We hear the term ketogenic diet everywhere. From Paleo, Atkins, Mediterranean, low carbohydrates, high protein, low-fat, and many more diets, the ketogenic diet or “Keto diet” tops the list.
The Ketogenic diet focuses on manipulating the three macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, & fats) while keeping fats the highest and carbohydrates the lowest.
The keto diet drives the body into ketosis, a state where the body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates to burn for energy. Instead, it burns fat and makes ketones, which it can use for fuel.
It will typically include 50g or less of carbohydrates a day to induce ketosis.
Choosing to follow a keto diet offers a range of valuable benefits such as:
- Weight loss and maintenance
- Blood glucose control
- Elimination of insulin resistance
- High blood pressure control
- Satiety
- Stronger mental performance
- Epilepsy management in children
Relationship of Insulin Resistance in PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome):
PCOS is a common gynecological problem in the modern world. It’s a hormonal disorder marked by having infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone levels (androgen). The ovaries develop numerous small collections of follicles and fail to regularly release eggs.
Symptoms might include weight gain, acne especially on the jawline, pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, hair loss, sleep apnea, excess hair growth, and infertility.
The exact cause of PCOS remains unknown but it’s related to abnormal hormone levels in the body especially high insulin levels which contribute to increased production of male hormones like testosterone throwing off our body’s hormonal balance.
In addition, increased inflammation levels in the body may be a cause. A study done at Indiana University School of Medicine illustrated that markers of oxidative stress and inflammation are highly correlated with circulating male hormones.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22178787/
Up to 70% of women with PCOS have high insulin levels circulating in the blood which leads to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is when the cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond well to insulin and can’t use glucose from your blood for energy.
Causes of insulin resistance can vary from highly refined carbohydrates intake, high environmental toxins exposure, poor gut microbiome, obesity, inactive lifestyle, poor diet choices, and genetics.
Keto Diet Effect on Insulin Resistance & PCOS:
According to the Global Diabetes Community, a ketogenic diet has been shown to eliminate the root cause of insulin resistance. It helps promote sustained periods of low insulin, as low levels of carbohydrates mean lower levels of insulin.
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diet/how-low-carb-diets-work.html
In another study published in Cleveland Clinic, women who followed a ketogenic diet had their symptoms of PCOS resolved. Many of these women were able to lose weight, conceive, and reduce their insulin levels.
Another study illustrated that a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet resulted in an important improvement in weight, hormones, and fasting insulin in women with PCOS and obesity over 24 weeks.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1334192/
Therefore, choosing a ketogenic diet for PCOS & Insulin Resistance management offers a wide range of valuable benefits and it has been proven to reverse various weight-related health conditions like Diabetes Type 2.
However, adopting a ketogenic diet should be always consulted with the treating doctor in case of any complications.
