We understand that this topic may be niche but we found it extremely interesting to say the least.
It is no secret that we believe eating whole foods and fueling your body with nutrient dense foods is one of the best ways to heal. This is something we discuss on a daily basis whether it’s with patients, people we meet on social media, etc. So many people are looking to make lifestyle changes and our diet is a great place to start.
Let’s talk keto.
So, what exactly is the ketogenic diet? At its core, keto is a way of eating that puts an emphasis on healthy fats, moderate protein, and very minimal carbohydrates. By reducing carbohydrate intake, the body shifts from using glucose (sugar) as its primary fuel source to using fats, producing molecules called ketones for energy. This metabolic state is known as ketosis.
Here’s where we were pulled in! Human breast milk is naturally high in fat and relatively low in carbohydrates. Because of this unique composition, exclusively breastfed babies rely heavily on fat for fuel, placing them in a mild, natural state of ketosis. This was intentional in God’s design. Ketones are an efficient energy source for the developing brain and nervous system, which is why infancy is one of the most critical periods of brain growth – woah!
As babies grow and begin transitioning to solid foods, this shift out of ketosis ideally happens slowly and gently. Think, you wouldn’t want a baby’s first food to be something like a donut or pasta… Introducing whole, nutrient-dense foods—especially healthy fats—can help support that transition. Foods like eggs, avocado, sardines, and other whole-food sources of fat and protein nourish the body without overwhelming it with sudden spikes in blood sugar. In contrast, jumping straight to refined carbohydrates and sugars can be a shock to a system that has spent months running primarily on fat.
Although, those reading are not infants, this idea still applies – many adults find healing benefits when returning to a more fat-forward, whole-food-based diet.
For some, a ketogenic or low-carbohydrate approach may help stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, support brain health, and give the digestive system a break from the constant glucose fluctuations in our American Standard Diet. While keto is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it is positively documented and researched for healing!
At the end of the day, the bigger takeaway isn’t that everyone must be keto forever—but that our bodies thrive (and heal!) when fueled with real, whole foods and when blood sugar is kept in balance. Whether you have an infant who is just starting solids or an adult looking to heal, the foundation remains the same: NOURISH!! Nourish the body the way it was designed to be nourished.