The ketogenic diet has gained popularity for its weight loss results, and new research indicates that it may also be helpful in fighting the flu. In a study published in Science Immunology, researchers at Yale University found that specific diet changes may be effective in helping to fight influenza A infections. "We found that mice on ketogenic diet were protected from flu because they were able to fortify the airway barrier better. This required a special type of lymphocytes known as gamma delta T cells," said Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, principal investigator at the Iwasaki Lab at the Yale School of Medicine, Waldemar Von Zedwitz professor of Immunobiology and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, professor of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and co-author of the study. The discovery was accidental, according to the research team. The study was completed after researchers working on another project found that a ketogenic diet blocked the formation of immune system activators called inflammasomes, which can result in harmful immune responses.
That discovery made researchers wonder what other immune responses might be impacted by the popular keto diet. Immune responses are key to fighting infections, and for this project, mice in the study group were fed high-Supraketo Fat Burner, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets, while mice in the control group were fed high carbohydrate diets. The mice in the ketogenic group were found to have an expansion of gamma delta T cells in the lung, which improved barrier function against the flu. In other words, the ketogenic diet was believed to activate certain immune cells that were previously not associated with the immune response to the flu, according to the research team. This response resulted in increased mucous production within the airway, which can help to trap the flu virus. Iwasaki said the studies have only been in mice so far, and additional research is needed to see if similar pathways would be activated in humans. There have also been criticisms of the ketogenic diet, which historically has been used as a medical diet under the watch of a physician because of the risks it includes. Iwasaki said there are no plans yet to make any clinical recommendations in relation to the team’s discovery.
Each week I’m trying to help take the stress out of a keto diet by giving you FIVE low-carb dinners plus a bonus meal prep recipe that helps keep you on track! This week your bonus is a tray of delicious Double Chocolate Sheet Pan Cookies-Only 3.6 net carbs a piece! When you click through to each individual recipe, it’ll take you to the full, detailed, step-by-step instructions. This includes a printable recipe card that includes nutrition information. To figure out the net carb count, subtract the amount of fiber from the amount of total carbs. At the bottom of this post, you’ll find a printable meal plan (with space to fill in your own needs & weekend plans) as well as an organized grocery list to help make things even easier. If you’re having trouble printing this, make sure you have your ad blocker disabled. If you like to meal prep to get ahead for the week, I’ve even included tips for preparing each meal in advance.
So sit back and relax-I’ve got dinner covered! These Double Chocolate Sheet Pan Cookies are perfect for multiple reasons. 1.) They’re only 3.6 net carbs, 2.) They’re unbelievably rich and fudgy, and 3.) They don’t require chilling like most keto desserts do! You could prepare, bake, and allow these to cool in just about 30 minutes! If you don’t think you’ll eat 24 in a week (or if you want to make a double batch for next week), these are easily freezable! Just double wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for a few months! This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Skillet is perfect for a Monday-a one-pan meal packed with tons of veggies! Don’t worry, though, picky eaters