Kourtney Kardashian made it popular, Halle Berry raves about it, and Jersey Shore’s own Vinny lost 50 pounds on it. You guessed it, I’m talking about the trending #ketogenicdiet.
History Time
A 1920s phenomenon in the medical world, doctors discovered that starvation forces the body to burn acid-forming fat to produce energy. Acid, or “ketones,” is surprisingly “beneficial for people with epilepsy because it somehow lowers brain electricity, which in turn can prevent seizures” (refinery29). Since fasting is not a healthy long-term solution for anyone, doctors figured out that a “low-carb, high-fat diet could lead to the same results, and be just as effective for treating epilepsy. Thus, the “ketogenic diet” was born” (refinery29).
But Why?
Of course in 2018 people without epilepsy follow this regimen, and it comes down to the basic premise that the body was designed to run more efficiently as a fat burner than a sugar burner. Most cells prefer to use blood sugar (from carbs) as their main source of energy (health.harvard). In the absence of this blood sugar, the body starts breaking down stored fat into molecules called ketone bodies, the new source of energy. This process? Ketosis. Melissa Matteo, MS, RD, LD, CDE, a registered dietician and certified diabetes educator at Cleveland Clinic tells, “In the state of ketosis, your body is burning its stored fat as a source of fuel, and it’s only going to do this in the absence of carbs” (refinery29). Without carbs, your body basically has no choice but to turn to fat stores.
What’s the appeal?
- Weight Loss
- Cholesterol Optimization
- Blood Sugar Control – Halle Berry finds the KETO diet helpful in managing her diabetes.
Proceed With Caution
Due to pop culture’s magnetic effect, most people know the keto diet as the latest celebrity-endorsed way to lose weight quickly. However, what most people DON’T know is that this diet should really be monitored by a doctor. It is in fact an extremely restrictive diet that is not for everyone.
Because the diet is so restrictive, supplementation is a major requirement.
This supplementation includes vital nutrients such as a Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Biotin, Chlorella, Vitamin C, and Pyridoxine—all of which MAKERS NUTRITION can help you create (refinery29).
On a Roll
Those who are veteran KETO dieters are ready to maximize their plan! Here are three options to offer these dedicated customers:
- Fish Oil
Since the goal is to cut triglyceride levels, fish oil is the perfect supplement to combine with the ketogenic diet. One study has shown that regular consumption of fish oil supplements yields a greater decrease in triglycerides. Both groups in this study also showed a significant decrease in BMI, percent fat, and LDL (the bad cholesterol), with no considerable change in HDL (the good cholesterol). These findings align with many other studies observing the keto diet (ruled.me). - Spirulina
Similar to fish oil, spirulina can help lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. - Magnesium
While this diet limits carb intake, there are many keto-friendly, magnesium-rich foods. Examples include high-fat yogurt, low-carb nuts, and avocados. In conjunction with these foods, a supplement can be added to ensure adequate magnesium levels.
Going Solo
Maybe you’d like to offer an ALL-IN-ONE supplement instead. Choose a flavor, choose a form. Be it a softgel, powder, liquid, or capsule, you can provide your KETO-crazed customers with the ketones they need to master the ketogenic diet! MAKERS NUTRITION has all the tools and resources it takes to manufacture a market-blazing dietary supplement! Give us a call today at 1-844-625-3771.
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