Is Keto Anti-Inflammatory?
Keto, or the ketogenic diet, involves following a low carbohydrate, high fat and high protein diet plan. Keto has similarities to the Atkins diet, which rose to fame in the 1990s. So, we ask, is keto anti-inflammatory? In clinical trials, keto has shown some promise for improving sugar levels in diabetic patients1; in this article, we will investigate whether keto also has anti-inflammatory benefits.
How Does Keto Work?
Following the high fat, low carbohydrate keto diet is thought to encourage the body to enter a state known as ketosis. In ketosis, the body can more efficiently burn fats to provide the energy we need for our everyday biological functions. As the body starts to use fats as its energy source, weight loss begins to occur. Type 2 diabetic patients have also seen better control of their blood sugar levels and reduced insulin levels.2
These findings are positive for anyone looking to lose weight or take control of their diabetes.3 Additionally, scientists are now starting to investigate whether following keto could also help to reduce inflammatory processes within the body. While some may find the keto diet too restrictive, those who can stick to it as a lifestyle may reap significant benefits.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is a natural process in which the body’s white blood cells are activated to protect us against foreign bodies, including viruses or bacteria. Aside from infection, inflammatory responses can also be mounted in conditions including arthritis, asthma and heart disease.4
Although inflammation is a crucial defense mechanism that helps fight off infections, when inflammatory processes continue after the initial trigger has gone, it can lead to unpleasant symptoms. Muscle and joint pains, breathlessness, headaches and tiredness can all be caused by chronic inflammation.4
Does Keto Reduce Inflammation?
A study in 2017 found that an artificial keto diet caused a biological mechanism that reduced inflammation in the brain following a head injury.5 Reducing inflammation in these patients is vital for preventing long term brain damage. However, with many people in the population suffering from inflammation elsewhere in the body, this finding could also help patients with other conditions reduce their symptoms.
Scientists have found that some food groups are more likely to cause inflammation. Look at these foods to see if keto is likely to reduce inflammation by its restrictive nature.
Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates, including sweets, bread, pasta, and cakes, may all encourage inflammatory gut bacteria growth. This can increase your risk of both obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.6 As keto dictates that minimal carbohydrates are eaten, this may help to reduce inflammation levels.
Sugars
A diet that is high in sugar can lead to increased inflammation. Scientists have found that high sugar levels can cause inflammation within the blood vessels, increasing heart disease risk. Drinking regular soda, which is high in sugar, can increase levels of uric acid. This can lead to gout, a painful form of inflammatory arthritis.6 As sugar is best avoided on keto, inflammatory risk may also be reduced.
Fruits and Vegetables
Intake of certain fruits and vegetables is limited when following keto as some contain high levels of carbohydrate. There is evidence that some vegetable oils promote inflammation due to their high omega-6 fatty acid content.6 Avoiding these as part of keto may therefore be of benefit.
Final Thoughts
Is keto anti-inflammatory? Following keto can lead to successful weight loss and lowering of blood sugars for those who can stick to the diet. There is also early evidence that it may reduce inflammation as a result of eliminating causative food groups and through more complex biological mechanisms. However, further long-term studies are required for more conclusive results.
Recipes
We couldn’t leave you hanging without a keto recipe to get you started.
Bacon Jalapeno “Mac” ‘n Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower cut into bite-size florets
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped jalapeno
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp each salt and pepper or to taste
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 Tbsp ghee or butter
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup coconut heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the cauliflower and jalapenos on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with mustard, onion powder, salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Cut the bacon into ½” pieces and distribute evenly over the cauliflower. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Stir the cauliflower and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Melt ghee in a large skillet. Add the broth and cream, whisking to combine. Bring to a low bubble, then remove from heat.
- Whisk in the cheese, stirring continuously until melted.
- Take the cauliflower and bacon out of the oven and add to the cheese sauce. Stir until cauliflower is fully coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t like a lot of spice? Cut down the amount of jalapeno or take it out of the recipe completely. Want just a little bit of spice? Add red pepper flakes instead.
- Don’t like bacon? Well, that’s not even a question – bacon is everyone’s favorite food group! ????
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References
1 Melroy S. D’Souza et al. From Fad to Fact: Evaluating the Impact of Emerging Diets on the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.05.017
2 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ketogenic-diet-101#what-it-is
4 https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/about-inflammation
5 https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2017/09/408366/how-ketogenic-diets-curb-inflammation-brain
6 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-foods-that-cause-inflammation