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Aug 2021
4m 19s

The Ketogenic Diet Started in the 1800s

DR. ERIC BERG
About this episode

How and when did the ketogenic diet start? Find out.

Today, I want to cover when the ketogenic diet started. 

— In 500 B.C., epilepsy was treated (likely unknowingly) with ketones.

— In the late 1800s, a man named William Banting discovered that restricting carbohydrates could help you lose weight. He wrote a book in which he talked about restricting bread, sugar, and potatoes and eating meat, fish, vegetables, mutton, and kidneys. However, he did consume small amounts of biscuits, toast, fruit, and alcohol. 

— In the 1920s, the ketogenic diet was used for epilepsy.

— In 1922, Dr. Fredrick Banting used insulin for diabetes. This allowed diabetics to control their insulin. Before insulin was used for diabetics, a low-carb diet was typically used. It was called the Allen diet, and it was created by Dr. Fredrick Allen. This diet restricted carbohydrates and put certain patients on a very restricted calorie diet. 

— The introduction of insulin and diabetes medications lead to the low-carb diet becoming almost obsolete. 

— Dr. Atkins promoted a low-carb diet.

— The low-carb diet is now the most popular diet in existence, helping millions of people. 


Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:

Dr. Berg, is a chiropractor who specializes in weight loss through nutritional & natural methods. His private practice is located in Alexandria, Virginia. His clients include senior officials in the U.S. government & the Justice Department, ambassadors, medical doctors, high-level executives of prominent corporations, scientists, engineers, professors, and other clients from all walks of life. He is the author of The 7 Principles of Fat Burning.

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