Am I a Candidate? - Studies Show Efficacy of Keto for Parkinson’s
Studies Show Efficacy of Keto for Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease results from the deterioration of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. The cause of this deterioration is not known. Early symptoms of Parkinson’s include shaking, rigid motions and moving slowly. Advanced symptoms can include difficulty walking, dementia, emotional problems and depression.

The drugs currently available to treat Parkinson’s disease lose their effectiveness over time and can cause undesirable side effects.

A small clinical study of seven volunteers with Parkinson’s agreed to maintain a Ketogenic Diet for one month. Five had improvement in their post-diet test scores. Although this study did not include a control group, it has brought attention to the potential role of Ketogenic Diet therapy in this disease.

Nutritionist Beth Zupec-Kania assisted an elderly man whose Parkinson’s disease had progressed and was no longer responding to medication. After two weeks on ketogenic therapy his wife reported “his night terrors and freezing have greatly abated”. Unfortunately, he found the diet too difficult and did not maintain it and his conditioned worsened.

Why would the Ketogenic Diet provide benefit in people with Parkinson’s? Scientist theorize possible ways that ketosis may be the answer. Ketone bodies may bypass the pathway in the brain that is disrupted and support other vital energy pathways. Ketone bodies been shown in animal studies to mend neurons. Ketogenic Diets have also been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the brain.

Ever since the Ketogenic Diet was established as a treatment for epilepsy, scientists have been delving deeper into its effect on the brain and how it may benefit other neurological conditions. The common denominator in these studies is the change in metabolism caused by ketosis.

Further research on ketogenic therapies is needed to advance this potentially beneficial therapy for Parkison’s disease.


What are the benefits of Ketosis?


Can a high fat diet be healthy?

According to David Diamond PhD, “Saturated fat does not clog the arteries: Coronary heart disease is a chronic condition, the risk of which can be effectively reduced from healthy lifestyle interventions. We have known for 150 years that a high carbohydrate diet contributes to fat in the blood and contributes to obesity.” He goes on to say, “the poor science that was used to support the idea that increased fat intake increases cholesterol and damages arteries was authored by Ancel Keys who had no background in nutrition, but did have a BA in Economics and a PhD in Fish Physiology.  Keys’ theory that fat in diet causes increased risk for high cholesterol and heart attack was based on extremely flawed science and “became dogma without ever being rigorously assessed.” “A generation of citizens has grown up since the Diet/Heart Hypothesis (of Ancel Keys) was launched as official dogma.  They have been led by the greatest scientific deception of our times: the notion that consumption of animal (saturated) fat causes heart disease.” George Mann MD, Nutrition Today, 1985.  “The belief that atherosclerosis is due to high cholesterol has been perpetuated by powerful forces using tactics to preserve the profits and reputations of those who promote them.” Paul Rosch M.D, Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal, 2008.  “The diet heart hypothesis is sustained by social, political and financial institutions which have little to do with science and established success in public health.”  Uffe Ravnskov MD PhD, 2008.

Ready to get started? Learn the basics…


What is ketosis?


How do I get into ketosis?




How long should I be on the diet?


Am I a candidate for the Ketogenic Diet?


Types of Ketogenic Diets


Getting Started

If you think you can benefit from adopting a Ketogenic Diet, we encourage you to consult one of our dietitians, visit a participating hospital, or contact us so that we may guide you towards the most fruitful option given your specific needs.


