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If losing weightor just eating healthyis on your list of New Years resolutions, youre likely thinking about diet plans and how to pick the right one for your goals. And its probably giving you a headache.

With so many different diets and eating philosophies out there, it can be hard to cut through the hype and figure out what will actually work. But dont throw in the towel just yet: U.S. News & World Report has released its annual Best Diets guide. Based on exhaustive research and feedback from a panel of experts on 35 diet plans, the guide named the Mediterranean diet the best overall diet (for the third year in a row), and named top meal plans in eight other categories as well.

The fundamentals of sustainable, healthful eating do not change every year, David L. Katz, one of the experts who helped compile the report, said in a press release, but the ways to get there, the range of variants on that common theme, and the most current evidence all do.

In addition to being named the best overall, the Mediterranean diet nabbed top honors in four other categories as well: best diet for healthy eating (for plans that hit all the major nutrients and provide sufficient calories), easiest diet to follow, best diet for diabetes, and best plant-based diet. Compared to other diets, the Mediterranean diet is less restrictive and includes a wide range of healthy foods like olive oil, fruits and veggies, nuts and legumes, whole grains, and moderate amounts of fresh fish and red wine. Experts note that well balanced, less restrictive meal plans are the best way to create lasting results. If your diet gives you some freedom in what you can put on your plate, youre more likely to stick with it long-term.

The Weight Watchers diet was another top performer. It received the top ranking in the best commercial diet (plans that require a fee or use branded food products) and the best weight-loss diets categories. The HMR diet took top honors in the fast weight loss category, which ranks diets that can help you drop pounds in 12 months or less, and the DASH diet tied with the flexitarian diet as the second best diet overall.

The popular ketogenic diet tied for third in the fast weight loss category, but otherwise, keto didnt fare very well in the report: Overall, it was ranked second to last out of the 35 plans. The reason? Experts say keto is too restrictive and is difficult to sustain over a long period of time.

Creating the rankings was an exhaustive process. First, U.S. News staff pored over available research on the 35 diet plans, including published studies in medical journals and government reports. Based on this data, they created profiles for each diet that summarized how the diet works, assessed possible health risks, and outlined what its like to eat under each diets restrictions.

From there, the profiles went to a panel of 25 health experts who reviewed the data and rated each diet in seven categories: how easy it is to follow, ability to drive short- and long-term weight loss, nutritional completeness, safety, and ability to prevent or manage diabetes and heart disease. The panelists also gave feedback on which diets they thought were standoutsgood and bad. Finally, each diet received a score, which was used to rank them across all nine categories, from best overall to best for diabetes.

Want to find out which plan is right for you? Check out the full list of rankings at U.S. News & World Report, and get ready to nail those New Years resolutions.

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The Best Diets of 2020 for Weight Loss and Long-Term Health, Ranked - Men's Journal

Adrienne Bailon-Houghton has shared much of her personal life and struggles with the utmost honesty as a co-host on the FOX daytime talk show The Real. Viewers have participated in her journey in love from her ending an engagement with a long term boyfriend to her marrying the man of her dreams when she wed Israel Houghton shes held very little back. The former Cheetah Girl recently opened up about her weight loss journey.

Bailon-Houghton initially told Hola! that she decided to make the switch to become vegan out of a desire to prepare her body to carry a child. Though that may have been part of it, she revealed in a recent video on her YouTube channel that insecurities related to her weight gain and negative comments on social media caused her to take her health more seriously.

On a vlog posted to her YouTube channel Absolutely Adrienne, Bailon-Houghton said that she first dedicated herself to getting healthy this past summer. After spending years dieting on and off but always managing to gain the weight back, she made the decision to change her overall lifestyle and not take up another fad diet. Becoming vegan was her method to transition into healthier practices.

One of the first things she did was cut out bread and pasta. I recognize that it makes me feel sluggish, she said. It fills me up very quickly but it has no nutrients. And I recognized there were other alternatives that I have found to love just as much.

Ezekiel bread and rice cakes became a go-to alternative for her. She also loves popcorn, lentil soup and commits to drinking a gallon of water a day.

Bailon-Houghton says that she was able to stick to her changes with the support of her husband and by keeping up with both positive and negative comments as she went through the process.

