[quote]TC wrote:
True, your brain can function on ketones, but some get over the brain fog quicker than others. Still, there’s some question as to whether this is a good strategy in the long term. Rats that were fed a ketogenic diet had impaired brain growth, so it makes me wonder about the long-term effects of such diets.
Adding a modicum of carbs would be a good idea for brain function. Adding a lot of carbs would be a great idea for athletic function, not to mention building a decent physique.[/quote]
I agree for the most part, but athletic function and building are not the OPs goals - losing is his/her goal. The best use of ketogenic diets is short term fat loss, and should not be used for long term or for maintenance, unless for a specific health concern IMO (seizures). OP’s question “Will adding fat help?” – the answer (based on his statement “Basically all I eat is meat, eggs, and vegetables”) is certainly yes. The best fats to add are EVOO and Coconut. But certainly, substituting refined carbs for potatoes (or other starchy/root veggies), rice, quinoa, etc would be a good alternative solution, which is why I first said “what would Arnold do?”.
edit: Not to highjack the thread, but was doing some additional research regarding my theory that Taurine can combat the “48 hour” ketosis headaches. Indeed it appears that Taurine (im)balance caused by gluconeogenesis could be the cause of the headaches, and the solution may be as simple as a few grams of relatively inexpensive tasteless powder. If taurine were burned (or more likely it’s creation from cysteine/methionine blunted), fluid levels would go out of whack, in addition to blood sugar levels. Dr. Atkins suggested Taurine to be the most important supplement to take for fluid retention/regulation.
According to the site aminomics.com, “Taurine has a protective effect on the brain, particularly if the brain is dehydrated. It is used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, hyperactivity, poor brain function, and seizures. Taurine is found in concentrations up to four times greater in the brains of children than in those of adults.” Perhaps, as I theorize, and which would agree with the brain development point made above by TC regarding baby rat brains, a ketogenic diet could be sacrificing Taurine. Indeed that would hamper brain development (kids/babies/pregnant women/nursing mothers should absolutely not be on a ketogenic diet, unless for a medical reason, and should definitely supplement with Taurine)… adults do not have developing brains however, but Taurine still has numerous benefits.
To quote Dr. Atkins,
“If the rest of the medical profession acknowledge or understood its value, taurine would consistently place as one of the top three best selling “drugs.””