The Keto Diet And Inflammation

Inflammation is associated with many health issues. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of inflammation and how keto may help reduce it.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD 

Inflammation Defined

In its simplest terms, inflammation is the body’s way of protecting itself from infection, injury, or irritation. Inflammation assists with the healing process by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which can cause it to swell. Next, white blood cells and other substances move in to attack the threat, removing them from the body or eradicating them.

Dangers of Inflammation

Unfortunately, inflammation becomes dangerous when it begins to attack healthy tissues that are not diseased or damaged. Common signs of unhealthy inflammation can include the following:

• Redness
• Headaches
• Muscle and joint pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Fatigue

There are over 100 diseases associated with inflammation: Alzheimer’s, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, atherosclerosis, where inflammation is an underlying issue.

The Keto Diet and Inflammation

The keto diet is a high fat, moderate protein, and very low-carb way of eating—only a small number of calories coming from carbohydrates (typically 20grams or less).

Also known as the ketogenic diet, keto plays a key role in reducing harmful inflammation in the body. Keto is a healthier option than other ways of eating because it focuses on consuming foods that are anti-inflammatory while simultaneously decreasing the consumption of inflammation-causing foods.

Studies on the keto diet indicate it can be effective against inflammation:

• Diets that are pro-inflammatory increase the risk of colorectal cancer. [1]

• The ketogenic diet protects from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Researchers concluded the keto diet “was neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory against MPTP-neurotoxicity.” [2]

• Chronic inflammation is a prominent characteristic feature of Parkinson’s disease. Studies have shown that patients with Parkinson’s disease have higher pro-inflammatory molecules, including TNF-α, iNOS, IL-1β. [3]

Ketones and Inflammation

When on keto, you consume significantly fewer carbs. As a result, it shifts into ketosis and begins to produce ketones, which allows it to use stored fat for energy. When in ketosis, the body makes the ketone BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate), which helps support weight loss and prevent insulin resistance. In addition, ketones activate the AMPK pathway (activated protein kinase), which may help prevent the formation of chronic conditions linked to inflammation such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Keto is an excellent option for people with Alzheimer’s. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, a decline of brain glucose metabolism is a common symptom. Ketone bodies can increase mitochondrial efficiency and supplement the brain's typical reliance on glucose. Studies on supplementing the regular glucose supply of the brain with ketone bodies indicate it may have benefits for Alzheimer’s patients. [4]

Top Keto Foods and Spices To Eat (And Avoid) For Inflammation

Here are the tops foods and spices that can help decrease inflammation and foods that could cause inflammation:

Note: The worst foods for inflammation are not allowed in the keto diet. To maintain good health, they should be avoided when not on the keto diet as well.

Top Inflammation Supplements

In addition to eating the proper foods, many supplements can be used to combat inflammation as well:>

TCF -Fastonic Cellular Molecular Hydrogen Supplement

Fastonic Cellular Molecular Hydrogen Supplement is a top product for fasting support. In addition to promoting the healthy function of the inflammation system, FASTONIC - Cellular Molecular Hydrogen Supplement provides the following benefits: 

• Helps promote a healthy balance of oxidative stress
• Stabilizes fat metabolism
• Decreases appetite
• Supports glucose homeostasis
• Supports cognitive function
• Improve skin appearance and health
• Excellent source of bioavailable magnesium

DesBio - Intestinal Restore

DesBio - Intestinal Restore helps ease inflammation as well as provide temporary relief of leaky gut symptoms. These would include diarrhea, gas, bloating and constipation.  In addition, DesBio - Intestinal Restore helps support gastrointestinal health by soothing inflamed tissues, stimulating the digestion of macronutrients, and strengthening the intestinal lining.

Pure Form Omega Natural

Pure Form Omega Natural contains organic essential fatty acids that are plant based. This formula also contains the following oils:

• Evening primrose oil
• Sunflower oil
• Flaxseed oil
• Coconut oil
• Pumpkin oil

Pure Form Omega Natural is available for individuals of all ages and provides the following benefits:

• Promotes heart health 
• Brain protection
• Fights depression
• Reduce joint pain
• Inflammation relief

Closing Thoughts

Inflammation is associated with many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis. While the exact cause of inflammation is unknown, studies indicate eating foods that can trigger inflammation may play a key role in its formation. The keto diet focuses on eating anti-inflammatory foods, which could help decrease the risk for the disease.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is based upon the opinions of Revelation Health. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Revelation Health and associates. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD for accuracy of the information provided, but Revelation Health encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

References:

[1] Ishor Sharma, Yun Zhu, Jennifer R Woodrow, (et al). Inflammatory Diet And Risk For Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Case-Control Study In Newfoundland, Canada. Nutrition. 2017 Oct;42:69-74. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2017.05.010. Epub 2017 Jun 1. [PMID: 28870481]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28870481/

[2] Xinxin Yang, Baohua Cheng. Neuroprotective And Anti-Inflammatory Activities Of Ketogenic Diet On MPTP-Induced Neurotoxicity. J Mol Neurosci. 2010 Oct;42(2):145-53. doi: 10.1007/s12031-010-9336-y. Epub 2010 Mar 24. [PMID: 20333481]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20333481/

[3] María-Trinidad Herrero, Cristina Estrada, Layal Maatouk (et al). Inflammation In Parkinson's Disease: Role Of Glucocorticoids. Front Neuroanat. 2015 Apr 2;9:32. doi: 10.3389/fnana.2015.00032. eCollection 2015. [PMID: 25883554] PMCID: PMC4382972. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25883554/

[4] Samuel T Henderson. Ketone Bodies As A Therapeutic For Alzheimer's Disease.  Neurotherapeutics. 2008 Jul;5(3):470-80. doi: 10.1016/j.nurt.2008.05.004. [PMID: 18625458] PMCID: PMC5084248. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18625458/