Origins of the Keto Diet

The keto diet, short for the ketogenic diet, has been around for nearly a century. It was originally developed in the 1920s by Dr. Russell Wilder at the Mayo Clinic as a treatment for epilepsy, particularly in children. The diet was designed to mimic the effects of fasting, which was known to reduce seizures in some people with epilepsy.

The keto diet works by forcing the body to enter a state of ketosis, in which it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This is achieved by drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat intake. The body then produces molecules called ketones, which are used for energy instead of glucose.

While the keto diet was originally developed as a medical treatment for epilepsy, it has gained popularity in recent years as a weight loss and overall health-promoting diet. Research has shown that the keto diet may have potential benefits for a variety of health conditions, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, certain neurological disorders, and cardiovascular health.

Exploring the Relationship between the Keto Diet and Blood Pressure

One of the health markers that people often focus on when following a keto diet is blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

Several studies have examined the effects of a keto diet on blood pressure. One study published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases found that a keto diet significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (the top number) in obese individuals with high blood pressure. Another study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension found that a keto diet led to a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) in overweight individuals with high blood pressure.

Resources for Keto Diet and Blood Pressure

The Ketogenic Diet and Blood Pressure – This article from Healthline provides an overview of the keto diet and its potential effects on blood pressure, among many other health benefits. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-low-carb-ketogenic-diets

The Effect of Ketogenic Diets on Blood Pressure and other Markers of Cardiovascular Health – This review article from the journal Current Hypertension Reports provides an in-depth look at the research on the effects of a keto diet on blood pressure and other cardiovascular markers. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452247/

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Dr. Kalaba is a chiropractor in Tucson, AZ, practicing gentle chiropractic care and providing health tips to help you live the best rest of your life.