Bailon-Houghton said that there were two things that made her want to adopt a healthier eating lifestyle. Shed gained a significant amount of weight over the past few years and began to have self-esteem issues. On top of her own personal desire to shed the pounds, criticism from fans didnt help. She noticed a lot of nasty comments about her weight gain online.

You guys have also inspired me in a major way, some in good ways, and some in bad ways. Some of your comments that were like, why does she have seven chins, she said. Or why does she look a certain way, that was something that I turned into fuel to be the best version of myself.

This wasnt her first experience with dealing with negative comments about her weight. In 2018 vlog, she opened up about how those remarks made her feel.

If Im honest, my weight gain in the last few years has been like a struggle for me where Im like, I never looked at myself as being overweight, she said. And it was weird to hear so many comments at one point that I was fat, and Oh my God, she let herself go! I was like, Whoa. So that was a little bit weird.

Bailon-Houghton lost weight once before for her wedding to haughtiness. Shes confidentthat this time, the weight will stay off due to her complete lifestyle change. She shares tips on her YouTube channel from time to time and also keeps her fans updated via her Instagram account.

The rest is here:
'The Real's' Host, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Reveals What Inspired Her Weight Loss - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

The experts have spoken and eaten.

U.S. News and World Report on Thursday released its annual ranking from 1 to 35 of the worlds best (and, yes, worst) diets for 2020. A team of 25 panelists of nationally recognized professionals in diet, nutrition, obesity, food psychology, diabetes and heart disease named the Mediterranean diet as the No. 1 diet for 2020 based on seven criteria: short-term weight loss, long-term weight loss, effectiveness for cardiovascular disease prevention, effectiveness for preventing diabetes, ease of compliance, nutritional completeness and health risks.

The Mediterranean diet focuses on olive oil rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein like fish and chicken, with the occasional piece of red meat.

Its generally accepted that the folks in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea live longer and suffer less than most Americans from cancer and cardiovascular ailments, U.S. News and World Report said. The not-so-surprising secret is an active lifestyle, weight control, and a diet low in red meat, sugar and saturated fat and high in produce, nuts and other healthful foods.

The Mediterranean diet may also help with heart and brain health and cancer prevention, the report added. By following the Mediterranean Diet, you could also keep that weight off while avoiding chronic disease. There isnt a Mediterranean diet. Greeks eat differently from Italians, who eat differently from the French and Spanish. But they share many of the same principles.

The diet also emphasizes beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and flavorful herbs and spices, as well as cheese and yogurt in moderation and a glass of red wine in moderation.

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It narrowly beat out the Dash diet, which recommends fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy products, while reducing salt, red meat, sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages. It is very similar to the Mediterranean diet, but recommends cutting out two more things: full cream (in favor of low-fat dairy products) and alcoholic beverages. Dietitians also advise against snacking and takeouts, and 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week such was walking, Jazzercise, gardening or Pilates.

Last on the ranking, according to U.S. News and World Report: the Dukan diet, which focuses on protein instead of calorie counting. Its a weight-loss powerhouse its filling, takes time and work to digest, and has very few calories for each gram of food compared to carb-heavy foods. Limiting carbohydrates forces the body to burn stored fat.

By following the Dukan Diet, its claimed you can lose up to 10 pounds within the first week and continue to lose 2 to 4 pounds a week after that until youve reached your goal, the report said. People on the Dukan diet lost, on average, more than 15 pounds after the diets two action-based phases attack (pure protein) and cruise (vegetables on selected days) according to a 2010 online survey.

But the experts also listed downsides: Prepare for lots of rules. All four phases of the Dukan Diet named after French physician Pierre Dukan are heavy on dos and donts, and even the slightest slip-up is considered destructive. The U.S. News & World Report also said this diet could fall short nutritionally.

Dukan was not immediately available for comment.

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A panel of 25 medical and health professionals name the best diet for 2020 (and the worst) - MarketWatch

LINCOLN, Neb. You hear it every year. New Year, new me but according to U.S. News and World Report 80 percent of people give up on those goals by mid-February.

