Many of us know for ourselves the impact a keto diet has on the way we feel and the way we look. We aren’t as hungry, we’ve lost weight, we have more energy. What we might not realize, however, is that a keto lifestyle is working behind the scenes in less obvious ways as well. One of those quiet benefits is the way a keto diet strengthens the body’s immune system.
Supporting Insulin
Let’s talk about why keto affects the immune system. At the heart of this way of eating is a fundamental shift in the body’s energy source.
“Whatever we eat is broken down into carbs, proteins, and fats,” explains weight loss specialist and keto advocate Dr. Rohn Rigby. “Those are released into the bloodstream, and then the body produces hormones to regulate those levels. When we reduce our carbohydrate intake, the body enters a state of ketosis and is forced to rely on fats for fuel, resulting not only in weight loss but also numerous other health benefits.”
Among those benefits is the way keto supports the body’s production of insulin, which delivers fuel throughout the body. When our blood sugar levels rise or fall, the body produces more insulin in order to keep those levels within a normal range.
When we decrease the amount of carbs and sugars we eat, blood sugar levels are less likely to spike or dive. Maintaining that balance allows insulin to perform its job more efficiently and effectively. This balance provides our bodies with a consistent and sustainable energy source.
Impacting Inflammation
“In addition to keeping blood sugar levels normal, insulin also impacts inflammation,” explains Dr. Rigby. “High levels of insulin means high levels of inflammation, which isn’t good for our immune system.”
Generally speaking, inflammation is the immune system’s response to an irritant, whether it’s a germ, injury, or even a foreign object, such as a splinter. A keto eating plan reduces sugar intake, which allows insulin to do its job better. That in turn supports better immune system function.
Enhancing T-Cells
Finally, a low-carb diet could enhance and improve T-cell immunity, which helps our immune system fight germs and protect us from illness and disease. The key here appears to be a glucose connection. Some research shows that lower levels of glucose, or blood sugar, could provide a higher tolerance for certain diseases.
In one study, researchers found that mice on a ketogenic diet were more likely to survive flu than those on a normal high-carb diet. The low-carb diet activates a group of T cells in the lungs, which stepped up mucus production in airway cells and trapped the virus so it couldn’t spread.
There’s still a lot to learn about how keto and the immune system are linked, but the consensus is clear: from supporting healthy levels of insulin to enhancing T-cell production, living a keto lifestyle can give your immune system a big hand during cold and flu season—and all year round.
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