I just read a 2019 study by the National Institute of Health (Dr. Cabo & Dr. Mattson, et al) that made some conclusions that ketone bodies acted as potent signaling molecules and affected major cellular and organ functions (inferring that they provided the benefits).
Many of the studies that are performed on fasting are generally on populations eating a standard american diet (non-ketogenic) - therefore there aren’t any controls to differentiate the benefits between fasting and those entering a ketogenic state (even those who are fed).
The only thing I’ve read is that autophagy seems to be a potential mechanism for biological benefits and it’s highly correlated with fasting - but I don’t think I’ve ever read any research that shows autophagy is UNIQUE to a fasted state.
Does anyone have any research or evidence on this? Or is it possible that autophagy is also possible in a fed ketogenic state?
mTOR halts autophagy, so protein is out from the start. I can’t remember how much but if you eat over a certain amount you can’t fly under the nutrient-sensing radar even with fat. Side note the ketogenic diet has more evidence behind it than almost any other diet, although much was around the epilepsy studies and predates autophagy research having the spotlight, but I’d think if this were valid you should be able to find a study.