Hi everyone, I’m Rowan Ramsay. Welcome aboard!
It all started with a fridge epiphany.
One day, back in 2014 after a ravenous lung disease grabbed my health, I was staring at the shelves of the fridge and looking at a solitary strawberry left in a box, it had gone mouldy, and it hit me – everything going mouldy was packed with sugar: fruits, breads, all high carb foods fed moulds. Meanwhile, the forgotten spinach in the crisper drawer? Just a limp, mushy mess. That’s when the lightbulb went on – maybe sugar was contributing to my necrotising fungal lung disease!
I remembered something about Ketogenic diets, and dived head first into the world of the Keto Lifestyle. I have managed years now on Keto about 80-90% of the time, have never had oxalate issues, my cholesterol spiked once and I worked out the cause for me and eliminated it. I have nothing but good benefits from this lifestyle and I want to share with you how to use this and fasting for health and well being as well as weight loss. Take a look round the site later and see our resources, or get in touch for some 1-2-1 help.
Now let me tell you, the initial shift wasn’t easy. Changing your entire lifestyle takes guts, but when your health is literally on the line, there’s no room for hesitation. Keto became my lifeline, and the results were nothing short of remarkable.
This experience transformed my life. Keto wasn’t just a diet; it was a powerful tool for taking charge of my health. Now, I’m passionate about sharing this knowledge and empowering others to unlock the potential of keto. Whether you’re seeking weight loss, improved energy, or a more robust approach to well-being, keto offers a path to a healthier, happier you.
So, are you ready to embark on this journey with me? Let’s dive into the science behind keto, explore the world of fasting, and discover how to customize this lifestyle for your unique needs. Welcome to Keto Coach – let’s get started!
The Science of Keto: From Glucose to Fat Burning
Our bodies are fueled by two primary sources: glucose (from carbohydrates) and fat. While both are essential, a diet high in processed sugars and refined carbohydrates can lead to a number of health issues:
- Cellular Damage and Inflammation: Studies suggest that chronically high blood sugar levels can damage protein structures within cells. These damaged proteins accumulate over time, triggering inflammation throughout the body, it’s like the scrap heap of parts for when we are in a time of scarcity. This is very beneficial to store away these damaged protein strings in times of plentiful food sources, so that when times of scarecety are upon us in the wilds we have reserves of Fat and Protein in the cells. the problem comes in our modern world of constant abundance, we never clear out the trash (damaged cells and rubbish protein form the cells) and change the barrels of fuel in the larder (fat reserves) it can contribute to chronic health problems. Think of Keto as a full scale service and oil change for your physical vehicle in this life. Controlling the diet is part of many systems all over the world that promote longevity, even Pythagorus said in his ‘Golden Verses’ to control first the gut and sleep.
- The Role of Inflammation in Diabetes: Current Concepts and Future Perspectives [NCBI link]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6523054/ This study explores the connection between chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and inflammation in diabetes.
- Obesity and Diabetes: The rise of processed foods and sugary drinks coincides with a dramatic increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Research suggests a strong link between excessive carbohydrate intake and these conditions.
- Excessive intake of sugar: An accomplice of inflammation [NCBI link]: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36119103/ This research paper explores the link between high sugar consumption and inflammation, a risk factor for obesity and diabetes.
- Type 3 Diabetes and Alzheimer’s: Emerging research explores a potential connection between insulin resistance (often associated with high-carb diets) and the development of Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes referred to as type 3 diabetes.
- Insulin Resistance and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Potential Link [Harvard Health Publishing link]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7246646/ This article discusses the emerging research on insulin resistance as a contributing factor to Alzheimer’s disease.
The ketogenic diet offers an alternative approach:
- Restricted Carbohydrates: By significantly limiting carbohydrate intake, the body enters a metabolic state called ketosis. In this state, fat becomes the primary fuel source, promoting a number of potential health benefits.
- Autophagy and Cellular Repair: When both carbohydrates and protein are restricted, the body may initiate a process called autophagy. During autophagy, damaged cellular components are broken down and recycled, promoting cellular regeneration and potentially even aiding in tumor suppression
- Autophagy: Physiology or pathology? [NCBI link]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2696814/This study provides an overview of autophagy, its role in cellular health, and its potential implications for various diseases.
The Power of Fasting: A Synergistic Approach
Fasting, when combined with a ketogenic diet, can further enhance its benefits:
- Fat Fasting: This involves consuming only water and electrolytes while the body continues to burn fat for fuel.
- Water Fasting (Dry Fasting): A more extreme approach involving abstaining from all food and water for a limited period.
- Intermittent Fasting: This involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting throughout the day.
- Single Food Fasting: Restricting intake to a single food source like bananas or artichokes for a short period (usually 1-2 days, up to a week in some cases).
Transitioning from Glucose to Fat Burning:
The initial shift to ketosis can involve some discomfort, known as the “keto flu”. This typically includes:
- Days 1-3: Hunger and reduced energy levels.
- Days 3-4: The “keto flu” peaks with intense hunger, fatigue, and a general feeling of unwellness (often referred to as “hitting the wall”).
Transitioning from a Ketogenic Diet:
Individuals already adapted to burning fat for fuel experience a smoother transition when incorporating fasting:
- Days 1-3: Minimal hunger pangs, as the body readily utilizes stored fat reserves.
- Day 3+: Generally smooth sailing, with a focus on maintaining hydration and electrolytes. If needed, a fat fast with MCT oil or coconut oil can be introduced for additional support.
Join the Journey!
This website provides a comprehensive exploration of the ketogenic diet and the practice of fasting. Whether you’re seeking weight loss, improved energy levels, or a more holistic approach to well-being, keto and fasting offer a powerful toolkit.
Let’s embark on this journey