Dieting and exercise changes usually top the list of resolutions but keeping expectations and goals realistic and more importantly healthy can be tricky.

In January fad diets, quick fixes and unrealistic weight loss trends pop up.

Some of them have a place in weight loss, said Darci McMurray. As far as long-term changes and commitments sometimes those dont always hold true.

McMurray is the Nutritional and Dining Services Manager at Bryan Health. She says starting with realistic goals is the best way to approach a New Year dietary change.

Its not just diet and food and what you eat, said McMurray. Its also exercise, your blood pressure, how does all of that play a part. Maybe eating the same foods just modifying the way you prepare it.

McMurray says the implementation of apps that track nutrition and fitness are a great tool and while calorie intake levels are important its not what you should base your whole diet around.

Calories are important but theyre not the whole picture, said McMurray. If you take too much fat out of certain foods it doesnt stay with you as long, so making sure you choose a food with healthier fats in it.

McMurray also says its never too early to start having conversations about healthy dieting habits with kids or teens but the emphasis on New Years means continuing to present healthy options instead of trends they may be seeing online or elsewhere.

Parents are the best example to their children said McMurray. Making the parents follow those types of behavior changes and diet changes for themselves before trying to implement for a child.

McMurray says keeping healthy eating habits after January is easier if you do it as a family or a pair because you have someone to keep you accountable.

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Dietitian breaks down New Year's dieting do's and don'ts - 1011now

Zack, a 30-pound rescue cat who has already won over plenty of fans on Twitter, is about to have the purr-fect start to his new year.

The chunky feline was adopted from the Michigan Humane Society on Thursday after a few adorable photos of Zack tipping the scales were shared on social media earlier this week.

The Michigan Humane Society, which posted about the "absolute unit of a cat" on Twitter, told TODAY on Thursday that Zack had found his fur-ever home.

Trending stories,celebrity news and all the best of TODAY.

Anna Chrisman, spokeswoman for the Michigan Humane Society, told TODAY earlier this week that it was very important Zack finds an owner who can help him lose some weight.

"Were looking for a home that understands how important it will be for Zack to lose this weight. Just like people, the excess weight can have long-term negative effects on his health," she said.

Zack will be on a prescription diet designed for weight loss, which is why his new owner will have to make sure to help him exercise and provide plenty of opportunities for play, Chrisman said. Regular veterinarian check-ins will also be crucial, Chrisman said, and his new family might have to do a few extra tasks to keep him healthy and happy.

"As a side effect to his size, Zack also has trouble grooming himself, so he will need an adopter who doesnt mind bonding with him over brushing," Chrisman explained.

Zack came to the Michigan Humane Society after his previous family "had a significant change in their lives" and could no longer give him the care he needed, Chrisman said. Before he was adopted, the shelter shared some hilariously captioned photos of Zack, joking about his weight loss and New Year's resolutions.

While the society was unable to provide more details about his adoption, Chrisman had told TODAY about the kind of environment Zack would do best in.

"Zack has previously lived with both other cats and children," she said. While he's comfortable with cats and kids, he'd prefer to live in a home without dogs. "He enjoys pets and interacting with humans, but can be a little sensitive to having his tail and hindquarters touched."

Zack should take comfort in knowing that he's not alone on his weight loss journey. Last April, Barsik, a 41-pound shelter cat, was taken in by a foster parent who has been dedicated to helping the cat slim down while keeping his fans updated via Instagram. In 2018, a 29-pound cat in California was taken in by the Pasadena Humane Society and quickly found a loving family to care for him.

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Zack the 30-pound rescue cat will lose some weight in 2020 - Today.com

As the incidence of diabetes continues to increase globally, the fight against this chronic condition continues. New research explains not only what triggers type 2 diabetes but also how to reverse the condition. The findings also shed light on what leads to remission after reversal for some people.

Between 1980 and 2014, the number of people living with diabetes across the world increased from about 108 million to 422 million.

As many as 90% of these individuals have type 2 diabetes.

Pharmacological interventions have done little to stop what some have referred to as the diabetes pandemic.

Lifestyle interventions, however, may succeed where other approaches have failed.

A couple of years ago, Medical News Todayreported on the first results of a clinical trial, which showed that intensive weight loss programs could help people with type 2 diabetes achieve remission without taking any medication.

