Symposium for Metabolic Health hosted by LowCarbUSA

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Symposium for Metabolic Health hosted by LowCarbUSA - by Joy Sypher

Turning consensus on its head

I’ve been to a few “Keto Expos” and have loved them all, but the Symposium for Metabolic Health San Diego is hands down the best in the industry.

If you’ve read my blogs, you know I am just like you. I started low carb 20 years ago and keto about 6 years ago. I am a fan girl. I follow a few keto influencers and doctors, and sitting right next to them at dinner, or catching a selfie or two in the hallways, is an experience like no other.

What to Expect at the Symposium for Metabolic Health

This year, SMHSD focused on discussing the latest research, clinical practices, and innovations related to metabolic health. Topics covered advancements in mental health, Type 1 diabetes treatment, and new drug classes developed to treat obesity.

While the traditional presentations on ketogenic diets, low-carb nutrition, and lifestyle interventions for metabolic conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease were informative, it was a presentation on lost and misrepresented research that stole the show. This talk exposed long-touted scientific findings now proven to be invalid and misleading, capturing the audience's attention.

Bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, and experts in the field of nutrition and metabolic health, the symposium has gained attention in recent years, reflecting the growing interest in ketogenic and low-carb diets as tools for managing and preventing metabolic disorders. It serves as a platform for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to learn, exchange ideas, and stay updated on the latest developments in the field.

What Is Keto and Where Did It Start?

The ketogenic diet, commonly known as "keto," has its roots in the early 20th century. Originally developed in the 1920s by Dr. Russell Wilder at the Mayo Clinic, it was used as a treatment for epilepsy, particularly in children who did not respond to conventional therapies. The diet mimics fasting by drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat consumption, leading the body to enter a state of ketosis, where fat becomes the primary energy source.

The earliest known use of reduced carbohydrate diets to treat diabetes dates back to the 19th century. In 1797, Scottish physician John Rollo documented one of the first cases where a low-carbohydrate diet was used to manage diabetes. He treated Captain Meredith, a diabetic patient, by prescribing a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein, which led to significant improvements in the patient's condition. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, before the discovery of insulin in 1921, such diets became a common approach for managing diabetes symptoms, as reducing carbohydrate intake helped to control blood sugar levels in the absence of effective medications.

The Future of the Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is experiencing increasing acceptance among doctors and scientists due to a growing body of research highlighting its therapeutic potential across various health conditions, particularly in improving metabolic health. Recent studies have shown that the diet can significantly impact weight loss, type 2 diabetes management, and overall metabolic function by regulating blood sugar and insulin levels. Advances in nutritional science have also elucidated the diet's mechanisms in reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health markers, providing a stronger scientific rationale for its application. Additionally, ongoing research exploring the ketogenic diet's effects on neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as certain types of cancer, has further bolstered professional interest and endorsement. As evidence continues to accumulate, more healthcare practitioners are recognizing the ketogenic diet as a viable dietary intervention within personalized medicine frameworks.

Other Ways to Participate

Did you know you can participate online? The Symposium for Metabolic Health is available for online participation here

The next symposium is in Boca, FL

SMHSD was hosted by LowCarbUSA.

If you are interested in advancing your metabolic training with Nutrition Network, please check out their courses here.

I cannot thank Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine enough. You are why I feel hope that the ketogenic way of eating will continue to expand in acceptance and viability.

Written by Joy Sypher
Published August 25th, 2024

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