Ketosis: What It Is, the Science Behind It, and When It Works Best
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Ketosis, Fasting, and Metabolic Flexibility
Ketosis has gained widespread attention for weight loss and metabolic health, but its true value lies in how it alters energy production at a cellular level. Understanding what ketosis is—and when it helps or harms—requires moving beyond diet trends and into metabolic physiology. This foundation allows ketosis to be used strategically rather than rigidly.
What Is Ketosis?
Ketosis is a natural metabolic state in which the body shifts from using glucose (sugar) as its main energy source to burning fat for fuel. When carbohydrate intake is low, the liver converts fatty acids into ketone bodies—primarily beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acetoacetate, and acetone—which become the body’s alternative energy source for the brain, muscles, and organs. (1)
This adaptation evolved to help humans thrive during fasting or food scarcity. Today, ketosis is harnessed therapeutically to improve metabolic health, brain function, inflammation, and longevity. (2)
For patients pursuing sustainable fat loss or improved insulin sensitivity, ketosis is often explored as part of a broader Weight Loss & Metabolic Health strategy rather than a standalone diet.
When used clinically, ketogenic or cyclical low-carbohydrate approaches are best guided through Functional & Integrative Medicine, where hormone balance, thyroid function, stress physiology, and metabolic flexibility are all considered together. In many cases, outcomes are further refined with data from Advanced Functional Lab Testing to ensure ketosis is supporting—rather than depleting—the individual.
Ketosis, Fasting, and Metabolic Flexibility
Fasting naturally induces ketosis by lowering glycogen and insulin, prompting the body to burn fat for energy. This metabolic shift is explored in more detail in Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You? A Safety-First Guide to Sustainable Weight Loss, where timing, stress load, and hormone balance determine whether fasting is supportive or depleting.
When paired with a clean, nutrient-dense ketogenic diet, fasting trains the body to become metabolically flexible—able to burn both fat and glucose efficiently.
Benefits of Fasting and Ketosis
Cellular Renewal (Autophagy)
Fasting triggers cleanup of damaged cells and proteins, enhancing longevity. (4)
Mitochondrial Efficiency
Ketosis boosts energy production and cellular resilience. (5)
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Lowers fasting insulin and stabilizes blood sugar. (6)
Hormone Regulation
Supports growth hormone and testosterone balance. (7)
Brain Health
Increases BDNF for neuroprotection and sharper cognition. (8)
Potential Downsides
Excess fasting can stress the adrenals and suppress thyroid function. (9)
Women often do best with cyclical fasting that honors hormonal rhythms.
Under-eating or long-term deep ketosis may cause fatigue or hormonal imbalance. (10)
As Dr. Paul Saladino and other functional medicine leaders note, the goal isn’t to stay in ketosis forever—it’s to achieve metabolic flexibility, the ability to switch fuel sources smoothly depending on your energy needs and environment.
The Benefits of Ketosis
Sharper Mental Clarity
Ketones burn cleaner than glucose, providing consistent mental focus and cognitive performance. (11)
Steady Energy
Eliminates sugar highs and crashes for sustained, stable energy throughout the day.
Better Blood Sugar Control
Reduces fasting glucose, A1c, and insulin resistance—powerful tools in reversing metabolic disease. (12)
Anti-Inflammatory and Longevity Support
Ketones act as signaling molecules that activate AMPK and Nrf2, pathways linked to detoxification and anti-aging. (13)
Neurological Protection
Used therapeutically for epilepsy, with emerging data supporting use in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis. (14)
→ Longevity & Mitochondrial Health
Keto Flu: Why It Happens and What It Really Means
During the first few days or weeks of starting a ketogenic diet, many people experience what’s commonly referred to as the “keto flu.” (15)
Symptoms can include:
Fatigue or low energy
Brain fog, mood swings, or irritability
Headaches or dizziness
Muscle cramps or palpitations
Nausea or sleep disruption
These symptoms occur as the body transitions from burning glucose to using fat and ketones for energy. When carbohydrates are suddenly restricted, insulin levels drop and the kidneys increase excretion of sodium, potassium, and magnesium—often leading to electrolyte depletion and dehydration. Combined with reduced glycogen stores, this shift can temporarily leave someone feeling sluggish or unwell.
