Low carbohydrate dietary considerations for COVID
Ketones (spefically beta-hydroxybutyrate) have shown to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which is a key pathological mechanism in COVID-19. But should we all be adopting a full ketogenic diet? The answer is no…
As we think to apply this in the context of our current pandemic, we’re not usually recommending a full-tilt ketogenic diet, especially for those who haven’t used it before. Instead, we recommend avoiding refined carbohydrates and sugary foods, lowering consumption of other high-carbohydrate foods (rice, legumes, most fruits), increasing healthy fats (especially olive, flaxseed oil, nuts and seeds), and considering some gentle intermittent fasting (such as avoiding food intake between 7pm and 7am daily).
Eating plenty of colorful plant foods is a must, even as we ‘lean’ towards a touch of ketone production with the above practices. When we use a low-carb or keto diet, we pack in plenty of phytonutrients and fiber. This isn’t about eating a rotation of just steak, bacon, eggs, and cream.
– Romilly Hodges, Nutrition Programs Director