ketogenic, diet and Parkinson’s

[Rscott]

I tried searching the database for previous discussions But wasn’t able to find much. Has anyone tried ketogenic diet and how has it affected your symptoms?

[Edge999]

trying it for 50 days now keeping carbs below 50g a day so almost ketogenic. Sleep, toilet, brain fog all improved. Tremors still there and feeling more tired. It definitely feels like it’s doing more good than harm. Mathew Philipp’s results are definitely encouraging.

[JayPwP in reply to Edge999]

What are you doing for electrolytes? How are you measuring carbs and other macros? Any strategy for doing keto without weight loss?

[Edge999 in reply to JayPwP]

I use the cronometer app, it’s very helpful

[Eryl in reply to Edge999]

I will take longer than 50 days for the body to ajust to getting it's energy from fat and going keto oll in one go is asking for trouble, you could end up with 'keto flu', take it in stages. It can take six to nine months for the neuro inflammation caused by carbs to subside fully after which time you should notice a distinct benefit. Make sure that you increase your fat intake to keep your calorie intake steady. If you don't keep up your calories the body may start to produce energy by making blood sugar from protein (gluconeogenesis) I do that by having a daily green salad heavily drenched in vinegarette, having a knob of butter on my veg etc.

[Edge999 in reply to Eryl]

I recognise Ive not been doing it long and im likely not ketogenic as am averaging 40-70g net carbs a day. Will try to get it down a bit More and try it for a year as feel improved . Below 50g means cutting alot of veg and gets tough! Im also guessing I feel more tired due to no carbs. Did you feel improved?

[Eryl in reply to Edge999]

There is no need to cut down on veg especially green leafy veg as these are high in vitamins and minerals. Cut out refined grains (i.e. anything made from or with flour) and refined sugars and fruit juices, rice (esp white) and cut down on potatoes. which are the main sources of carbs.

I don't have Parkinson's but use a ketogenic diet to reduce chronic inflammation which causes RLS, and hopefully keep me free of any neurodegenerative disease in future.

Changing you diet will change your microbiome and the shells of dead bacteria can be very toxic which is the reason to make the change in stages.

[Rscott in reply to Edge999]

I have seen symptoms worsening and not felt well. energy dropped off as well. I should have looked into the best way of transitioning first. How long have you been on?

[Edge999 in reply to Rscott]

51 days today. Per cronometer I’ve averaged 56g per day over the last 4 weeks. As mentioned every thing seems to have gotten better except tremors. A bit more tired too which I guess is to be expected while transitioning. At the moment im convinced sugars & carrbs play a role in Parkinsons.

[Rscott in reply to Eryl]

I definitely saw a worsening of symptoms and have not felt well. I guess that is the Keto-flu.

[gregorio]

I suggest you look on you tube, so much info on there. I have been on Keto since diagnosed with PD 7 yrs now, still med free

[JayPwP in reply to gregorio]

Gregorio, where have you been? Long time no see...

[gregorio in reply to JayPwP]

moving house, very long process with PD😄..now beside a golf course and can walk to club, much easier..

[JayPwP]

Found this... has some very interesting links

nourishbalancethrive.com/bl...

[Mezmerric]

I use mct oil and ketone esters to mimic some of the effects of Ketosis. The science is compelling. I recommend looking up Stephen Cunnane’s hypothesis on the ‘brain energy gap’ and the science papers via the DeltaG website and I highly recommend the book, « Ketones - the fourth fuel - from Warburgs to Krebs to Veech »

My personal subjective experience is that Ketones provide me with the energy to workout intensely several times a week and help me recover - as well as work and maintain a busy life. They also help with my mood. I’m a believer that they help power the mitochondria and are neurone protective.

I’m 62 and was formally diagnosed early this year after developing tremors in my left side which began in 2020.

After I was first diagnosed my neurologist prescribed levadopa but it had little impact on the tremors and I felt it adversely affected my mood - so I began to take ketones and focus on exercise and I no longer take any medication . The youtube videos and research of Bill Curtis were also very helpful

[Rscott in reply to Mezmerric]

Thanks. I will look into that and update this post as I go.

[Edge999 in reply to Mezmerric]

How are your tremors now? That is my main problem

[Mezmerric in reply to Edge999]

Pretty much the same. Some days very good, some days less so… but I feel more relaxed and healthy in myself and mentally in a much stronger place than when I was first diagnosed.

[Edge999]

I think theres something going on with the balance of neurochemicals including acetylcholine, norepinephrine and adrenaline as well as dopamine.