A ketogenic diet is high in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates. Research shows that it mimics fasting by inducing metabolic switching – the capacity to shift from metabolizing glucose to metabolizing fatty acids. Ketogenic diets are now a widely accepted therapy for people with epilepsy or other seizure disorders as well as other chronic health disorders. But implementing a ketogenic diet is challenging.

In this Aliquot, Dr. Dominic D'Agostino explains how to avoid side effects on a ketogenic diet, provides valuable pointers for success, and explains how the diet might help preserve muscle mass.