National Keto Day is observed on January 5 each year. On that day we remember that people on keto diets reduce carbs so much that they burn fat for energy instead of carbs. This aids in weight loss and also can prevent seizures in epilepsy patients. Similarly, it can also improve brain function. You should know about its possible side effects called the “keto flu” if you are planning to start keto. There are many helpful resources online. Even celebrities like the Kardashians and Halle Berry are big diet fans!
History of National Keto Day
In the 1920s, the ketogenic diet was started as a modern health strategy for the treatment of epilepsy in both children and adults.
After the introduction of effective anticonvulsant prescription drugs for seizures, the keto diet became less popular among doctors.
However, some still recommended the 4:1 fat-to-protein intake ratio and cutting back on grains, sugars, and high-carb fruits as an alternative to medication.
In 1994, Hollywood producer Jim Abrahams, whose son’s epilepsy was managed by the keto diet, founded the Charlie Foundation for Ketogenic Therapies.
This brought widespread media coverage including an interview on “Dateline” and a made-for-TV movie starring Meryl Streep directed by Abrahams.
After a short time, his foundation released a cutting-edge scientific study of ketogenic, sparking renewed national and international interest.
So how did doctors in the early 20th century know that reducing carbs could help epileptics?
Moreover, in 20th-century treatment and studies, neurologists discovered that a starch and sugar-free diet could replicate the effects of complete fasting.
Likewise, adjustments and experimentation of course led to today’s ket diet, largely fueled by the nation’s focus on weight loss.
In the present time, the brain health benefits of the keto diet are recognized for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, insomnia, and more.
The Vitamin Shoppe established National Keto Day on January 5, 2019, to raise awareness and educate people about the ketogenic diet and its many health benefits.
Timeline of National Keto Day
| 1921 (To coin a phrase…) | Dr. Russell Morse Wilder of the Mayo Clinic first uses the term “ketogenic diet” to describe the high-fat, low-carb regimen for treating epilepsy. |
| 1994 (A protective and professional parent) | NBC’s “Dateline” does a story on producer Jim Abraham’s son Charlie, then two years old, whose severe epilepsy is successfully controlled by the keto diet. |
| 2007 (Around the world and back again) | The ketogenic diet has become available in 45 countries and has expanded to include variants like the modified Atkins version. |
| 2018 (The numbers don’t lie) | A Cochrane systematic review analyzes over a dozen trials and overwhelmingly confirms the efficacy of keto in treating childhood epilepsy. |
Five Interesting Facts on Keto
- Origins as a Medical Treatment: The keto diet was developed during the 1920s for epilepsy. It was particularly introduced to treat children who did not respond to standard medications. It was discovered by researchers that a high-fat, low-carb diet might reduce the frequency of seizures, making it a therapeutic diet before it gained popularity for weight loss.
- Ketosis and Fat Burning: The main objective of the keto diet is to induce a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. This metabolic shift is triggered by significantly reducing carb intake. It depletes glycogen stores and prompts the liver to produce ketones from fat, serving as an alternative energy source.
- Not Just About Weight Loss: Besides weight loss, the keto diet is also considered for its potential benefits in managing neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.
- Potential Impact on Blood Sugar Levels: The keto diet can also aid in stabilizing blood sugar and insulin levels. It is beneficial for those people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. Similarly, the body needs less insulin after minimizing carbohydrate intake which can result in better blood sugar management and even reduced dependency on medication.
- Variety of Keto Styles: There are various types of keto diet tailored to individual needs and goals. Standard Keto Diet (SKD), Cyclical Keto Diet (CKD), Targeted Keto Diet (TKD), and High-Protein Keto Diet, are some of the variations of keto diet. They all differ in macronutrient ratios and meal timing to suit specific lifestyle requirements.
Conclusion
National Keto Day on January 5th serves as a reminder of the ketogenic diet’s origins and its evolution into a mainstream health strategy. Initially developed in the 1920s to treat epilepsy, the keto diet has since expanded its benefits to include potential improvements in brain health, weight management, and blood sugar control.
With continued research and varying diet styles, the keto diet remains a significant topic of discussion and exploration. As the awareness raised by National Keto Day highlights, it’s essential to approach this diet with informed consideration, recognizing both its potential benefits and side effects, such as the “keto flu.” Embracing the keto lifestyle can offer diverse health benefits, supported by a rich history and ongoing scientific inquiry.
Frequently Ask Question
What are the main benefits of the ketogenic diet?
The ketogenic diet helps with weight loss by inducing a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for energy. It can also aid in managing neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, and can stabilize blood sugar levels.
How did the ketogenic diet originate?
The ketogenic diet was developed in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy, particularly for patients who did not respond to standard medications. Its effectiveness in reducing seizures led to its adoption as a therapeutic diet.
What is the “keto flu”?
The “keto flu” refers to a set of symptoms that some people experience when starting the ketogenic diet, including fatigue, headache, and nausea. This is due to the body adjusting to ketosis and can be managed with proper hydration and electrolyte balance.
Who popularized the ketogenic diet in recent times?
In 1994, Hollywood producer Jim Abrahams brought renewed attention to the ketogenic diet through his foundation, the Charlie Foundation for Ketogenic Therapies, after it successfully managed his son’s epilepsy. This led to increased media coverage and scientific interest.
What are some variations of the ketogenic diet?
There are several types of ketogenic diets, including the Standard Keto Diet (SKD), Cyclical Keto Diet (CKD), Targeted Keto Diet (TKD), and High-Protein Keto Diet. Each variation has different macronutrient ratios and meal timing to suit individual needs.
You may also like to read, Swiss Cheese Day – January 2, 2025