The trail was called the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT), and one of its co-leaders was Prof. Roy Taylor from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom.

But how does this remission occur, and can it last in the long term? Why do some people achieve lasting remission while for others, the condition returns?

Prof. Taylor set out with his team to answer these questions, using data from the DiRECT trial and applying cutting-edge imaging and blood monitoring techniques.

The researchers published their findings in the journal Cell Metabolism.

The study aimed to test and confirm the so-called twin cycle hypothesis, which Prof. Taylor and team put forth more than a decade ago.

The theory proposed that type 2 diabetes results from the accumulation of fat in the liver, which induces insulin resistance and increases blood sugar production.

These effects, in turn, increase plasma insulin levels, precipitating "a self-reinforcing cycle" in which insulin stimulates fat production.

These increased levels of liver fat cause the lipids to overspill into several tissues, including the pancreas.

Beta-cells, which are responsible for creating insulin, are located in the pancreas. "Long-term exposure to saturated fatty acids is harmful to [beta]-cells," write the authors.

In the present study, the authors investigated the predictions of the twin cycle hypothesis 2 years into the DiRECT trial.

The researchers wanted to "describe the pathophysiologic processes underlying the recurrence of type 2 diabetes in the group that initially achieved remission but then relapsed back to diabetes."

To this end, the researchers quantified intra-organ and abdominal fat using cutting-edge MRI scans at 12 and 24 months. They looked at pancreatic and liver fat, specifically.

The analysis included measurements of glucose, HbA1c, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. The team also analyzed fatty acids, insulin secretion, and beta-cell function.

The study revealed that the majority of the trial participants maintained remission over the 2 years but that this was only possible if liver triglycerides and fat in the pancreas remained low.

Specifically, almost 9 out of 10 participants who managed to lose 15 kilograms or more in the DiRECT trial reversed their condition.

After 2 years, more than one-third of these individuals had been free of diabetes and the need for diabetes medication for at least 24 months.

A small group, however, experienced relapse, which was associated with a return to high liver triglycerides and high intrapancreatic fat levels.

Prof. Taylor explains: "We saw that when a person accumulates too much fat, which should be stored under the skin, then it has to go elsewhere in the body. The amount that can be stored under the skin varies from person to person, indicating a 'personal fat threshold' above which fat can cause mischief."

"When fat cannot be safely stored under the skin, it is then stored inside the liver and overspills to the rest of the body, including the pancreas. This 'clogs up' the pancreas, switching off the genes [that] direct how insulin should effectively be produced, and this causes type 2 diabetes."

Prof. Roy Taylor

"This means we can now see type 2 diabetes as a simple condition where the individual has accumulated more fat than they can cope with," continues the author, stressing the hopeful implications of this finding.

"Importantly, this means that through diet and persistence, patients are able to lose the fat and potentially reverse their diabetes. The sooner this is done after diagnosis, the more likely it is that remission can be achieved."

"For the first time," conclude Prof. Taylor and team in their paper, "we are able to report the underlying physiologic changes during a full cycle of disease reversal and re-emergence."

In the U.K., the National Health Service (NHS) will roll out a program that will test the weight loss therapy in thousands of people living with type 2 diabetes.

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Study reveals what causes type 2 diabetes and how to reverse it - Medical News Today

I have always struggled with my weight. In high school, I weighed 150 pounds. I got married at 22 years old and had two babies before I turned 30. With each pregnancy, I gained another 20 pounds.

Over the next several years, I tried various weight loss programs. They almost always led to short-term success, but Id eventually fall off the wagon and pack the pounds back onplus more. By the time I turned 38, I weighed 220 pounds. That year, I was blessed enough to get pregnant with my son. I used that excuse to eat anything and everything. With every single meal, Id have a glass of chocolate milk. I also ate a hot fudge sundae with peanuts at least once a day.

By 39, I had three kids and was starting a new job as an assistant principal at an elementary school. I was juggling responsibilities at work and at home. It felt like I was in constant survival mode and fast food became my best friend. Health was just not a priority.

