Keto diet has been a popular and growing trend for the past few years. Many people, including celebrities, swear by it. Research studies also confirm that this diet can help address more than just obesity but other diseases like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and diabetes. However, the big question is, “Is it not harmful to gallbladder and liver patients?” The answer is – it depends.
Weight loss diets with low carbohydrates and high fat often cause symptoms in people with gallbladder issues, including those who have had their gallbladders removed. It doesn’t mean the diet is not good, though. The Keto diet certainly has its merits. It depends on two major factors: 1) the type of fats ingested and 2) the condition of the gallbladder or the bile.
What is Ketosis?
Ketosis is a normally-occurring metabolic process that happens when the body does not ingest enough glucose (sugar) required for energy. Instead, the body burns fat stores for energy production. The resulting acids called ketones build up and can be measured by various means, including urine sticks. So long as the body remains burning fats instead of sugar and releasing ketones, it is considered a state of “ketosis.”
There are various ways to achieve the goal of the keto diet – to force the body into this metabolic state called ketosis. And for the majority of keto diet followers, this is the way to their ultimate target, weight loss. When you try to Google meal plans and food lists for keto, you will find a long list of what to eat and not to eat. Unfortunately, some choices that have been okay-ed for the keto diet are under the restricted food list of the Gallbladder Diet. So, what do you do? Cross-check our gallbladder food list before you follow the free keto diet menu plans available on the web. That way, you’re sure that your weight loss journey won’t put you at risk of another gallbladder attack.
Keto for Gallbladder Patients
Suppose you are looking for something that would promote ketosis and be easy for your gallbladder or liver. In that case, you may be relieved to know that medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs) found in coconut, selected oils, and some food are safe choices. MCTs like caproic acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid are compatible with individuals who suffer from sluggish liver and problematic gallbladder and those with related conditions like pancreatitis or Chron’s disease. It is because MCTs are easy to digest and do not require bile to be used by the body. Please take note that some references may categorize lauric acid as MCT, but this type still needs bile for digestion and may be challenging for those with biliary issues. If you are searching for the best MCT to support ketosis and weight loss, then caprylic acid is the one for you. Not all MCTs are created equal, and you need to find the one that your body likes best.
Differences in MCT’s
Several main types of fatty acid oils are found in coconut oil, but only the first three below behave in your body as real MCTs. They bypass the metabolic burden of processing in the liver, so they quickly become energy in your brain and muscles – precisely what people look for on a keto diet.
MCTs or medium-chain triglycerides get their name from the number of carbons in the molecular structure.
- Caproic Acid or C6 is the shortest but is the culprit that often causes gastric distress or irritates the throat. So this one is one to avoid.
- C8 or Caprylic is the favored child since it is quickly converted to ATP or energy and brain fuel, not requiring bile or pancreatic acid action before it can be broken down and used by the body. This is highly beneficial for those suffering from bile or pancreatic insufficiency. It would take almost a cup of coconut oil to get one tablespoon of C8. So clearly, taking caprylic oil isolated from coconut is the better choice.
- Capric Acid or C10 (10 carbons) also does not use the bile or the liver for digestion, and although it is not quite as quickly converted to energy as C8, it is quick, just the same.
- Lauric acid is the most prolific MCT in coconut oil, and although this 12 carbon (C12) is called an MCT, it acts differently than the others. And while it has its benefits, it does not bypass the liver in terms of digestion and does not give the same energy boost or keto burn.
So that leaves us with Caprylic as the best choice for a ketogenic diet.
Caprylic Acid for Weight Loss
Caprylic Acid, also known as C8 is a gallbladder-friendly oil that can be purchased in a tablet or a liquid. It may also be a component of some supplements to eliminate yeast infections. As stated above, Caprylic Acid is effective for weight loss since it is quickly converted to ATP for energy and creates fat burning. This leads to high catabolism and low adipose (fat) storage, or in layman’s terms – better energy release and fewer fat deposits. Since Caprylic Acid bypasses the need for bile and the liver, and because of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, it is distributed to areas it is needed independent of the biliary system. That said, it is still able to cause diarrhea, so proceed with caution.
Caprylic Acid contributes to weight loss by supporting
- a healthy inflammatory response
- metabolic control and regulation of food intake
- blood sugar regulation
It also has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-viral properties that may help combat infection, which can sometimes hinder weight loss (along with general health and wellness).
