Following the ketogenic diet may help manage neurological disorder symptoms, such as improving cognition and function, boosting mood, and reducing seizure frequency.

The ketogenic diet mainly focuses on consuming foods with a high healthy fat content while limiting carbohydrates. Researchers have discovered that this diet can improve the symptoms of those with neurological disorders, reducing the frequency of flare-ups and seizures.

This article will review the link between the ketogenic diet and neurological disorders, what people should avoid eating, and the overall benefits of this diet.

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The ketogenic diet can help treat neurological diseases. Doctors have noticed how this diet can adjust how the nervous system works. Recent studiesTrusted Source have confirmed how the ketogenic diet can help treat drug-resistant seizures and other neurological conditions.

This is because the ketogenic diet can alter the composition of the gut bacteria and the substances they produce when breaking down food.

What is the keto diet?

The ketogenic diet is a high fatTrusted Source, very low carbohydrate eating plan with much in common with Atkins and other low carb diets. It works by drastically cutting down carbohydrate consumption and replacing it with fat. This shift pushes the body into a metabolic state called ketosis.

In ketosis, the body becomes highly efficient at burning fat for energy and transforming it into ketones in the liver, which serve as an energy source for the brain. Following a ketogenic diet can lead to notable reductions in sugar and insulin levels.

These changes, along with the rise in ketones, may offer various health benefits, including improving some symptoms of people with neurological disorders.

Learn more about the keto diet.

What are neurological disorders?

Neurological disorders disrupt the functioning of the nervous system, which includes the central nervous system, consisting of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves branching from the spinal cord.

The peripheral nervous system contains the somatic nervous system — which controls voluntary movements — sensory nerves, and the autonomic nervous system — which manages involuntary actions, such as heart and breathing rate.

The nervous system plays a crucial role in every bodily function. It regulatesTrusted Source many aspects, such as:

  • movement
  • sleep
  • swallowing
  • digestion
  • senses
  • aging process
  • breathing
  • heartbeat
  • processes such as speech, memory, thinking, and learning

Neurological disorders can cause a wide range of cognitive (thinking), behavioral, and physical symptoms, such as pain, mood changes, confusion, and difficulties with coordination.

Learn more about neurological disorders.

The ketogenic diet can enhance mental and emotional well-being, including improved calmness, contentment, and alertness. Individuals following this diet have also reported reduced stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness compared to those following other diets.

Some potential benefits of the ketogenic diet include:

  • Brain function and improved memory: Studies in older rats with obesity and following a ketogenic diet have shown enhanced brain function. Although the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease find it difficult to use glucose efficiently, they can still utilize ketones. The idea is that if the brain receives ketones as an energy source instead of glucose, it may help address glucose processing issues and potentially restore some cognitive function.
  • Reduced seizure frequency: Among people with epilepsy, 40% experienced a reduction in seizures of more than 50% after 1 year on the ketogenic diet, while 10% reported complete seizure freedom.
  • Increased insulin resistance: High blood sugar levels can lead to brain damage. The ketogenic diet can help manageTrusted Source blood sugar levels and promote brain health due to its low carbohydrate intake.
  • Migraine: Research suggests that low carb or ketogenic diets may help relieve migraine symptoms and reduce migraine frequency.

People with certain conditions, such asTrusted Source liver failure, some rare blood disorders, and pancreatitis, cannot follow a low carb or ketogenic diet as this is unsafe for them. If an individual has any existing health conditions, they need to consult their doctor before following these diets.

When following a ketogenic diet, people may experience different side effects, including:

  • Constipation: Constipation is common with ketogenic diets. However, this is generally manageable with dietary adjustments or stool softeners.
  • Digestive issues: Diets high in fat and low in fiber may lead to digestive problems, including diarrhea and bloating.
  • Nutrient deficiencies: The restrictive nature of keto diets can result in an insufficient intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.
  • Muscle loss: Quick weight loss on a ketogenic diet may cause muscle loss, reducing athletic performance.
  • Elevated cholesterol: Some individuals may see increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which may cause atherosclerosis. However, this is usually temporary and does not seem to affect heart health in the long term.
  • Kidney stones: While uncommon, kidney stones sometimes appear in people undergoing treatment with ketogenic diets. These are typically manageable using potassium citrate.

Individuals following the ketogenic diet need to base their meals on these foods:

  • fatty fish, including salmon, tuna, and mackerel
  • nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and chia seeds
  • healthy oils, such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • avocados
  • low carb vegetables
  • eggs
  • meat
  • butter and cream
  • unprocessed cheese

Learn more about a keto diet plan.

People eating a ketogenic diet need to avoid foods high in carbohydrates, such as:

  • fruit
  • grains and starches
  • sugary foods, such as cake, candy, or soda
  • legumes
  • diet or low fat products
  • condiments and sauces high in sugar content, such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki sauce
  • alcohol
  • sugar-free diet foods
  • tubers and root vegetables
  • unhealthy fats, including processed vegetable oils

Based on current evidence, the ketogenic diet may offer significant benefits for brain health. The most compelling support comes from their effectiveness in treating drug-resistant epilepsy in children.

Early research also suggests that the ketogenic diet could help ease symptoms of epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. However, further studies are underway to understand better this diet’s effect on these and other neurological conditions.

However, the ketogenic diet may not be suitable for everyone as it may raise cholesterol levels and have other side effects. Before switching to this diet, people need to consult a healthcare professional to discuss their safety.