Types of Ketogenic Diets:
There are a variety of diets that will allow you to get into ketosis. The major differentiating factor between them all is the number of calories that come from protein, carbs and fat, which are what we call “macronutrients”, or nutrients in our food that have a caloric value. The three macronutrients differ in many ways, namely, their caloric values, as well as how the body uses them. Fat is the most calorically dense macronutrient, having 9 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram for both carbs and protein. In a homeostatic state, the body utilizes fat and carbs for energy production, while it uses protein to rebuild the cells of the body. While this is generally the case, an overconsumption of protein can lead the body to break down the excess protein into glucose, resulting in the same end product as carbs.
- Classic Ketogenic Diet
- Modified Ketogenic Diet
- MCT Oil Diet
- Modified Atkins
- Low Glycemic Index Diet (LGIT)
- Intermittent Fasting
The Classic Ketogenic Diet is the original Ketogenic Diet that was designed in 1923 by Dr. Russell Wilder at the Mayo Clinic for the treatment of epilepsy. With a 4:1 ratio of fat to protein and carbs, 90% of calories come from fat, 6% from protein, and 4% from carb. Although a 4:1 ratio is considered the gold-standard for classic Keto, a 3:1 ratio is also included in descriptions of classic KD in most publications. Notwithstanding, classic Keto is an individualized and structured diet that provides specific meal plans. Foods are weighed and meals should be consumed in their entirety for best results. The ratio of this diet can be increased for a more therapeutic outcome, and also liberalized for better tolerance. This diet is also considered a low glycemic therapy and results in steady glucose and insulin levels. In general, the diets of infants, and, children are the easiest to control, and, for this reason they are started on the more restrictive Classic Keto diet. Older children, adolescents and adults who prefer less rigid structure may fair better with the LGIT and Modified Atkins therapies. Transitioning from less restrictive to more restrictive and vice-versa is another approach that can be used to achieve goals. Individuals who receive their nutrition through an enteral feeding tube should receive the more restrictive diets since compliance is not a factor. Think the Ketogenic Diet is right for you? Talk to your doctor before adopting a Ketogenic Diet, or connect with one of our qualified diet professionals to determine a course of action that is right for you. The below links provide access to diet professionals and hospitals with expertise in ketogenic therapies.
The Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil diet is a less restrictive approach to the Ketogenic Diet. It is often used in England and Canada, though seldom used in the United States. The MCT oil diet is more flexible and allows a larger variety of food can be included due to the higher carbohydrate and protein allowance (macronutrient Ratio is 1.9:1). Medium-chain triglycerides produce ketones more easily than long-chain triglyceride (LCT) fat, with certain MCTs bypassing the liver and converting directly into ketones. This means that less total fat is needed, allowing more carbohydrate and protein to be included in the regimen.
Exchange lists divide up the allocated food groups for the day, giving the flexibility of planning individually designed meals by choosing from the lists in measured quantities. Experience has shown that better ketone levels are reached and tolerance obtained if the MCT oil is divided up evenly across the day between both snacks and meals. In other words, all food must be accompanied by a proportion of MCT.