Importantly, the “keto flu” is not a necessary or healthy part of metabolic adaptation. It usually indicates that the transition is too abrupt or too extreme—often lacking sufficient electrolytes, calories, or fat support. In functional medicine, this is interpreted as metabolic feedback, not failure.
Common Causes of a Difficult Transition
Overly rapid carbohydrate restriction without gradual fat adaptation
Electrolyte depletion from increased urination and sodium loss
Insufficient dietary fat—especially medium-chain fats—to adequately fuel mitochondria
Adrenal or thyroid stress from stacking fasting with aggressive low-carbohydrate intake
Overtraining, poor sleep, or chronic stress, which elevate cortisol and impair fat utilization
Because stress hormones and thyroid signaling play a central role in how the body adapts to ketosis, symptoms of the keto flu often overlap with patterns seen in Thyroid & Adrenal Health, especially when carbohydrate restriction is layered on top of high life or training stress.
How MCT and Coconut Oil Can Help Ease the Transition
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) — found abundantly in coconut oil — are unique fats that make the transition into ketosis far smoother and more sustainable.
Unlike long-chain fatty acids, which require bile acids, pancreatic enzymes, and the L-carnitine shuttle to enter the mitochondria for oxidation, MCTs completely bypass this transport system.
That difference is crucial: when you’re not yet fat-adapted, your mitochondria are inefficient at transporting long-chain fats across the mitochondrial membrane. This bottleneck — the carnitine shuttle — can lead to fatigue, sluggishness, and “keto flu” symptoms, since the body isn’t yet effective at producing ketones from stored fat. (16)
MCTs, however, skip this step entirely. They’re absorbed directly through the portal vein, delivered straight to the liver, and converted rapidly into ketone bodies — providing immediate energy for both brain and muscles. (17)
Benefits of MCT and Coconut Oil During Keto Adaptation
Immediate Energy Boost: MCTs are rapidly converted into ketones, offering instant cellular fuel even before full fat adaptation occurs.
Enhanced Brain Function: They provide an alternative energy source for neurons, improving focus and mental clarity during early ketosis.
Bypass Metabolic Bottlenecks: Because MCTs don’t need the carnitine shuttle, they deliver energy efficiently even when long-chain fat oxidation is sluggish.
Reduce Keto Flu Symptoms: By improving energy and fueling mitochondria, MCTs help minimize fatigue, brain fog, and electrolyte imbalances.
Train Fat Metabolism: Regular MCT intake helps upregulate mitochondrial enzymes and ease the transition into full fat-burning mode.
Clinical Tip:
Start slowly — 1 teaspoon of MCT oil once or twice daily (often in coffee or tea) — and gradually increase to 1–2 tablespoons as tolerated. Too much too quickly may cause loose stools or nausea. For sensitive individuals, virgin coconut oil offers a gentler start while still containing the key ketogenic fatty acids (C8 and C10).
Functional Insight:
MCTs act as “training wheels” for your mitochondria. By bypassing the carnitine shuttle, they bridge the energy gap between glucose dependence and full fat adaptation — helping you enter ketosis without crashing.
Functional Strategies to Prevent or Ease Keto Flu
Transition gradually: Lower carbs over 2–3 weeks while increasing clean fats (avocado, olive oil, coconut, MCTs).
Replenish minerals: Use quality salt or Quinton Isotonic/Hypertonic to maintain sodium and trace minerals.
Hydrate deeply: Aim for 3–4 liters of mineralized, filtered water per day to replace losses from increased urination.
Eat enough fat: Avoid going low-carb and low-fat simultaneously; mitochondria need fuel to adapt.
Support adrenals and thyroid: Prioritize rest, circadian rhythm, and adequate calories to prevent hormonal strain.
Monitoring Ketosis: Why Testing Matters
Tracking your ketone levels helps you understand how your body responds to diet and fasting. Not everyone enters or maintains ketosis at the same threshold — stress, sleep, and carb intake can all influence it.
Methods of Ketone Testing
Urine Strips: Inexpensive but unreliable once fat-adapted (measure acetoacetate, not BHB).
Breath Meters: Convenient but less precise.
Blood Monitors: The gold standard — measure beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the main circulating ketone.
For patients who want objective data rather than guesswork, blood ketone testing is often paired with Advanced Functional Lab Testing to assess metabolic trends alongside glucose, insulin, and stress markers.
