interested in Diet?

An abundant evidence shows that DIET has a major effect on human ’s health and resistance to rampant disease associated with aging, such as OBESITY, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, AND DIABETES.

We can not forget that we share the meals we intake with trillions of bacteria in the digestive system, and an emerging area of investigation explores how diet influences our give and take interactions with the gut symbionts.

IT IS NOT JUST WHAT YOU EAT BUT WHEN YOU EAT IT, AND PERIODS OF FASTING HAVE SOME REMARKABLE BENEFITS.

Recently evidence for the adverse metabolic effects of processed carbohydrates has led to a resurgence in interest in lower carbohydrates and ketogenic diets with high intake of fats.

Contribution to total energy are reduced for carbohydrates and increased for fat (>40% of energy) relative to conventional diet. Emerging evidence suggests that a ketogenic diet – a special type of low-carbohydrate diet with fat typically >70%of energy-may have unique therapeutic effects beyond those of less restrictive regiments.

The mechanism arises as carbohydrates are restricted to a point that results in NUTRITIONAL KETOSIS.

Relating this to cancer, we know that cancer cells rely on glycolysis for energy metabolism. By decreasing glucose flux into tumor cells, a ketogenic diet could target the defective mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation-specific to some cancers. Carbohydrate restriction may help prevent or treat cancer by lowering oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular signaling involving anabolic hormones such as insulin.

Anabolic hormones is thought to mediate in part the association between obesity and cancer risk.

A ketogenic diet may include various nutrient-dense whole foods such as non-starchy vegetables, nuts, eggs, cheese,  butter, cream, fish, meats, oils, and selected fruits.

Sufficient sodium is required to offset the natriuretic effect of ketosis and reduce insulinemia. Results with good compliance were seen within one year of the ketogenic diet start.

Current evidence indicates that no specific carbohydrate to fat diet ratio is best for the general population.

Not all diets and calories sources have the same metabolic effects on everyone.

Attention to diet quality and timing specifically focused on reducing processed foods, including sugars and refined grains, many people do relatively well.

For the rapidly rising proportion of the population with severe metabolic dysfunction or diabetes, a more specific dietary prescription may be advised. 

Will be continuing in Part 2 with Fasting Times and the effects on a diet.

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A Time to Fast

CR= Calorie Restriction

TRF=Time Restricted Feeding

IF/PF=Intermittent or Periodic Fasting

FMD=Fasting Mimicking Diet

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Source: Optimizing the Diet by L Bryan Ray Published in Science Magazine, Nov. Edition.