Ketogenic Diet Protocol

Category: technique

A high-fat, very-low-carbohydrate dietary intervention that shifts metabolism to ketosis, studied as adjunctive therapy for cancer and neurological diseases.

Mechanism Detail

Ketosis provides beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as an alternative fuel for neurons and a signaling molecule. BHB inhibits HDAC enzymes (epigenetic modulation), activates AMPK, and reduces mTOR signaling. In cancer, the Warburg effect makes tumor cells dependent on glucose, potentially vulnerable to carbohydrate restriction.

Clinical Status

Clinical trials for glioblastoma (adjunctive to standard therapy), Alzheimer's (BEAM trial), and ALS (feasibility studies). Generally safe with medical supervision.

Relevant Diseases

Relevant Therapies

Related Terms