Keto-Mojo: The Functional Medicine Favorite
At Denver Sports & Holistic Medicine, we commonly recommend Keto-Mojo as the most accurate and affordable at-home ketone and glucose monitor.
Why Keto-Mojo Stands Out
Dual Measurement: Tracks blood glucose and BHB, allowing calculation of the Glucose Ketone Index (GKI) — a powerful marker of metabolic health.
Clinical Accuracy: FDA-approved and validated in research.
Smart Integration: Syncs with the Keto-Mojo app, Apple Health, or Cronometer to trend your data.
Functional Use: Perfect for fasting, longevity, or metabolic protocols.
Affordable Strips: More cost-effective for long-term tracking.
Target Range:
Nutritional ketosis: 0.5–3.0 mmol/L BHB
Therapeutic ketosis (for specific medical protocols): 3–5 mmol/L BHB, under clinical supervision
Why the Keto Diet Can Backfire: Cortisol, Gluconeogenesis, and Blood Sugar Spikes
Low Carbohydrate Intake Triggers a Stress Response
When carbohydrate intake drops very low, the body perceives this as an energy deficit or starvation signal. In response, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activates — releasing cortisol and, to a lesser degree, adrenaline (epinephrine). These hormones are designed to mobilize stored energy to protect the brain and maintain blood sugar when food is scarce.
Cortisol maintains glucose levels during fasting or stress.
It does this by:
Stimulating gluconeogenesis— the production of new glucose in the liver from amino acids, glycerol (from fat breakdown), and lactate when glycogen stores run low.
Increasing lipolysis (fat breakdown)
Reducing glucose uptake in muscle to spare glucose for the brain
So even though you’re eating almost no carbs, cortisol can raise fasting blood sugar by pushing your liver to produce more glucose.
Gluconeogenesis Keeps Blood Sugar Elevated
In nutritional ketosis, moderate gluconeogenesis is normal and necessary. But if cortisol remains high due to chronic stress, fasting, or calorie restriction, this pathway becomes excessive.
That means:
Blood glucose stays elevated (often 90–110 mg/dL or higher)
Ketone production may stall despite low-carb intake
You feel tired, anxious, wired, or crave sugar — even when “in ketosis”
This is why some keto dieters see paradoxically higher fasting glucose despite perfect adherence. (18)
Chronic Cortisol Elevation Blocks Fat Adaptation
High cortisol also directly impairs mitochondrial efficiency.
Cortisol maintains glucose levels during fasting or stress. It does this by:
The body prioritizes glucose over fat as its emergency fuel
Insulin sensitivity worsens
Muscle protein is broken down for glucose production
Thyroid conversion (T4 → T3) slows, reducing metabolic rate
In essence, your physiology shifts from “fat-burning and repair” to “fight-or-flight survival.” (19,20)
Other Triggers That Exacerbate Cortisol on Keto
Overtraining while in deep ketosis (no glycogen = stress response)
Under-eating calories or protein (starvation signal)
Sleep deprivation or circadian disruption
Extended fasting without proper refeed days
Adrenal fatigue or pre-existing HPA axis dysfunction
These factors compound to elevate cortisol, which then drives morning blood sugar spikes and even insulin resistance over time — the opposite of what keto is meant to achieve.
How to Fix It: Functional Medicine Strategies
To avoid the cortisol–glucose rebound, balance is key:
Add Strategic Carbohydrate Refeeds
Include 1–2 carb-containing meals per week (root vegetables, fruit, squash) to reset leptin, thyroid, and glycogen stores.
Prioritize Sleep & Stress Reduction
Poor sleep can raise cortisol by 30–40% and negate the metabolic benefits of ketosis.
Use breathwork, meditation, acupuncture, or adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil).Support Adrenals and Electrolytes
Use mineral-rich sea salt, magnesium, and potassium (Quinton or trace minerals) to stabilize blood sugar and stress response.
Track Your Pattern
Use Keto-Mojo or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to see how stress, sleep, or fasting affect your blood sugar. You’ll often see morning glucose spikes that mirror cortisol rhythms (the “dawn phenomenon”).
Personalize Your Approach
For patients with adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues, or chronic stress, a cyclical keto or low-carb Mediterranean approach is safer and more sustainable.
Key Clinical Insight
“If your blood sugar rises on keto, it’s not always the food — it’s often the stress chemistry.”
