The keto diet, or ketogenic diet, was originally developed in the 1920s as a medical treatment for epilepsy, particularly for children who didn’t respond well to traditional anticonvulsant medications. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic discovered that fasting helped reduce the frequency of seizures in epilepsy patients. However, fasting wasn’t a sustainable long-term solution. To mimic the metabolic effects of fasting while allowing patients to continue eating, doctors devised a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates, which became known as the ketogenic diet.
The keto diet works by forcing the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. Under normal conditions, the body relies on carbohydrates as its primary source of energy, converting them into glucose. When carbohydrate intake is severely restricted, the body turns to fat for fuel instead. The liver breaks down fats into molecules called ketones, which provide energy, especially for the brain. This shift to fat-burning helps reduce abnormal electrical activity in the brain, thereby controlling seizures.
For decades, the keto diet remained a specialized therapy for epilepsy. However, in recent years, it has gained widespread attention for its weight loss and metabolic benefits. By promoting fat burning and keeping insulin levels low, the keto diet has shown promise in helping individuals lose weight rapidly, manage blood sugar levels, and improve insulin sensitivity.
Beyond epilepsy, research has explored the keto diet’s potential in managing other conditions such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer. Though its popularity has surged, the diet can be highly restrictive and may not suit everyone, especially without medical supervision.
In summary, the keto diet was developed as a therapeutic tool for epilepsy, and its principles—shifting the body to burn fat instead of carbs—have since been adapted for broader health goals, including weight management and metabolic improvement.