C-peptide is used as a measure of endogenous insulin production. Given that insulin and C-peptide are produced in equal amounts, C-peptide is typically used to differentiate between external and endogenously produced insulin in insulin-treated type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). In a clinical setting, a decline in C-peptide is regarded as a loss of beta cell function. However, physiological conditions may also be associated with low C-peptide levels. The authors of this paper use a low-carbohydrate diet, the so-called paleolithic ketogenic diet (PKD), in the treatment of various conditions and observed that C-peptide is typically low on this diet. In order to characterize C-peptide levels on this diet, we designed a study to retrospectively assess C-peptide levels in 100 non-T1DM subjects. We found that 55% of the subjects had a C-peptide level below the standard reference range. C-peptide levels correlated with glucose levels. A significant correlation was found between C-peptide and age, with younger subjects having lower C-peptide levels. Males also showed lower C-peptide levels than females. Given the increasing number of patients using low-carbohydrate diets worldwide, physicians should be aware of laboratory correlates of low-carbohydrate diets, including low C-peptide levels, most importantly to prevent incorrect T1DM diagnosis.
Studies in animal models have suggested that the ketogenic diet may be effective in the treatment of cancer. However, human cohort studies on the ketogenic diet have, thus far, failed to show benefits in cancer survival or in any other hard clinical endpoints of the disease. This paper presents a case report of a patient with glioblastoma multiforme. The patient had initially been treated with standard oncotherapy including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite standard treatment, the patient experienced a recurrence of the glioblastoma seven months later. Subsequently, the patient refused radiotherapy and chemotherapy and opted to use the paleolithic ketogenic diet (PKD) as a stand-alone therapy. Following the adoption of the PKD, progression of the disease has been completely halted. At the time of writing, the patient has remained in remission for 48 months, is without side-effects and experiences an excellent quality of life without the use of any drugs.
Studies in animal models have suggested that the ketogenic diet may be effective in the treatment of cancer. However, human cohort studies on the ketogenic diet have, thus far, failed to show benefits in cancer survival or in any other hard clinical endpoints of the disease. This paper presents a case report of a patient with glioblastoma multiforme. The patient had initially been treated with standard oncotherapy including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite standard treatment, the patient experienced a recurrence of the glioblastoma seven months later. Subsequently, the patient refused radiotherapy and chemotherapy and opted to use the paleolithic ketogenic diet (PKD) as a stand-alone therapy. Following the adoption of the PKD, progression of the disease has been completely halted. At the time of writing, the patient has remained in remission for 38 months, is without sideeffects and experiences an excellent quality of life without the use of any drugs. Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 20 December 2019 doi:10.20944/preprints201912.0264.v1 © 2019 by the author(s). Distributed under a Creative Commons CC BY license.
In the presentation we give an overview of our clinical experience and research with the paleolithic ketogenic diet (PKD), a diet that was developed by the ICMNI team. Since 2012 we have been exclusively using this approach in the treatment of a wide array of chronic conditions. We use the combined term ”paleolithic ketogenic” because the diet has its roots in both, the paleolithic and the ketogenic diet. The PKD combines the benefits of the two diets while excluding shortcomings of both diets. We have to emphasise the fact that both the classic version of the ketogenic diet and the popular version of the paleolithic diet are associated with side-effects. The side-effects of the classic ketogenic diet have been well-documented through its use over the last hundred years, whereas, the shortcomings of the popular paleolithic diet are less well-known. As examples for the side-effects, we present a patient who, after 7 years on the popular paleolithic diet, developed severe atherosclerosis, and another patient who, after following the classic ketogenic diet for 17 years, developed tophi (deposition of urate crystals in soft tissues) in multiple locations on hands and feet. Since 2012 we have been using the PKD on more than 4000 patients including those with autoimmune diseases, cancer, psychiatric and neurologic conditions. In the presentation we focus on presenting data on type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and cancer patients, as well as showing research data related to intestinal permeability measurements in healthy persons as well as in patients.
Abnormally high deposition of iron can contribute to neurodegenerative disorders with cognitive impairment. Since previous studies investigating cognition-brain iron accumulation relationships focused on elderly people, our aim was to explore the association between iron concentration in subcortical nuclei and two types of memory performances in a healthy young population. Gender difference was found only in the globus pallidus. Our results showed that iron load characterized by R2* value on the MRI in the caudate and putamen was related to visual memory, while verbal memory was unrelated to iron concentration.