The solution isn’t stricter carb restriction; it’s restoring metabolic balance and resilience to stress.
Keto and Cancer: Supporting the Metabolic Terrain
One of the most compelling therapeutic applications of ketosis is in the realm of cancer metabolism. This concept is explored more deeply in How Metabolic Health Shapes Cancer Prevention and Treatment, which examines how targeting glucose dependence, insulin signaling, and mitochondrial dysfunction may help support conventional cancer therapies.
Emerging research supports what functional medicine and metabolic oncology have long suggested — that cancer is not just a genetic disease, but also a metabolic one, driven by impaired mitochondrial function and altered glucose metabolism.
The Metabolic Theory of Cancer
Healthy cells can flexibly burn both glucose and fat for fuel.
Cancer cells, however, are often locked into aerobic glycolysis (the “ Warburg Effect”) — meaning they rely almost exclusively on glucose and glutamine to generate energy, even when oxygen is available.
By reducing glucose availability through ketosis, we can target a metabolic vulnerability in cancer cells while nourishing healthy cells with ketones, which they can use efficiently for ATP production and repair. (21,22,23)
In simple terms: Ketosis may help starve cancer cells of their preferred fuel while strengthening the mitochondria of healthy cells.
Potential Benefits of a Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet
Reduces circulating glucose and insulin, which can lower growth signals like IGF-1 that promote tumor proliferation. (24)
Enhances mitochondrial resilience and reduces oxidative stress in healthy cells. (25)
May increase the effectiveness of conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation, by sensitizing cancer cells to oxidative damage. (26)
Improves energy, mood, and weight stability in patients undergoing treatment.
Clinical Insights: Not a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
While ketogenic therapy shows promise as an adjunct in cancer care, it must be personalized and medically supervised.
Certain patients — particularly those with adrenal fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, or cachexia (weight loss due to cancer) — may not tolerate deep ketosis well.
A modified or cyclical ketogenic diet, with strategic carbohydrate and protein adjustments, often achieves better long-term balance.
At Denver Sports & Holistic Medicine, we use functional lab testing, nutritional genomics, and metabolic assessments to tailor each plan — ensuring mitochondrial support, detoxification, and hormone stability alongside therapeutic ketosis.
Cautions and Considerations
Avoid extreme calorie restriction or fasting without medical guidance during active cancer treatment.
Ensure adequate micronutrient and antioxidant support (magnesium, selenium, zinc, B-vitamins, CoQ10).
Pair ketosis with gentle detoxification and mitochondrial support (NAD precursors, PQQ, sulforaphane, or Quicksilver AMPK+ Charge).
Monitor progress through labs, Keto-Mojo tracking, and clinician oversight.
Key Takeaway
Ketosis isn’t a cancer cure — but it’s a powerful metabolic tool that can shift the body’s terrain toward healing and resilience.
When guided by a practitioner trained in metabolic medicine, the ketogenic diet can complement conventional care, reduce side effects, and improve quality of life.
Paul Saladino’s Animal-Based Perspective
Dr. Paul Saladino, once a strict carnivore advocate, now emphasizes metabolic cycling — alternating between fat- and carb-based metabolism to support hormone and thyroid balance. His philosophy:
“Ketosis is a tool, not a prison. Flexibility is health.”
He encourages seasonal inclusion of clean carbohydrates (like raw honey and fruit) to mirror ancestral rhythms — promoting thyroid function, glycogen balance, and circadian health. (18)
Who Should Consider Ketosis or Fasting?
May be beneficial for individuals with:
Insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes
Neurological conditions or age-related cognitive decline
Chronic inflammation, autoimmune activity, or mitochondrial dysfunction
Weight loss goals or longevity-focused metabolic protocols
Use caution or individualized guidance if you have:
Adrenal dysfunction or thyroid disorders
Low body weight, high training demands, or athletic energy requirements
Pregnancy or are breastfeeding
Functional Medicine Perspective
At Denver Sports & Holistic Medicine, we view ketosis, fasting, and ketone monitoring as part of a precision metabolic strategy — tailored to each person’s unique physiology, hormones, and stress response.
Through advanced lab testing (glucose, insulin, thyroid, cortisol, and mitochondrial markers) and real-time tracking, we help patients achieve fat adaptation, metabolic flexibility, and sustainable energy — without deprivation or burnout.
