(^22) • JULY
asktheNATUROPATHICdoctor/ANSWERS TO YOUR HEALTH QUESTIONS
Is the Keto Diet
Right for You?
How to harness the power of this popular eating plan for
long-term success /// BY EMILY A. KANE, ND, LAc
a:
One important benefi t of keto
eating is that it gets you off
sugar. The average American is addicted
to sugar, and most of us don’t even realize
it. In fact, sugar may be as addictive as
heroin; plus, it’s cheaper and socially
condoned. America is the fattest coun-
try on the planet with the highest rates
:So, I’m trying keto and mostly, I like it. But it seems kind of
restrictive. Isn’t all that fat bad for my heart? Is this the best way
to eat forever? —Taylor M., Indianapolis
Emily A. Kane, ND,
LAc, has a private
naturopathic practice
in Juneau, Alaska,
where she lives with
her husband and
daughter. She is the
author of two books
on natural health,
including Managing
Menopause Naturally.
Visit her online at
dremilykane.com.
of diabetes. Luckily, many good people
are willing to ignore the advertising
and make sensible, health-promoting
choices for themselves every day.
When your fuel comes from good-
quality fat, as it does in the keto diet, that
feeds your brain, which is made mostly of
fat. That’s my favorite part about eating
keto—I can sustain focused thinking
for writing or listening to my patients.
A sugar- or carb-based diet creates ups
and downs of energy because sugar is
a short-burning fuel. One molecule of
glucose produces about 36 units of the
basic fuel (ATP) made inside our cells.
By contrast, one molecule of fat produces
up to 146 units of ATP. That’s a huge
diff erence! Fat is a long-burning fuel that
will provide a steady stream of energy
over 8–10 hours. Sugar and refi ned
carbs give a burst of energy that lasts
Healthy Tip!
Unless you’re already an
excellent hydrator, you’ll
need to drink more water
than you’re used to on
a keto diet.
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