Introduction Magnesium plays an essential role in several enzymatic reactions. Its deficiency is known to be widespread and has been associated with a variety of pathological conditions characterized by chronic inflammation and/or oxidative stress. The connection between the metabolism of glucose and magnesium at the cell level is well-established. We hypothesize that magnesium deficiency in chronic conditions is primarily due to Western type carbohydrate based metabolism. In previous case studies we have shown that magnesium levels are normal on the paleolithic ketogenic diet. Here we assessed magnesium levels in a larger sample (n=50) to address whether the paleolithic ketogenic diet is able to ensure normal blood magnesium levels. Materials and Methods To assess magnesium levels in patients and healthy controls on the paleolithic ketogenic diet in a larger sample, we retrospectively analysed laboratory data obtained from 50 patients/subjects who were following the diet and were also not taking magnesium or other supplements. Correlation calculation was performed between magnesium and glucose levels. Results We found magnesium levels to be in the normal range in all but one patient/subject. There was a significant inverse correlation between glucose and magnesium levels. Discussion Our results indicate that the paleolithic ketogenic diet ensures normal magnesium levels in various pathological conditions as well as in healthy subjects. We believe that the high prevelance of magnesium deficiency reported earlier for a variety of chronic conditions is correlated with carbohydrate-based Western type nutrition rather than that of the chronic condition itself. We discuss underlying mechanisms.
Background: Ketogenic diets have repeatedly been suggested for the treatment of cancer. Yet, only a few case studies have been published that reported long term benefits associated with such diets. Case report: Here we present a case where rectal cancer was treated with an animal fat-meat based diet, which we refer to as the paleolithic ketogenic diet. Upon diet initiation, the patient discontinued three medicines he had been taking because of hypertension and hyperuricemia. The patient initially received 6 weeks of radiation therapy. Thereafter the patient used the diet as a stand-alone therapy for 22.5 months. The patient was not taking any medicines or dietary supplements while on the diet. During the first five month of the diet therapy the patient exhibited excellent adherence which was paralleled by improving laboratory parameters including decreasing tumor marker levels and decreasing tumor size. The patient was in a constant ketosis during the entire follow-up. From the seventh month on, however, his adherence level was fluctuating with periods of worse adherence paralleled with negative changes in laboratory parameters. Although MRI imaging showed that there was no increase in the size of the tumor, 22 months after diagnosis onset the patient reported an alteration in bowel habits and that the bloody stool had returned. Because of the emergence of these symptoms, 24 months after diagnosis onset, rectal surgery was performed. Conclusion: With using the paleolithic ketogenic diet the patient was able to postpone surgery for two years. During the first five months, when the patient was strictly adhering to the diet, the tumor regressed. Thereafter, with incomplete dietary adherence, disease seemed to be stable but symptoms suggested progression for the last few months of the follow-up. Deviations from diet rules, even those not affecting ketosis, resulted in the progression of the disease.
The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between verbal memory and total cholesterol (TC) levels related to body mass index (BMI) in healthy young women. Verbal memory was assessed using the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) while total serum cholesterol was measured by enzymatic colorimetric test. In order to analyze the potential significance of BMI subjects were divided into three groups according to their calculated BMI percentile values. No significant correlation was found when assessing the group as a whole. However a remarkable pattern of correlation emerged when assessing the BMI groups separately: a close-to-significant positive correlation was found for total learning score and TC in the low BMI group, no correlation emerged in the medium BMI group while a strong inverse correlation was found in the high BMI group. These findings indicate that the relationship between verbal memory and serum TC level is also influenced by BMI.
Neuroimaging findings suggest that excessive Internet use shows functional and structural brain changes similar to substance addiction. Even though it is still under debate whether there are gender differences in case of problematic use, previous studies by-passed this question by focusing on males only or by using gender matched approach without controlling for potential gender effects. We designed our study to find out whether there are structural correlates in the brain reward system of problematic Internet use in habitual Internet user females. T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance (MR) images were collected in 82 healthy habitual Internet user females. Structural brain measures were investigated using both automated MR volumetry and voxel based morphometry (VBM). Self-reported measures of problematic Internet use and hours spent online were also assessed. According to MR volumetry, problematic Internet use was associated with increased grey matter volume of bilateral putamen and right nucleus accumbens while decreased grey matter volume of orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Similarly, VBM analysis revealed a significant negative association between the absolute amount of grey matter OFC and problematic Internet use. Our findings suggest structural brain alterations in the reward system usually related to addictions are present in problematic Internet use.
Introduction: Myoepithelial tumor of the soft palate is associated with rapid progression and poor outcome. The standard care includes surgery with optional radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Case report: Here we present a case with myoepithelial tumor of the soft palate where the patient denied conventional treatment options. Instead, the patient started the paleolithic ketogenic diet which resulted in a halted progression of the tumor as evidenced by imaging follow-up. Currently, the patient is on the diet for 20 months, without symptoms and side effects. Conclusion: We conclude that the paleolithic ketogenic diet was effective and safe in this patient.