Key Takeaway
Ketosis and fasting are powerful metabolic therapies when personalized and cycled intelligently. They can enhance mental clarity, energy, and longevity — but the key is balance and support.
Use ketosis to heal — and metabolic flexibility to thrive.
Next Step
Ketosis and fasting work best when personalized to hormones, stress physiology, thyroid function, and metabolic markers rather than applied as a one-size-fits-all diet.
→ Functional & Integrative Medicine
Request a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Martina Sturm at Denver Sports & Holistic Medicine to begin restoring balance, energy, and resilience from the inside out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketosis & Fasting
If you’re considering a ketogenic or fasting approach, it’s natural to have questions about safety, duration, and long-term impact. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear at Denver Sports & Holistic Medicine from patients exploring ketosis for energy, weight loss, or metabolic health.
These FAQs combine functional medicine insight with evidence-based research to help you apply ketosis safely, avoid common pitfalls like the “keto flu,” and understand when it’s time to transition back toward metabolic flexibility—the ability to burn both fat and carbohydrates efficiently.
What is ketosis, and how does it work?
Ketosis is a natural metabolic state in which your body burns fat instead of glucose for energy. When carbohydrates are restricted, the liver produces ketones (beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, and acetone), which fuel the brain and muscles efficiently while reducing inflammation and stabilizing blood sugar.
What causes the “keto flu”?
The keto flu occurs when the body transitions too quickly into ketosis, leading to electrolyte loss, dehydration, and low energy. Common symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, and muscle cramps. It’s usually a sign that carbohydrate restriction was too abrupt or that fat intake and mineral support are inadequate.
How can I prevent or fix the keto flu?
Transition gradually over 2–3 weeks, increase electrolyte intake (especially sodium, magnesium, and potassium), and include MCT or coconut oil to provide fast fuel while your body adapts. MCTs bypass the L-carnitine shuttle, providing immediate ketone energy and easing the adjustment phase.
What makes MCT oil different from other fats?
Unlike long-chain fats, MCTs don’t require bile acids or the carnitine shuttle to enter mitochondria. They’re absorbed directly through the portal vein and rapidly converted into ketones by the liver, providing a quick, clean energy source that supports brain and metabolic function.
How do I know if I’m in ketosis?
Ketone levels can be measured using urine strips, breath meters, or blood testing. The most accurate method is blood testing for beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). At Denver Sports & Holistic Medicine, we often recommend blood-based tracking for precise insight into metabolic trends.
How long should I stay in ketosis?
Ketosis isn’t meant to be permanent for everyone. Short cycles (typically 2–8 weeks) can help reset metabolism, but remaining in deep ketosis long term may negatively affect thyroid and hormone balance. Cycling between fat- and carbohydrate-based metabolism is often more supportive of long-term metabolic flexibility.
Who should avoid or modify the ketogenic diet?
Individuals with adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, or chronic stress often require a more moderate or cyclical approach. In functional medicine, ketosis is personalized using lab data, hormone patterns, and metabolic resilience rather than applied rigidly.
What’s the ideal ketone range for health benefits?
For most people, nutritional ketosis begins around 0.5 mmol/L and provides benefits up to approximately 2–3 mmol/L of BHB. Therapeutic ketosis—used in specific neurological or cancer-related protocols—may range from 3–5 mmol/L and should be done under clinical supervision.
What foods support healthy ketosis?
A well-formulated ketogenic diet emphasizes whole-food fats (avocados, olive oil, coconut), pasture-raised eggs, grass-fed meats, clean proteins, and low-starch vegetables. Highly processed “keto” snacks with seed oils or sugar alcohols should be avoided, as they can increase inflammation and disrupt gut balance.
How long can a ketogenic diet be done safely?
The ideal duration depends on your goals, health status, and hormone balance. For most individuals, short to moderate cycles (4–12 weeks) are safe and effective for improving insulin sensitivity, fat loss, and inflammation.
Long-term strict ketosis may lower thyroid hormone (T3), reduce leptin, and raise cortisol—especially in women, athletes, or those under stress. This is why cyclical or targeted keto approaches tend to be safer and more sustainable.
At Denver Sports & Holistic Medicine, we personalize duration and cycling using lab testing, including thyroid, insulin, cortisol, and nutrient markers.
What are signs it may be time to come out of ketosis?
