Yes, All Vegan!!!
As many of you visitors may know, I have Prostate Cancer. Diagnosed back in 2010 with an agressive form (Gleason 4 + 4) I was given just 2-3 years to live. BUT, Now? I am alive and very well over 15 years later living at 78 on a Whole Food Plant Based Lifestyle, some supplements and exercise!
I am a member of many 'groups' on-line that address the issues faced by those with cancer or other lifestyle disease. You can't help but come across a 'KETO Doctor' or other extremist who wants you to go on a massive Carnivore KETO (Keytones) diet eating massive amounts of meat, fat and lord knows what other crap they suggest. I am NOT an advocate! <grin>!
Definition: The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate dietary therapy that in conventional medicine is used mainly to treat hard-to-control (refractory) epilepsy in children.
To achieve this Ketogenic State, you need to remove or greatly reduce most carbohydrate-rich foods from your diet. To put this into perspective, 1 slice (32 grams) of bread contains roughly 15 grams of carbs, while 1 cup (186 grams) of cooked rice contains around 53 grams of carbs. People may choose to follow a keto diet to lose weight, better manage their blood sugar levels, or reduce the incidence of epilepsy-related seizures, among other reasons. Because of the 'side effect' of weight loss it has been adopted by many to address obesity. For it's impact on insulin production, by others in the diabetic community; but those are Not the Only Side Effects!
Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-signs-and-symptoms-of-ketosis) define 'Ketosis' as "a metabolic state in which ketones become an important source of energy for the body and brain. It occurs when carb intake and insulin levels are low".
Some possible side effects of a Carnivore Keto Diet:
Bad breath Weight loss Reduced appetite Headache Nausea Brain fog Fatigue | Bad breath (“keto” breath). Constipation. Insomnia. Dehydration. Low bone density (osteopenia) and bone fractures. High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). Kidney stones. |
Alternatives:
As you can see, I am NOT exactly a fan of this 'Carinvore Keto Craze'. The 'side effects' are damned near deadly and possibly way worse than the disease or ailment that caused this desperation in the patient/individual. If a Ketogenic State is what is being sought, there Are Other Ways to achieve it besides the deadly Carnivore, high fat approach; Betcha you didn't know that huh?
After a bit of research, I found in intriguing interview between Dr. Peter McCullough, a noted cardiologist and Carnivore Keto advocate and Dr. Joel Kanh, another noted cardiologist expert but a 48 year old Vegan (Plant Based) advocate for treating the exact same diseases! Go Figure huh? This is a Really GOOD ONE:
The McCullough Report:
Vegan cardiologist fights back against the Keto-Carnivore Craze
https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/vegan-cardiologist-fights-back-against-the-keto/id1562849542?i=1000671349209. While both of these men are cardiologists, this cuts across all Nutritional Boundaries!
I continued my search and found this excellent guide: A Beginner’s Guide to Plant-Based Keto
https://www.amritahealthfoods.com/blogs/news/plant-based-keto-diet-guide. While not a strictly Vegan or Plant Based diet (contains eggs & fish) it is closer!
Then there was the terrific page by Diana Licalzi, a nationally-recognized Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, and holds her Master's in Nutrition Science & Policy from Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition. She writes about the impact a 'Vegan Keto' approach went: https://www.insidetracker.com/a/articles/vegan-keto-body-changes. I found her insights very informative!
I have previously quoted Healthline and they also have on focused in a 'Vegan Keto' approach to this diet: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegan-keto-diet#foods-to-eat. Overall, I found this article to be the most informative as to it's direct dietary contribution and information.
Conclusion:
Ok, I AM biased or I wouldn't have put up these 30+ web sites to offer insights to a Whole Food Plant Based Lifestylediet that my lovely wife and I have developed and written about. Yes, we would love to sell a few books; few seem interested in real health these days huh?
Anyway, while a Keto (Carnivore or Vegan) does have some benefits, the downside and possibly deadly side effects should cause consideration of an alternative. Yes, there IS an alternative as I have tried to show you above. A viet filled and Delicious Plant Based Lifestylediet is available and waiting with almost no restrictions (except for NO meat, fish, dairy, eggs or derivatives). Both diets don't want you messing with all the processed crap that pollutes and fills most of our grocery stores.
We have gotten on the #MAGA wagon and are working to help RFK Jr.'s efforts to promote a Healthier American Diet. I even set up a new web site just for that: https://maha.wf4hl.com/ Join us also on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/450055851467172
Well, I said what I need to say and can refer folks to this page when asked about KETO.