1. Caprylic Acid has anti-inflammatory properties
MCTs, in general, are known for their effectiveness against inflammation. Therefore, Caprylic Acid is often administered to patients with Chron’s Disease or short bowel syndrome. Capric Acid is a popular MCT type to combat intestinal inflammation, but a few related articles also prove that caprylic acid can be as effective. One example is a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology stating that caprylic acid can suppress IL-8 secretion, inhibiting its pro-inflammatory effects.
2. Caprylic Acid modulates appetite
MCTs’ physical and metabolic properties have been studied for a long time. It has been used as a unique and alternative energy source for patients suffering from fat malabsorption and other related conditions. In recent years, however, the spotlight has been on the effectiveness of Caprylic Acid to modulate physiological functions such as appetite. C8’s binding to ghrelin, a gut-derived hormone, modulates gastric acid secretion and GI motility.
Caprylic acid helps regulate food intake, boosting metabolism in the process. A separate study with animal subjects demonstrated that caprylic acid infusion acts in the liver to decrease food intake in rats. This is believed to be due to C8’s ability to increase hepatic fatty acid oxidation.
3. Caprylic Acid helps in the regulation of blood sugar
Insulin resistance plays a major role in many diseases, especially the accumulation of body fat and obesity. Caprylic Acid can help with this concern through its relationship with ghrelin. Aside from its impact on appetite, C8 bound with ghrelin also regulates glucose homeostasis and may improve insulin sensitivity in diabetics. However, it is important to note that due to the ketogenic effect of caprylic acid, diabetics must always consult with a medical practitioner before engaging in a keto diet or taking caprylic acid supplements. Excess formation of ketones is dangerous and may lead to ketoacidosis and for this reason, a keto diet is generally not recommended for diabetics.
4. Caprylic Acid helps fight infection
Numerous research studies back up Caprylic Acid’s antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It is most known as a fungicide though, as it is a popular agent in eliminating yeast infection including candida. This is an important benefit for those trying to lose weight because candida yeast infection and leaky gut are closely related. Both can cause various GI symptoms and inflammation. Caprylic Acid is also an alternative treatment for H. pylori infection, cytomegalovirus, and SIBO.
Aside from attacking bacteria and viruses, Caprylic Acid also helps combat infection by increasing antibody production and influencing T-cell helper activity.
Other Benefits of Caprylic Acid
Caprylic Acid may be popular because of its fat-busting and weight-reducing properties, but its benefit does not end there. It can help manage hypertension or high blood pressure by improving general circulation. It also has potential application for its anti-cancer and anti-autism benefits.
In recent years, C8 has also been infused in food and drinks because of its brain boosting powers. Studies have shown that Caprylic Acid intake can improve brain function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Reminder for Gallbladder Patients
Anyone with an acute gallbladder problem should not be focused on weight loss so much as reducing gallbladder symptoms and inflammation. Only if symptoms are negligible or absent should one proceed with a keto diet, and the one I recommend is the KetoFlex 12/3 Diet because of its emphasis on vegetables and low amounts of meats and fish. Also, since food allergies contribute to inflammation, and both are prevalent in gallbladder disease, I appreciate how the 12/3 diet cuts out allergens, including the foods highest in inflammation-producing lectins. But please note that cruciferous vegetables are highly recommended for their detox properties. This includes cabbages, cauliflower, onions, and garlic. If any of these are still a problem for you on your gallbladder program, please avoid them. For many, they are only a problem in the acute phase before working on the bile.
Also, in losing weight, take note that there are no shortcuts. Crash diets or programs that cause drastic weight loss can be a potential cause of gallstones’ development. When in doubt about your weight loss options, it is always best to ask your doctor. You also have the option of setting up an appointment so that I can provide you with individualized help for your condition.
Good Source of Caprylic
Bulletproof makes two excellent products, one that is strictly C8 and a less expensive one that is a combination of C8 and C10 – Brain Octane Oil and XCT Oil. I find I am more easily able to handle the combination in the XCT, but each body is different. I also appreciate Dave Asprey’s research and education and highly recommend his in-depth articles and video on the subject on his site.
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References:
Asprey, D. (n.d.) Coconut Oil vs MCT Oil vs Lauric Acid: What is MCT Oil really?
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Lemarié, F., Beauchamp, E., Dayot, S., Duby, C., Legrand, P., & Rioux, V. (2015). Dietary caprylic acid (C8: 0) does not increase plasma acylated ghrelin but decreases plasma unacylated ghrelin in the rat. PloS one, 10(7), e0133600.
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