If ketosis feels depleting rather than energizing, it may be time to reintroduce carbohydrates. Common signs include fatigue, poor sleep, cold intolerance, menstrual irregularities, irritability, or stalled weight loss.
These signals often indicate a need for carbohydrate support to restore thyroid function, leptin signaling, and glycogen stores. Strategic refeeding with nutrient-dense carbohydrates can improve metabolism, mood, and resilience.
Why does blood sugar sometimes rise on keto despite very low carb intake?
This paradox is often driven by stress physiology rather than carbohydrate intake. Excessive carb restriction or prolonged fasting can increase cortisol, which signals the liver to produce glucose through gluconeogenesis.
In functional medicine, the solution is not further restriction but restoring balance through improved sleep, stress reduction, strategic carb refeeds, and adequate fuel to stabilize cortisol and blood sugar naturally.
FAQ Summary
A ketogenic diet can be a powerful therapeutic tool when applied intentionally and personalized to your body’s needs. Whether ketosis is used for insulin resistance, inflammation, brain health, or performance, the key is balance, monitoring, and strategic cycling.
At Denver Sports & Holistic Medicine, we help patients determine:
How long ketosis is appropriate for their goals
When and how to reintroduce healthy carbohydrates
How to track progress using ketones and glucose
How to support thyroid, adrenal, and mitochondrial health throughout the process
If you’re ready to explore personalized nutrition and metabolic testing, scheduling a consultation can help you design a sustainable path toward long-term energy and metabolic resilience.
Resources
ScienceDirect – The Effects of Ketone Bodies in Pathological Conditions: Ketosis, Ketogenic Diet, Redox States, Insulin Resistance, and Mitochondrial Metabolism
PubMed – The Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet Versus a Low-Glycemic Index Diet on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed – Fasting, Circadian Rhythms, and Time-Restricted Feeding in Healthy Lifespan
PMC – The Impact of Diet Upon Mitochondrial Physiology (Review)
PMC – The Effects of Ketogenic Diet on Insulin Sensitivity and Weight Loss: Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?
PubMed – Ketogenic State Improves Testosterone Serum Levels: Results from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
PubMed – The Ketogenic Diet as a Treatment Paradigm for Diverse Neurological Disorders
PMC – The Influence of Extended Fasting on Thyroid Hormone: Local and Differentiated Regulatory Mechanisms
Journal Article – Effects of Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet on the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis and Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System
PubMed – Ketone Bodies as Signaling Metabolites
PubMed – Beyond Weight Loss: A Review of the Therapeutic Uses of Very-Low-Carbohydrate (Ketogenic) Diets
PMC – Key Signaling Pathways in Aging and Potential Interventions for Healthy Aging
PMC – The Therapeutic Role of Ketogenic Diet in Neurological Disorders
Journal Article – The Ketogenic Diet: Evidence for Optimism but High-Quality Research Needed
PubMed – Medium-Chain Triglycerides: An Update
PubMed – Short- and Medium-Chain Fatty Acids in Energy Metabolism: The Cellular Perspective
PubMed – Medium-Chain Triglycerides Are Advantageous in Promoting Weight Loss Although Not Beneficial to Exercise Performance
Journal Article – New Insights into the Utilization of Medium-Chain Triglycerides by the Neonate: Observations from a Piglet Model
PubMed – Fuel Metabolism in Starvation
PubMed – Stress Hormones: Physiological Stress and Regulation of Metabolism
Journal Article – Hormonal Exercise Response Model (HERM): A Conceptual Framework of Endocrine Reactivity to the Physical Stress of Exercise
PubMed – Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: Implications for Novel Therapeutics
Journal Article – Targeting Insulin Inhibition as a Metabolic Therapy in Advanced Cancer: A Pilot Safety Study
PubMed – Beneficial Effects of Ketogenic Diets for Cancer Patients: A Realist Review with Focus on Evidence and Confirmation
PubMed – Effect of Ketogenic Diets on Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1) in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
PMC – Ketogenic Diet Decreases Oxidative Stress and Improves Mitochondrial Respiratory Complex Activity
PMC – Ketogenic Diets as an Adjuvant Cancer Therapy: History and Potential Mechanisms
Podcast / Interview – Why Paul Saladino, MD Quit a 100% Carnivore Diet: Impacts of Cholesterol and the Value of Insulin