Some of you are a little obsessed with gut health. Which is fine. But you need to understand what a #ketogenic diet can do for gut health. Like seriously, let it do it's magic and calm down with all those probiotics! Prepare for a thread. 🧵(1/18)
Before we discuss microbiome we need to talk about how the ketogenic diet helps improve gut healing and integrity. (2/18)
The gene Hmgcs2 is like a set of instructions that tells the cells in our body how to make molecules called ketone bodies, including a specific type called beta-hydroxybutyrate (βHB). (3/18)
In the small intestine, which is a part of our gut, there are cells called Lgr5+ stem cells that have the ability to renew themselves and make different types of cells that are important for our gut to function properly. (4/18)
The production of βHB is specifically important for these Lgr5+ stem cells and distinguishes them from other cells that are already differentiated or have already turned into a specific cell type. (5/18)
Depleting βHB levels in Lgr5+ stem cells skews their differentiation and impairs their function. βOHB works by inhibiting HDACs to reinforce Notch signaling, which instructs stem cell self-renewal and lineage decisions. (6/18)
So what does this mean? It means a ketogenic diet elevates stem cell function and post-injury regeneration through βHB-mediated Notch signaling in the gut. And a glucose-supplemented diet has the opposite effect. Don't believe me? That's ok. (7/18)
You should totally read this study revealing how the ketogenic diet plays a critical role in regulating stem cell adaptation in homeostasis and injury in the gut. ⬇️ (8/18)
Ketone Body Signaling Mediates Intestinal Stem Cell Homeostasis and Adaptation to Diet. (9/18) doi.org/10.1016/j.cell…
Ok, now let's talk about microbiomes a little bit. Shall we? Some of you are a little obsessed with Bifidobacterium and you are constantly taking probiotics because you have been told it's beneficial. (10/18)
Some of you are avoiding a ketogenic diet because you have read it reduces Bifidobacterium! And that, my friends, is a shame. Let me tell you why. (11/18)
In a recent study, a group of 17 patients was given a regular diet for 4 weeks, followed by a ketogenic diet (KD) for another 4 weeks. (12/18)
The researchers then compared the patients' gut microbiome before and after the KD and found that the levels of Bifidobacteria, a common gut bacteria family, consistently decreased after the KD. They repeated it on mice, which yielded similar results. (13/18)
Further experiments on the mice showed that the KD reduced the level of pro-inflammatory immune cells called Th17 cells in the gut, which suggests that a KD may have the potential to reduce intestinal inflammation. (14/18)
A reduction in Bifidobacteria can reduce inflammation in the gut. Read that again. (15/18)
And read this journal article if you are surprised by this information! Ketogenic diets alter the gut microbiome resulting in decreased intestinal Th17 cells. (2020) doi.org/10.1016/j.cell… (16/18)
So why are you putting more in there with your probiotics on your ketogenic diet? Why are you on a ketogenic diet if you are going to meddle with all the magical things it can do? (17/18) #trust#heal
For goodness' sake, calm down and let it do its awesome thing! Put those probiotics down for a few months! (18/18)
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
In order for ketogenic diets to be offered as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease and covered by insurance, several things would need to happen. (1/11)
First, large-scale clinical trials would need to be conducted to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of ketogenic diets for Alzheimer's disease. (2/11)
These trials would need to include diverse patient populations and be well-designed to control for confounding variables. (3/11)
B12 is an important water-soluble organic compound that plays a critical role in the health of our brains. It is involved in DNA synthesis, methylation, and cellular metabolism, which means it is necessary for the proper functioning of our cells. (1/21)
B12 deficiency is a major concern, as it can lead to megaloblastic anemia and neurological problems. But did you know that inadequate #B12 or subclinical deficiency is also very common? (2/21)
It's seen at all ages but definitely in elderly populations. This can be particularly worrisome for those with Alzheimer's disease (AD), as several studies have shown an association between B12 deficiency and #AD. (3/21)
Earlier today I did a post about micronutrients and neurodegenerative disease. And specifically why Vitamin K can enhance healing and why I like to pair it with a ketogenic diet. I introduced a term and then failed to explain it! I correct that here. 🧵 (1/10)
The thread was discussing the use of vitamin K supplementation in regulating the metabolism of sphingolipids. But what are those, and why is they important for brain health? (2/10)
Sphingolipids are essential components of cell membranes and play important roles in cell signaling and other cellular processes. (3/10)
Quite frankly, I don't think there is an intervention for early neurodegenerative processes as a ketogenic diet—bottom line. But I do think it is best combined with informed micronutrient therapies. 🧵(1/26)
Vitamins and minerals, also known as micronutrients, are important for many bodily functions, including metabolism, immunity, cell development, communication between nerve cells, and protection against inflammation and oxidative stress. (2/26)
First, using a ketogenic diet, we upregulate mitochondrial number and function and decrease inflammation. But then there is a lot of damage to repair. (3/26)
I don't usually talk about pediatrics. But I know some of you are trying to learn all the ways a loved one (and therefore yourself) can feel better. 🧵 #parents (1/22)
So let's take a look at the increases in adaptive behavior these kiddos experienced using a ketogenic diet for epilepsy! (2/22)
This study looked at seizure control in a pediatric population using the ketogenic diet. No surprise, the outcome was great. We already know it is super helpful for pediatric epilepsy. What I want to post about is the adaptive behavioral assessment outcomes! (3/22)
Got leaky gut and worried about Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) causing an immune response that leads to systemic inflammation? Well you should be! But let's talk about what a ketogenic diet can do to mitigate that for you. Shall we? 🧵(1/21)
A #leakygut is a condition in which the lining of the intestine becomes damaged or compromised, allowing toxins, undigested food particles, and harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. (2/21)
When this happens, large amounts of LPS (lipopolysaccharide) can be released into the bloodstream, triggering an #immune response and #inflammation in the body. (3/21)