The PK Protocol Diet: Healing Through a Ketogenic Approach

Now that I have talked in various posts about what the PK Protocol includes as a whole, I decided it was time to explain an aspect that is just as (if not more) important than the IV and oral supplements taken on the protocol - diet.  While a low carb, ketogenic diet may not be suitable for everyone, the PK Protocol uses this way of eating to aid in the help of healing those with neurodegenerative and neurological diseases. I, personally, am receiving this protocol to heal from the damage that untreated Lyme spirochetes created in my body.  Therefore, through this article, I will explain some of the "what," "why," and "hows" of the PK Protocol diet, as well as my own personal implementations and experience. 

The Basics 

Overall, the diet that a patient follows while receiving the PK Protocol is very close to that of a Paleo/Primal approach.  However, there are a few aspects that are a bit different, due to the intention of healing one's deranged cellular makeup.  Much like a ketogenic diet, the PK Protocol is very high in fat, as this has shown to be the most beneficial to patients on the protocol, and thus helps them find the maximum improvements in their health. Cell membranes are made up of fat, and therefore, in order to fully restore them, one must avoid all processed forms of food, sugar (including fruit), starchy vegetables (sweet potato, squash, yuca, etc..), damaged seed oils, and grains, as these will all ultimately sabotage one's effort in healing.  Along with the  elimination of these food groups, all other forms of toxins (GMOs in food, lead, mold, carpet/car fumes, cleaning and personal care products, pesticides, heavy metals, etc...) are also sought to be avoided, as these can also take away from the protocol's results.  Yet it is not to say that one is left high and dry, as there are many, real food options one is able to enjoy while on the protocol.  All around, utilizing the ketogenic diet approach during the protocol allows patients to detox efficiently, maximize nutrient density, stay satiated, reduce insulin response, rebuild cell membranes, and therefore heal. Food source is also a key aspect of the protocol, as organic, fresh, and (or) local products are always the least processed and thus lower in potential GMOs, pesticides, herbicides, and other detrimental chemicals.  Of course, there are many other aspects of the PK Protocol that go into one's treatment, but for the purpose of today's post, I will stick to strictly the diet component. 

 Carbohydrates 

While consuming foods such as sweet potatoes, winter squash, taro root, and yuca, may be part of a well balanced Paleo diet, they are not to be eaten during the PK Protocol.  For starters, the overall protocol aims to repair ones damaged cells.  When carbohydrates enter into the body, it responds with insulin production to allow this glucose into surrounding cells.  Therefore, when carbohydrates are consumed continually throughout the day, and (or) in higher amounts than our bodies need or can deal with, not only does the the pancreas becomes stressed and thus cause weight gain, but an enzyme, known as "Phospholipase A2," is stimulated.  When this happens, inflammation is provoked, due to the enzyme breaking down vital, fatty acid structures in cell membranes.   Therefore, not only does the stimulation of PLA2 degrade the cellular makeup of one's body, but it also blocks proper detoxification methods, making its avoidance key to healing in the PK Protocol.  To do so, one must eat very, very low carb, as to not instigate any insulin response in the body, eliminating any potential PLA2 stimulation.  Not only does this mean eliminating all grains and starchy veggies, but also any form of sugar, whether fruit, cane, maple syrup, honey, or any other food that is converted over to glucose in the body. 

Fat

Much like a standard ketogenic diet, the PK Protocol is considered to be high fat, moderate in protein, and low carb.  However, the protocol is not necessarily all about only eating sticks of butter, but rather the oils and fats that one's blood work indicates that the patient is deficient in.  This includes all forms; polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated.  Despite the subset of polyunsaturated fats known as "omega-3s" being seen as the heart healthy, "good fats," consuming adequate amounts of omega-6 LA (i.e Lineolic Acid) in the correct forms, is actually a very important aspect of the PK Protocol.  As discussed previously in my Fat Phobia series, researchers have found it is not necessarily the level of essential fatty acids in one's diet to be the most important, but rather the ratio.  Patients on the protocol aim for a ratio of 4:1, and are given a special formula called "Balance Oil," created specially by BodyBio.  Other, unrefined, expeller/cold pressed oils such as hemp, pumpkin, sesame, and walnut, are also encouraged on the PK Protocol, and are always consumed in their chilled state to prevent any risk of oxidation.  To ensure that patients do not consume damaged oils, doctors provide their patients with a list of specific products, which typically come from BodyBio, a company derived from Dr. Patricia Kane herself.  Sufficient amounts of GLA (i.e Gamma-Linoleic Acid) and AA (i.e Arachidonic Acid) are other omega-6 fats that are supplemented through evening primrose oil and (or) borage oil, while omega-3's come in the form of organic, unrefined, expeller pressed flax and fish oil.   However, it is key to note that doctors are sure to not over-supplement of omega3's, and monitor one's levels through extensive, BodyBio lab analysis blood work.  Unrefined, organic forms of saturated fat are also fully promoted on the PK Protocol, thus including organic butter, ghee, and coconut oil, almond or avocado oil, chicken and bacon fat, lard, and other animal derived fats.  Olive oil, as long as it is organic, extra-virgin, and cold pressed, is also acceptable, though it is also very heat-sensitive, and thus should aim to be eaten raw and (or) cooked in low temperatures for those trying to heal their cells.   Ultimately, those behind the PK Protocol realize the difference between bad oils and fats, and those that one's cell truly need to be healthy.  Therefore, soybean, corn, cottonseed, canola, and other so-called "vegetable" and seed oils are to always be avoided, much like any individual looking to keep their health.  Bad fats also include trans-fats, hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils, and margarine.  

