Ketones are a class of molecules that are produced in our bodies from fat. A ketogenic diet is a way of eating that causes the body to make ketones.
Why do you want to do this? You’ve probably heard about losing weight with a ketogenic diet.
But there’s another reason to produce ketones: They have a profound anti-cancer effect.
Since ketones are made from fat, a ketogenic diet is very high in fat. If you don’t eat enough fat for your particular body, you will not be able to make ketones. On the other hand, eating carbohydrates, since they suppress fat metabolism, also suppresses ketone production. Even eating a very small amount of carbohydrates will completely suppress ketone production.
So, how do you increase your ketone production? It’s one of the easier things to do. Just decrease carbohydrate intake and increase fat intake enough. Here’s how to do it.
First, you need a way to monitor your ketone production. The two ways I recommend are by using either a ketone breath analyzer called a Ketonix, or using urine ketone dipsticks called Ketostix. You can get the Ketonix analyzer at www.ketonix.com. You get the urine dipsticks at any pharmacy and also online.
Once you have chosen your testing method, go on a diet that completely eliminates high-carbohydrate foods. This includes fruit, root vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, beets, etc. – onions and garlic are exceptions), legumes (beans, soy, peas, lentils, etc.), grains (bread, corn, rice, chips, rolls, etc.), and all sugars (except xylitol and erythritol).
You will also need to eliminate meats, cheese, and eggs in the first phase, because in some people these foods can be converted into glucose and stop ketone production.
At the same time, increase your fat intake. Eat as much fat as you can. This includes all fats: oils, high-fat foods (such as nuts and avocados), and dairy, eggs, and meat (after the first phase).
The most effective sources of fat for producing ketones are coconut oil or MCT oil. MCT has the advantage of having no taste and is easier on the intestines at higher doses.
Here’s what to do during the initial three to four days – the inductive phase:
• Breakfast – Vegetables that grow above ground, with at least 2 TBS of fat on them (oils, Ghee, coconut oil preferred). Also, high-fat yogurt or cottage cheese. In a blender, blend 6 ounces of coffee with 1 TBS heavy cream, 1 tsp butter, and 2 TBS coconut or MCT oil, and drink this.
• Snacks – Nuts and vegetables dipped in high-fat salad dressing.
• Lunch – Salad at least 4 TBS of fatty salad dressing. In a blender, blend 6 ounces of coffee with 1 TBS heavy cream, 1 tsp butter, and 2 TBS coconut or MCT oil, and drink this.
• Dinner – Salad at least 4 TBS of fatty salad dressing and/or cooked vegetables that grow above ground covered in at least 2 TBS butter.
• You can use heavy cream and fatty yogurt or cottage cheese at any meal.
The inductive phase should get you into producing large amounts of ketones within four to five days.
When you are making enough ketones, the Ketonix will flash red or ten flashes, and the Ketostix will show dark purple.
If you are not seeing these kinds of results, it means you are either cheating on your carbohydrate/meat intake, not eating enough fat, or both. Once you are making high amounts of ketones, you can add in meats, eggs, and cheese as follows:
• Breakfast – Eggs with 2 TBS butter, bacon or sausage, cheese, and vegetables (no root vegetables). Also, high-fat yogurt or cottage cheese. In a blender, blend 6 ounces of coffee with 1 TBS heavy cream, 1 tsp butter, and 2 TBS coconut oil, then drink.
• Snacks – Nuts and vegetables dipped in high-fat salad dressing.
• Lunch – Salad with meat, fish, and/or cheese, and a lot of high-fat salad dressing. In a blender, blend 6 ounces of coffee with 1 TBS heavy cream, 1 tsp butter, and 2 TBS coconut or MCT oil, then drink.
• Dinner – Meat, fish, or poultry with vegetables (no root vegetables) covered in 2 TBS butter, and a salad with a lot of high-fat dressing.
Not only will this diet help fight cancer, but it also supports weight control and speeds up your metabolism. For many people, it’s a great way to live a healthy, active life and stay strong.
Yours for better health,
Frank Shallenberger, MD