Courtesy of Cindy Seder

It wasnt long before I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, which caused extreme swelling in my hands and feet. I had to go on several different medications to control it. My doctor was concerned and had several conversations with me about the impact my weight was having on my health. He warned me that diabetes would be my next diagnosis if I didnt do something to shed the extra weight I was carrying. I wish I could say that these conversations resonated with mebut they didnt. Instead, I continued to pop the pills and survive on fried food, tons of carbs, and sweet tea.

My turning point came when two of my closest friends, Heather and Loretta, started their own weight loss journeys. One evening, we went to dinner and took a photo to commemorate our night together. When it was posted on Facebook, I was in shock and so ashamed of what I saw. I felt mortified that this photo of me was out there for anyone to see. I couldnt believe I had let myself get to that point. Right then, I decided to take control of my health.

I still remember the date. It was August 1, 2017, and I made two long-term goals. The first was to get off my blood pressure medication. The second was to lose 100 pounds by July 16, 2018my 50th birthday.

I decided to start slow and steady with small food changes. In the past, I always went to extremes and the results never lasted. This time, I wanted to make small changes I could maintain. First up? My sweet tea addiction. I knew I wouldnt be able to stop cold turkey. Instead, I started to get half sweet and half unsweetened tea. Gradually, I worked my way to only unsweetened tea and then started replacing it with water. During this time, I also shifted the way I took my coffee. First, I cut out the sugar and only used creamer. Then, I started substituting unsweetened vanilla almond milk for the creamer. Now, I drink my coffee black.

These little tweaks helped me prove to myself that I could incorporate change.

Of course, I had to make much bigger changesbut these little tweaks helped me prove to myself that I could incorporate change. My next step was major. I cut out all white carbohydrates (rice, bread, pasta) and all sugary foods. No more hot fudge sundaes for me! Again, I did everything graduallybut the pounds started coming off.

Ultimately, what I had to change was my emotional relationship with food. If I was sad, I didnt want food to be the first thing I turned to. One of the things that helped me change this was really focusing on what I like to eat. I started exploring and looking for healthy foods that I enjoy and love. That way, when I am tempted to reach for something, I can pick food that I actually enjoy but that also nourishes my body. And because I was enjoying whatever I reached for, it no longer felt like I was depriving myself when I skipped over things like pizza and ice cream.

Now, my diet is pretty healthy. Heres what an average day looks like:

Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs with chopped onion and green or red pepper

10 a.m. snack: 1 banana

Lunch: plain Greek yogurt, a few sliced strawberries, cup of blueberries, and a few tablespoons of sliced almonds

2 p.m. snack: 1 cup of pretzels

Dinner: grilled shrimp, roasted asparagus, and sweet potato

Dessert: 1 apple, sliced thinly

Once I got the hang of the food thing, I started exercising. I began with walking. My goal was to finish the 2-mile path near my home. Over time, I have been able to increase my speed and distance. Now, Ive even have participated in a few 5Ks and 10Ks. Ive also joined a gym, but walking remains my favorite form of exercise. I love the fresh air!

A year after I started my weight loss journey, I was able to stop taking my blood pressure medication. It was such a victory. In total, Ive lost 89 poundsand I am so proud of myself.

Ive been reflecting on what helped me succeed this time when Ive had so many other failed attempts. I believe that its because I now give myself time every single day. Before, when life got hectic, I let taking care of myself fall to the bottom of the list. Not anymore. Now, I make time every single day to reflect, revise, and implement the four Msmindset, menu, movement, and motivation. I take time to check in and make sure my mindset is still feeling strong and focused. I plan and prepare a menu of food that will keep me nourished and make sure I move. These things keep me motivated.

I want other women to know that if they are struggling with weight loss, they need to make time for whats important in lifeyourself! Everyone else in your life will be glad that you did.

Like what you just read? Youll love our magazine! Go here to subscribe. Dont miss a thing by downloading Apple News here and following Prevention. Oh, and were on Instagram too.

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At Age 49, I Lost 89 Pounds and Got Off My Blood Pressure Meds By Cutting Carbs and Sugar - Prevention.com

A group of Slimming World Consultants from Tipperary celebrated their groups successes by meeting chat show host and comedian, Alan Carr.