Protein 

While protein is not the central part of the diet, it is certainly an important portion.  Fatty fish, high in omega-3’s such as mackerel, salmon, trout, sardines, and herring, are all great sources of both beneficial fat and protein.  Red meat, raw dairy, nuts, seeds, and eggs, also make up a majority of the diet.  That being said, it is key to obtain these protein sources from local, organic, grass-fed, and small scale farms, to reduce the amount of potential toxins.  Organ meat is also incredibly encouraged, as this allows one to maximize nutrient density.  All around, seafood, meat, poultry, and eggs (which are rich is vital fatty acids), are all important, while which foods to emphasize are based solely on ones blood panel, much like the types of fat to eat.  

Vegetables

While there is a lot of emphasis on fat in the PK Protocol, consuming a large amount of vegetables is also key to restoration at a cellular level.  While all forms of starchy vegetables (including carrots, rutabaga, parsnips and beets) are off limits, low carb varieties, such as leafy greens, cauliflower/broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, leeks/shallots, snow/snap peas, cucumber, peppers, tomatoes, artichokes, and lettuce, are all completely acceptable.  Much like one's fat and protein, the quality of produce is extremely important, making organic, local, heirloom, and small-scale farmers the best option for patients. As a note, spinach is not allowed on the PK Protocol, as it is high in oxalates.  

Putting The Diet to Practice 

While the food sources one should consume to obtain optimal cell rejuvenation are quite clear on paper, problems typically arise based off of the patients condition.  Nuts, seeds, and eggs, which contain many of the essential fatty acids needed to regrow cells, can be quite aggravating to those with compromised, leaky guts, especially if their disease is partially autoimmune.  Personally, I cannot tolerate eggs at this point in my healing, due to always have a huge inflammatory, allergic response when ingesting them.  However, I can somewhat handle nut and seed oils (from the right sources that is), though nut and seed butters still remain very irritating to my overall well being.  That being said, after avoiding them for many years prior to beginning this protocol, I now find that consuming small amounts of raw, soaked, sprouted, and dehydrated nut butters, to be quite tolerable and cause a minimum (to no) stress on my body.  Another aspect of the PK Protocol that Dr. Patricia Kane encourages all patients to play with is raw dairy. Therefore, while cow products have not worked for me for many years, I have found that raw sheep and camel milk products to be somewhat tolerable, especially in an aged, raw form.  Overall, because my body is still very depleted and damaged, eating certain foods that are otherwise emphasized on the diet, are not yet part of my daily meals.   However, if I could sum up the diet that I have been following in a few words it would be fat, green, and more fat.  By green I mean vegetables, of which I consume in green juice, sauteed greens, salads, and roasted greens.  Fat is put on top of anything that I cook, even if it is partially fatty and (or) cooked with fat.  Therefore, because of this high fat and vegetable content, the need and even want for carbohydrates in any form is very very minimal.  As long as I am getting enough fat in the day, not once do I find myself wishing I could eat something starchy and sweet, but instead am completely satiated.  As one's cells heal, so will their leaky gut, which will ultimately fix histamine intolerance, leaky gut, and other neuroautoimmune dysfunctions.  However, this is a very broad statement, as what goes into healing is much more complicated than simply healing one's cells.  Overall, the diet one follows is customized and discussed between  Dr. Patricia Kane, the patients given doctor, and the patient themselves.  Though I am not through with the PK Protocol, I have found the individualization of the protocol as a whole to be quite remarkable.  Not only are my specific health complications and needs taken into consideration, but they are also being addressed, even those outside of the dietary department. 

Recommended Diet Outline 

Though one's dietary intake is customized based off their BodyBio labs, there is an overall outline for recommended food intake.  1 serving of any protein (seafood, red meat, wild game, poultry, etc...at least three ounces) at each meal, 1-3 daily servings of seeds and nuts (1 oz each - no chestnuts or peanuts) a day,  multiple servings of BodyBio Balance oil (2-6 tbsp daily), 2-4 eggs per day, 1 serving of full-fat yogurt (if tolerated), 1-2 servings (1 tbsp each) of soft cheeses, many servings of healthy oils (BodyBio and (or) Flora brand, cold-pressed walnut, sunflower, pumpkin, flax, walnut, sesame, hemp, etc...), multiple servings of fats for higher temperature cooking (coconut, ghee, bacon fat, etc...), as well as numerous servings of oils/fats for medium-temperature cooking (olive oil, tallow, lard, chicken fat), 6-12 servings of vegetables (1/2-1 cup each) per day, at least one salad, and fresh or dried herbs/spices as preferred.  If one is going to "cheat," coconut, avocado, berries, green apple, legumes, beans, and olives are allowed in 1-2 servings per day.  

