Dr Andreia Torres

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) is an autoimmune disease that leads to the destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in inadequate insulin production. The risk factors associated with DM1 are  both genetic and environmental such as the enteroviruses, exposure to cow’s milk protein and/or wheat gluten and deficiency of vitamin D.

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects 1% of people over 60 years of age, causing progressive neurological decline. While its exact causes remain elusive, the ketogenic diet, which induces nutritional ketosis, is emerging as a promising intervention. By restricting carbohydrates to use ketones as energy, this diet may help stabilise blood sugar levels, reduce insulin resistance and improve both cognitive and motor function in PD patients, offering hope for managing the challenging symptoms of the disease.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide, causing a range of symptoms such as menstrual disorders, hyperandrogenism, and infertility. The ketogenic diet, with its focus on low-carb, high-fat foods, aims to regulate insulin levels, reduce symptoms, and restore hormonal balance. This article delves into the science behind how nutritional ketosis might offer new hope for those battling PCOS.

Did you know that ketogenic diets were originally designed to treat epilepsy, over 110 years ago? Advances in research show that diets low in carbohydrates and high in fats (ketogenic diets) can reduce brain excitement, having anticonvulsant and antiepileptic effects. If someone already took two or three medications and the seizures were not controlled, the ketogenic diet is recommended to control new events. From the moment the crises begin to be controlled, the medication will be reduced.How does it work?

Many people have heard of the ketogenic diet as a weight loss strategy. Although it is possible to lose weight with the ketogenic diet, this approach brings about many other benefits. In cancer, it helps decrease insulin and cell proliferation signals, reduces blood glucose levels and fuel availability for tumors, and increases susceptibility to chemotherapy/radiotherapy, while protecting normal cells [1].

The ketogenic diet, known for its low-carb, high-fat approach, offers promising potential for brain injury recovery. It induces ketosis, potentially aiding in faster brain recovery by improving glucose metabolism and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This diet, along with ketone supplementation, could be a key strategy in managing the long-term effects of brain injuries.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the endocrine part of the pancreas, namely the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. It is a very important regulator of carbohydrate metabolism, but also protein and fat metabolism.

Neurodegenerative processes such as dementia are time-sensitive conditions. The longer you wait to seek help and understand the causes of your memory problems, the greater the brain can be damaged.