The ketone production that would result from a ketogenic diet according to a new study has a positive effect on intestinal inflammation. And indirectly on the immune system.

The study analyzed the effects of an 8-week ketogenic diet on a sample of overweight and obese subjects.

Let’s see it together.

INTESTINAL INFLAMMATION: IS THE TREATMENT A KETOGENIC DIET?

After taking fecal samples before and after the ketogenic diet, researchers from the University of California’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology noticed a difference in the participants’ gut flora.

The ketogenic diet reduced the presence of bifidobacteria in the intestine. Which led directly to a drastic reduction in Th17 lymphocytes which are linked to these bacteria.

The role of these lymphocytes in the immune system is still debated.
They certainly also have a pro-inflammatory action, triggering the production of cytokines.

This action is partly in defense of the organism, to protect it from pathogens.
But when Th17 lymphocytes are in large numbers they could damage the body itself.

Furthermore, there appears to be a link between these T-helper lymphocytes and autoimmune diseases.

With the ketogenic diet the number of these lymphocytes would naturally decrease.

The researchers who conducted the study consider this reduction to be positive, and therefore explain that the ketones produced by the ketogenic diet are useful in combating the state of intestinal inflammation.

THE KETOGENIC DIET AND INTESTINAL BACTERIAL FLORA

Previous studies had instead highlighted the appearance of adverse intestinal symptoms in people who followed the ketogenic diet, such as colic or constipation on the contrary.

But even in subjects with pathologies in which the ketogenic diet is used as a protocol, for example in Glut1 deficiency epilepsy, a study had confirmed the reduction of intestinal bifidobacteria but also the consequent increase in E. coli and other bacteria. harmful (Lindefeldt, 2019).

In short, studies have given conflicting results on the role of the ketogenic diet in the intestinal bacterial composition.

Lastly, other studies had shown that the presence of bifidobacteria in the intestine was useful in regulating the immune response at various levels, while the Californian researchers seem to evaluate it only negatively.

Who will be right? If in doubt, it is always best to consult your doctor before trying a ketogenic diet to inform him of any adverse effects.