Alan, a well-loved TV personality, co-hosted the annual Slimming World Awards with the organisations founder and chair Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE.

Margaret opened her first group in 1969 and over the last 50 years Slimming World has become the favourite way to lose weight, supporting almost one million slimmers.

The team, who run Slimming World groups in Tipperary, were delighted to get a chance to meet Alan.

Alice Hunt said it was the perfect end to a fantastic year for the Tipperary Slimming World groups.

The members at our group make me burst with pride, not only have they seen big changes on the scales, many have improved their health and completely changed their lives too.

For many people, taking that first step into a Slimming World group takes a huge amount of courage.

But theyre always certain of a warm welcome and introduction to our fabulously flexible eating plan which means youre never hungry while youre losing weight.

And when you join a group and stay each week members support each other with motivation, tips and ideas, cheering each other on and boosting each other to face any challenges.

"Watching people grow in confidence each week and take on things that they didnt think possible before losing weight absolutely amazes me. I feel proud of the small part I play in supporting people to achieve their dreams and to celebrate alongside them when they do, so we were honoured to represent the Tipperary groups at the Slimming World Awards.

Alan was left in awe of the difference Slimming World makes to peoples lives too.

Alan, who presented comedy chat show Chatty Man on Channel 4, said it was great to be invited to the event, which was held at Birminghams International Convention Centre.

He said: I met so many people who had transformed their lives and it was clear how much the support they received from their Slimming World family meant to them.

Every one of them spoke passionately about how they couldnt have made those changes to eat more healthily and become more active without the support of their consultants and group every week.

I left the awards feeling so uplifted and positive, I wish I couldve bottled that Slimming World feeling.

David Hanlon Kelly continues: Last year was our 50th year, which was full of celebrations and successes. Weve supported more people than ever to achieve their dreams and were so excited about what 2020 has in store.

For anyone who may be thinking of taking that step to lose weight and improve their health this New Year I truly believe that joining a local Slimming World group is the best way for people to learn new habits and make long-term healthy changes.

See Page 16 for a local Tipperary Slimming World success story

Original post:
Tipperary group celebrate year of great weight loss with Chatty Man Alan Carr - TipperaryLive.ie

The survey claimed that keto and intermittent diets were most popular in 2019.

Fitness is on everyone's mind today. Apart from following a strict workout regime, weight loss diet plans are also said to help a great deal. The year 2019 saw a number of diets making their way into the health circuit. Some disappeared as soon as they cropped up and some stuck around for a while; and some proved to be a super hit among dieters who still swear by it. Of them, keto diet and intermittent diet seem to have topped the list of popularity in India in the year 2019. At least that's what a recently conducted survey by domestic health and fitness app HealthifyMe claims.

The survey was carried out by analysing responses from 500 nutritionists and trainers across the country. The survey revealed that long working hours and lack of proper sleep due to to binge watching shows on streaming services are the top two social trends that negatively impacted the fitness levels of Indians this year. Also, increased consumption of packaged food and ordering food through food delivery services are among other social trends that played a role in affecting people's overall health.

(Also Read:Which is the Best Weight-Loss Diet?)

Keto diet and intermittent diet are popular for weight loss

The high-fat, low-carb keto diet and restricted eating-based intermittent fasting diet turned out be quite a rage amongpeople trying to lose weight.

Intermittent fasting diets fall generally into two categories: daily time-restricted feeding, which narrows eating times to 6-8 hours per day, and so-called 5:2 intermittent fasting, in which people limit themselves to one moderate-sized meal two days each week. The type of diet may work for people looking for fat loss, especially if they are into a regular workout routine.

Ketogenic diet or keto diet was initially framed for people with epilepsy but is now being used for other conditions as well, including weight loss, polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), acne and nervous disorders. Although, keto diet delivered quick results, it is said it might not be a good option for a long-term weight loss diet as it is very strict and too much fat can lead to serious health issues.Apart from keto diet and intermittent fasting diet, vegan diet and carb cycling diet also became popular.

