How does this diet work?
As introduced above, the brain uses carbohydrates (sugar/glucose) to function. When the amount of carbohydrate our body takes in is severely restricted, then the brain is forced to look for another source of fuel. When adequate carbohydrate is not available, the liver is forced to break down fat (that is being provided in high amounts on this diet) into other particles called ketones. The brain cells use these ketones for fueling purposes. In some patients ketones have a protective effect against seizures! To promote ketosis at all times, patients are required to follow a ratio, likely 3:1 or 4:1. This means that for every gram of carbohydrate or protein a patient eats, they must take in 3 to 4 times as much fat. All foods and most drinks much be weighed on a gram scale to ensure accuracy.