Most of the time we can see patients within the next day.. Please call us at (787) 200-5685 and see if an appointment is available with top doctors. We try our best to accommodate our patients’ busy schedules!

Belladonna Medical Wellness performs treatments at 2 convenient locations in Puerto Rico:

BAYAMON:

Carr. #2 Esq. Betances Shopping Capri

Bayamón, Puerto Rico

787-449-8806, 787-200-5685

VEGA BAJA:

Carr. #2 Km. 42 Salida Expreso #42 

Vega Baja, Puerto Rico

787-533-7520

The benefits of following a ketogenic diet may include weight loss, an increase in cognitive performance, balanced blood sugar, and improved cardiovascular health.^3-8

Mental focus—With a ketogenic diet, the brain utilizes ketone bodies instead of glucose as its primary fuel source. This switch can encourage more nerve growth factors and synaptic connections between brain cells³ and result in increased mental alertness, sharper focus, and improved cognitive capabilities.⁴

Blood sugar management—Studies have shown that low-carbohydrate diets help support insulin metabolism in the body. This is because the absence of carbohydrates from the diet helps your body maintain blood glucose levels by breaking down fats and proteins.⁵

Weight loss—A reduced calorie ketogenic diet encourages the utilization of body fat as fuel, and clinical studies support its use for weight management. Additionally, a ketogenic diet may help to suppress appetite and reduce cravings.⁹

Increased energy—Carbohydrates only go so far to sustain energy throughout the day, and especially during a workout. In ketosis, your body uses fat as fuel instead of glucose, to provide the brain with a consistent supply of the ketone bodies necessary to sustain physical performance.¹⁰

Cardiovascular and metabolic health—A ketogenic diet has been shown to help support blood lipid and fatty acid metabolism.¹¹

REFERENCES:

1. Freedman MR, King J. Kennedy E. Popular diets: a scientific review. Obes Res 2001; 9(supp 1):3S,11S,12S.

2. Volek, JS, et al. Comparison of energy-restricted very low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets on weight loss and body composition in overweight men and women. Nutr Met. 2004 Nov;1:13.

3. Meyer J. The Ketogenic Diet and Mental Performance. Available at: http://blog.prymd.com/the-ketogenic-diet-and-mental-performance. Accessed September 13, 2017.

4. D’Anci KE, Watts KL, Kanarek RB, Taylor HA. Low-carbohydrate weight-loss diets. Effects on cognition and mood. Appetite. 2009 Feb;52(1):96-103.

5. Yancy Jr. WS, et al., A low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet to treat type 2 diabetes. Nutrition & Metabolism 2005; Dec 1; 2:34.

6. Brinkworth GD, et al., Long-term effects of a very low-carbohydrate diet and a low-fat diet on mood and cognitive function. Archives Internal Medicine 2009; 169(20):1873-1880.

7. Volek et al. Body composition and hormonal responses to a carbohydrate-restricted diet. Metabolism 2002;51(7):864-70.

8. Yancy Jr WS, et al. A low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet versus a low-fat diet to treat obesity and hyperlipidemia: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 2004;140(10):769-77.

9. Gibson AA, et al., Do ketogenic diets really suppress appetite? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev. 2015; 16:64-76.

10. Volek J.S., et al. Metabolic characteristics of keto-adapted ultra-endurance runners. Metabolism. 2016 Mar;65(3):100-10.

11. Adam-Perrot A, et al. Low-carbohydrate diets: nutritional and physiological aspects. Obes Rev. 2006;7(1)49.58.

A ketogenic meal is comprised of approximately 10% of calories coming from healthy carbohydrates such as leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, and limited amounts of legumes and berries; 20% of calories coming from proteins such as omega-3-rich fish and grass-fed animal protein; and ~70% of calories coming from high-quality fats such as avocado, unsaturated and medium-chain triglyceride oils, nuts and seeds, and coconut.

Keto-adaptation is the process the body goes through during the ketogenic diet as it switches to using fat as an energy source rather than glucose. The length of time varies for individuals but typically starts a few days after being on a ketogenic diet. Within a week to two, many people report positive effects of keto-adaptation.

During the keto-adaptation process, some people may experience certain mild effects termed the “keto flu.” These changes occur as the body gets used to the process of switching to burning fat instead of carbohydrates as the main source of energy. Some people describe this as a feeling of withdrawal. People undergoing these changes have reported feeling drowsy, achy, nauseous, dizzy, and irritable. Some may even experience cramping, stomach pains, and muscle soreness.

It varies, but the keto flu lasts typically a week or less for the average person, and not everyone experiences these effects. However, below are some ways to help your body through the adaptation process.

• Increase electrolyte intake, but avoid electrolyte sports drinks with high sugar
• Drink more water
• Eat more quality fat
• Take an exogenous ketone salt supplement
• Increase in exercise
• Get plenty of sleep

Depending on your health goals, your practitioner may recommend a specific time period for you to be on the ketogenic diet. There are many people and cultures that go into ketosis and stay there for a long period of time without any negative effects.

You can consume alcohol while on keto, but you must be wary. Those hidden carbs can creep in again. The main takeaway point is to drink liquor instead of wine, beer, and cocktails, which are all full of carbohydrates. Clear liquor is your best bet, but make sure you are steering away from flavored liquors, as they can contain hidden carbs.