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Weight Loss Diets: Keto And Intermittent Diets Were Preferred By Dieters In 2019; Survey Suggested - NDTV Food

Youve likely heard about the ketogenic diet a diet that emphasizes eating a low amount of carbs, and a lot of protein and fats. The goal of the diet is to release more ketones a type of acid that the body can use for fuel into the bloodstream, to help jumpstart weight loss. But could ketones also help fight against Alzheimers disease?

A recent study argues so. Published in The Journal of Neuroscience and conducted by researchers including Aiwu Cheng, a biologist with the National Institute on Aging, the study claims that increasing the amount of ketones in the body may actually help battle Alzheimers disease.

During the early stages of Alzheimers disease, the brain may lose GABAergic interneurons, which help keep other neurons in the brain from over-firing. In Alzheimers, its possible beta-amyloid impairs the function of these interneurons. Beta-amyloid also damages mitochondria, the metabolic source in cells. It does this by weakening SIRT3, a protein that preserves mitochondria and neurons.

To test out the effect of ketones on the brain, Cheng and her fellow researchers genetically modified mice to have lower levels of SIRT3. When placed on a diet supplemented with ketones, the mice had fewer problems associated with decreased SIRT3: They experienced fewer seizures and had a better chance of lengthening their lifespan. It turns out the ketones were linked to the increase in SIRT3 levels, leading the researchers to conclude that ketones may help boost brain health in early stages of Alzheimers disease.

Past research has pinpointed ketones ability to boost mitochondrial activity, and to act as a supplement for the brain instead of having to rely on glucose. For these reasons, its being explored as a possible therapeutic channel for Alzheimers.

The study may hint at the benefits of a ketogenic diet. Cheng, however, is quick to point out that ketones arent naturally found in foods we eat; rather, theyre the product of a metabolic process in the liver that releases them into the body. And sticking to a ketogenic diet may not be the best way to get more of them.

We have concerns about the side effects of the ketogenic diet, Cheng said in an interview with Being Patient. The ketogenic diet, which is high in fat, may boost ketones but it also increases triglycerides and cholesterol, which isnt so good for the long-term.

Instead, Cheng argues, Exercise and intermittent fasting are two other ways to boost ketone generation in the body. She added that when we increased ketones in the animal model, it was beneficial in fighting Alzheimers disease.

Past research has examined fasting as one way to fight against brain deterioration. One study found that fasting triggered an increase in several metabolites associated with better brain health, including leucine, isoleucine and ophthalmic acid.

A popular trend in recent years, the ketogenic diet has made its rounds among people striving for weight loss, as well as among body builders and those who simply want to sculpt their diets for good health.

However, the evidence behind the ketogenic diet as the magic bullet for health remains unsubstantiated. Some studies did not find enough evidence to back these claims up. But the diet still holds some fascination, and continues to be investigated for its effects on the brain and overall health.

Ed Blonz, a nutritionist and assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) believes the idea of supplementing the body with ketones may make some sense for the brain. In a past interview with Being Patient, he explained how the brain ends up burning fat if it runs out of glucose one of the key goals of the ketogenic diet.

One of the secondary fuels is a breakdown product of fats, Blonz said. Now, when were not eating, we use fats for energy to fuel the body, but when we dont have glucose, the fats dont burn completely. Theyre only partially metabolized and one of those bi-products is whats called a ketone or a ketone body. Thats the substance which has the ability to go into our blood, cross that blood-brain barrier and provide fuel for the brain, even when we havent had a meal in days or weeks.

Its these ketones that may hold keys for brain health and possible therapies for Alzheimers disease, but researchers are still in the process of investigating them further.

In the meantime, Blonz echoes Chengs point that the ketogenic diet may not be the best way to boost ketones in the body.

On a biochemical level, using ketones as a source of energy for the brain does make some sense, Blonz said in another interview with Being Patient. In fact, the body relies on this alternative source of fuel when there is not food availablelikely an evolutionary advantage for when the food supply is less stable. However, a person does not need to adopt a ketogenic diet to produce ketones. In addition to messing with the bodys acid-base balance, carbohydrates get cut out of a keto diet, or down to a minimum, and this pushes many healthful foodsfruits and healthy grainsoff the plate.

More:
Can Ketones Fight Alzheimer's? Assessing the Ketogenic Diet When It Comes to Brain Health - Being Patient

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