If you’ve been learning about the ketogenic method of weight loss but you’ve also learned about how uncomfortable some people’s experiences have been transitioning to a low carbohydrate diet, you might be wondering: Is there anything to ease the transition?
It’s important to note that many people don’t really experience any discomfort, apart from entering into an unfamiliar lifestyle and some of the bumps that come with doing anything new. But if you’re still worried, worry not.
MCT (medium chain triglyceride) oil or powder can ease that transition by sending you into a ketogenic state in a short period of time. MCT’s, unlike most dietary fat which is log chain, are quickly metabolized by your body and provide ketone bodies. Ketone bodies are like a glucose substitute for your body. The presence of ketone bodies provide you with a fuel source even if your blood sugar is low, so you won’t feel the malaise associated with hypoglycemia such as hunger, foggy head, poor mood and all of the things associated with low blood sugar.
It’s also important to note that when using dietary supplementation of things like MCT’s or ketone salts, it’s still necessary for your diet to support your ketogenic state if weight loss is your goal. You still have to cut the carbs and avoid alcohol.
If your body has been put into ketosis more quickly, this reduces the occurrence of cravings and also has neuroprotective properties, so you may find you are able to think more clearly while taking MCT’s.
If you are diabetic, speak to your doctor before making changes to your diet, like adding MCT oil or powder, as this may affect how any medications or insulin are prescribed and used.
Speak to your health care provider or the Live Well team at Pharmasave Summerland about how you can benefit from a ketogenic lifestyle.
Dan Cassidy, Nutritional Product Advisor