Although there is evidence that the ratio of 2nd-4th digit length (2D:4D) correlates with prenatal testosterone level, psychological and health traits only two studies have assessed the relationship with brain morphological features. Here we investigated the association between the 2D:4D ratio and several brain subvolumes. Seventy-five subjects between the ages of 18 and 30 were included in the study. The length of the 2nd and 4th digits were measured with an electronic vernier caliper while MRI measurements were performed on a Siemens Magnetom Trio Tim (3T) system. Freesurfer software suite was used for volumetric segmentation. Finger ratio significantly positively correlated with total cerebral cortex, total cerebellar white matter and total cerebellar cortex in males but not in females. Our results indicate that prenatal testosterone, as estimated by the 2D:4D ratio has an effect on adult brain morphology in males. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Introduction: Crohn’s disease is regarded as having no curative treatment. Previous reports on dietary therapy of Crohn’s disease indicate no major success. Case Report: Here we report a severe case of Crohn’s disease where we successfully applied the paleolithic ketogenic diet. Dietary therapy resulted in resolution of symptoms, normalized laboratory parameters as well as gradual normalization of bowel inflammation as evidenced by imaging data and normalization of intestinal permeability as shown by the polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) challenge test. The patient was able to discontinue medication within two weeks. Currently, he is on the diet for 15 months and is free of symptoms as well as side effects. Conclusion: We conclude that the paleolithic ketogenic diet was feasible, effective and safe in the present case. (This page in not part of the published article.) International Journal of Case Reports and Images, Vol. 7 No. 9, September 2016. ISSN – [0976-3198] Int J Case Rep Images 2016;7(9):570–578. www.ijcasereportsandimages.com Tóth et al. 570 CASE REPORT OPEN ACCESS Crohn’s disease successfully treated with the paleolithic ketogenic diet Csaba Tóth, Andrea Dabóczi, Mark Howard, Nicholas J. Miller, Zsófia Clemens
The objective of this study was to investigate the relation between habitual milk and dairy consumption and brain morphology as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigations in 119 young healthy university students. MRI measurements were performed on a Siemens Magnetom Trio Tim (3T) system while FreeSurfer software suite was used for volumetric segmentation. Dietary habits related to milk and dairy consumption were assessed by a structured questionnaire. Total cerebral cortex, total cerebral white matter, and total cerebral parenchyma were significantly related with cottage cheese and total protein intake from milk and dairy also when controlled for age and gender in the multivariate model. Our results indicate that dietary habits related with milk and dairy are proportionally associated with volumes of both cerebral cortex and cerebral white matter.
Introduction: Currently, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is treated with insulin and a high carbohydrate diet. In literature, there are studies indicating that low carbohydrate diets may be beneficial in reducing hypoglycemic episodes as well as the need for insulin. Previously, we reported a case of a 19-year-old T1DM patient who was successfully treated with a modified version of the ketogenic diet we refer to as the Paleolithic ketogenic diet. Case Report: A nineyear-old child with T1DM who initially was on an insulin regime with high carbohydrate diet then was put on the Paleolithic ketogenic diet. Following dietary shift glucose levels normalized and he was able to discontinue insulin. No hypoglycemic episodes occurred on the diet and several other benefits were achieved including improved physical fitness, reduction of upper respiratory tract infections and eczema. Currently, he is on the diet for 19 months. Conclusion: Adopting the Paleolithic ketogenic diet ensured normoglycemia without the use of
In their recent letter, Brandt and Doherty [ [1] Brandt A.M. Doherty M.J. VEEG models of seizure frequency — do SSRI medications or vitamin D supplements alter seizure collections?. Epilepsy Behav. 2014; 41C: 208-209 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (2) Google Scholar ] report on a small study in patients with epilepsy undergoing long-term video-EEG monitoring. In this retrospective study, they sought to determine whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants and vitamin D supplements taken by patients have an effect on seizure frequency. The authors report the absence of a major effect of vitamin D supplementation on seizure numbers in this setting.
Hippocampal volume loss has been described in several pathological conditions including sleep disorders. Whether differences in normal sleep are associated with differences in hippocampal volume is unknown. Here we designed a study to assess volume of the hippocampus with regard to bedtime, wake up time and sleep duration in 90 healthy university students. To assess hippocampal volumes we applied semi-automatic user-independent magnetic resonance volumetry. We found a significant association between delayed bedtime and smaller hippocampal volumes, a non-significant tendency for smaller hippocampal volumes in the late wake up time group and significantly smaller hippocampal volumes for both short and long sleepers. These results suggest the importance of adequate sleep timing and especially bedtime in determining hippocampal volume.
Purpose: Although the classical ketogenic diet is an effective treatment in childhood epilepsy, it is difficult to maintain on the long term due to side-effects and dislike. Methods: Here we report a case of a child with frequent epileptiform discharges confined to non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep and extensive cortical malformation. The child was started on a modified version of the classical ketogenic diet we refer to as the paleolithic ketogenic diet. Results: Subsequent follow-up electroencephalograms showed complete normalization of brain electric activity along with cognitive improvement. Neither antiepileptic medication nor vitamin supplements were used. The child strongly adhered to the diet as assessed by regular urinary ketone tests and laboratory work ups. Currently she is on the diet for 17 months. Neither side effects nor clinical signs of nutrient deficiency were observed. Conclusion: We conclude that the paleolithic ketogenic diet was effective, safe and feasible in this case.