112. Keto Nutrition for Health & Healing with Dr. Dominic D'Agostino

Disease Management

Dominic D'Agostino explains how ketones can be a powerful tool in managing diseases like cancer and epilepsy. He describes how the ketogenic diet deprives cancer cells of sugar, making them more vulnerable to treatments like chemotherapy. This approach not only protects healthy cells but also enhances the effectiveness of standard cancer treatments 1.

The ketogenic diet takes away the sugar, it decreases insulin, it decreases those growth factors, it makes it vulnerable because it doesn't have the sugar to then create the antioxidants to make it more protective.

--- Kelly LeVeque

Additionally, Dominic highlights the importance of monitoring ketone levels to achieve therapeutic benefits, particularly for conditions like seizures 2.

   

Performance Benefits

Ketones offer significant performance benefits, enhancing both physical and cognitive functions. Dominic shares that combining beta-hydroxybutyrate salts with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can improve endurance and reduce anxiety in animal models 3. This combination sustains ketosis for several hours, making it beneficial for both athletes and those with anxiety disorders.

When ketones are given to various rodent models, it decreases their fear response in a way that makes them also more social, less anxious, attenuates the fear response.

--- Dominic D'Agostino

He also notes that ketones are anti-catabolic, helping to preserve muscle mass during calorie deficits, which is crucial for maintaining metabolism and overall function 4.

   

Blood Glucose Regulation

Ketones play a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels, offering potential benefits for people with diabetes or metabolic disorders. Dominic explains that consuming ketones orally signals the liver to reduce glucose production, thereby lowering blood glucose levels 5. This effect is particularly beneficial for those experiencing post-meal glucose spikes.

If you have ketone salts prior to a meal or with a meal, it'll attenuate that spike in blood glucose and help normalize your blood glucose.

--- Dominic D'Agostino

Combining ketone salts with apple cider vinegar can further enhance this glucose-lowering effect, providing a practical tool for blood sugar management 6.