Why the keto diet shows promise

Autism, Alzheimer’s and bipolar disorder: Can the ketogenic diet influence the development of these mental health conditions? Gradually, research suggests that it might. “For those who help, it can be life-changing,” says the neurologist Eline Dekeyster.

The attendance of more than 700 people, both live and online, at Eline Dekeyster’s lecture on nutrition and the brain shows how popular the topic is. It is not surprising, according to the neuropsychologist.

“Many people struggle with mental health issues, and more and more research shows that nutrition plays a significant role,” she explains. Dekeyster leads the Brain Interaction Lifestyle Lab, where she studies how nutrition affects the development of Alzheimer’s and autism, among others. Can lifestyle and diet help prevent such mental health problems? “Yes, I believe so,” she says.

The power of ketones

Dekeyster and her colleagues study the effects of ketogenic interventions on mental health. “A ketogenic intervention,” she explains, “is a way to get the body into a state of ketosis, which happens when you have a certain amount of ketones in your blood. Ketones are your body’s fuel but they can also control our DNA, which affects how our genes are expressed.

Entering ketosis

How can we achieve this state of ketosis with all its potential benefits? “There are three ways,” explains Dekeyster. “First, fasting: when you don’t eat for a long period of time, your body first depletes its glycogen stores from carbohydrates. After that, your body switches to burning fat, releasing it from tissue and converting it into ketones in the liver Second, you can take supplements, ketones in liquid or powder form Finally, you can follow a ketogenic diet, a low-carb, high-fat diet pattern.

Bread, grain, potatoes

Without conscious effort, the body will not easily enter a state of ketosis. “Unlike in hunter-gatherer times, we no longer go long periods without food. In fact, food is available everywhere, and many people eat all day.” In addition, the average Western diet is high in bread, grains, potatoes and rice, and a low-carb diet is necessary to shift the body to fat burning and bring it into ketosis.

Is keto safe for everyone?

Although Dekeyster is positive about the effects of ketogenic interventions on various conditions, she emphasizes that the keto diet is not for everyone. “Keto can be dangerous. With uncontrolled diabetes or excessive alcohol consumption, you can get too many ketones in your blood, which makes your blood acidic and interferes with oxygen transport.

“Also, with certain metabolic disorders, kidney diseases, heart rhythm disturbances, and in combination with certain medications, keto is not recommended. Always consult your doctor if you are interested.”

Hippocrates

Despite the boom in keto cookbooks and more research being done on the topic, keto interventions are nothing new. “Hippocrates suggested as early as 500 BC that fasting was an effective therapy for a variety of conditions,” says Dekeyster.

“Also, since 1921, the ketogenic diet has been the standard treatment for epilepsy patients: it reduced the number of seizures in half, and even 10% completely recovered.”

Signal management

Dekeyster finds growing evidence that ketogenic interventions can be effective in preventing autism. “People with autism often have anxiety disorders and depression; current treatments focus on symptom management. I wanted to address the underlying mechanisms of autism.”

Ketones and autism

One approach is to focus on the genetic variations associated with autism. “In research, we bred mice with the same genetic markers as people with autism. These mice showed repetitive behavior, social interaction difficulties, or increased anxiety – common symptoms of autism. We gave them ketogenic food, because certain DNA ketones can activated or deactivated. Symptoms decreased in mice.”

Human studies also show promising results. “But these are still small studies of up to 45 people,” notes Dekeyster.

Hopeful

Additionally, various studies suggest that ketogenic interventions may also be effective in preventing Alzheimer’s and reducing symptoms of bipolar disorder. With the Lifestyle Brain Interaction research group, Dekeyster aims to further explore how ketogenic interventions work in various mental disorders in order to safely implement these interventions in mainstream healthcare.

“Keto works for some people but not for others. But for those it works for, it can be life-changing. And especially if there are no other treatment options, that’s hopeful.”

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