My Experience

Lucky for me, I had already found the Paleo diet many years before the PK Protocol, and thus do not have a hard time switching to a more low-carb approach.  The change was breaking down of the autoimmune aspects that I had implemented years prior.  That being said, I still do not touch eggs or nightshades, and very little nuts. Therefore, despite following Autoimmune Paleo 95% of the time, I tend to tolerate nut and seed oils quite fine, as well as the BodyBio "Balanced Oil" that is a flax and sunflower mixture.  The variety of oils and fats that you can find in my kitchen are quite large, including sheep, chicken, goose, and duck fat, as well as lard, tallow, avocado, macadamia, walnut, pistachio, red palm, almond, coconut, MCT, and hazelnut oil.  Saturated fats I use for cooking, as well as topping food once it has been cooked, while the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats I reserve for use after cooking.  Vegetables that I consume on a daily to weekly basis include kale, dandelion greens, bok choy, broccoli rabi, endive, escarole, lettuce (red, green, romaine, bibb), turnip greens, green onion, leek, cucumber, radish, jicama (in very small quantities), arugula, swiss chard, collard greens, and seaweed (nori, wakame, kelp, etc).  Half of the leafy greens I make into juices, while the other I eat sauteed or as a salad.   For meat and poultry, I pretty much eat anything I can get my hands on, thought I try and eat as local as possible, and rotate to minimize histamine and MAST cell allergic reactions.  This includes wild venison, lamb, pork, buffalo, beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, and ostrich (when I am lucky to find it).  Because there tends to be many more species of fish than land animals, I tend to consume these on a daily basis, more so than muscle meats.  White fish is usually my top choice for breakfast, as it is the most easily digestible protein, making monk fish, striped bass, mahi mahi, flounder, fluke, skate wings, tilapia, cod, and halibut a great replacement for eggs.  Other fish include the top, oily, cold-water varieties such as herring, salmon, sardines, trout, tuna, and mackerel.  Like meat products, I seek out local fish as much as possible, and when buying from the store, strive to ensure it is wild and domestic. Eating nose-to-tail as a way to maximize nutrient density, is also a big part of the PK Protocol, which is why I am to eat items such as organ meat 4-5 days a week.  This includes venison liver, chicken heart, gizzards, and liver, beef heart, tongue, marrow, and liver, all of which I am able to source from local farms.  Overall, the fats, vegetables, and proteins mentioned above are what my PK Protocol diet consists of for the most part.  Other foods that are included in my rotation when tolerable are raw sheep yogurt, raw camel milk, raw goat and sheep cheese, and vinegars (apple cider, balsamic, red wine, champagne, infused, etc).  If I am craving "treats," I tend to have a bit of coconut butter, or make a ketogenic, single serving treat high in fat and very low in carbs.  I have found that because I have been on an Autoimmune-approach to Paleo for so long prior to the PK Protocol, having small amounts of nut or seed butters (soaked and raw when possible) does not irritate me very much, and are my first choice when looking to increase calories and fat intake for the day.  For alternative sweeteners, I use pure stevia or chicory root powder, though I make sure to use these in very very minimal amounts, on a rare basis, as they are not "whole foods." Together, a typical day includes a green at each meal (whether raw, sauteed, or juiced), a protein, and extra fat on top of it all, plus a few snacks throughout the day that fit into the categories above. Overall, if  an ingredient or food is not mentioned in the above categories, then it is most likely eliminated.  However, for the sake of this article, I have chosen to refrain from listing all of these foods. 

How to Keep Going 

 Because the portion of ketogenic that my body can tolerate is somewhat restrictive, due to not being able to tolerate some of the main foods (low-carb FODMAP vegetables, eggs, dairy, etc), eating the items that I can have, in different forms, makes things seem not so boring and dull.  Examples include my fish intake, which I try and rotate from fresh, canned, and smoked varieties.  One day I might make something with ground turkey with some  chicken liver mixed into it, while the next time I eat turkey it is in the form of a roasted leg or wing.  Creativity is truly a key aspect of keeping a diet "interesting," and easy to obtain.  When I begin to feel "blah" about my body and what I have to eat, I know that it is time to start creating new ways to eat things.  That being said, it is also important to focus on what you CAN eat, not what the PK Protocol says that you CAN'T.  Really, this is key to any way of eating, especially when the specific diet is being utilized to find true healing.  Ultimately, there is so much more to health than food, and if you can get past the mental block of not having what everyone else eating, you will undoubtedly succeed.  In the end, you have to believe in what you are doing.  Ways to accomplish this include self-education on what exactly the PK Protocol is, and how it is helping your body.  That being said, tough this post includes much of the information on the food aspect of the PK Protocol, one's diet is truly based off of what their body says it needs (via blood work), therefore making the recommendations included in today's post merely an overall outline.  For more information, please feel free to contact me through email or social media, or visit Neurolipid Research Foundation's website here. 

(Pin Post Here) 

1 Peter 1:15-16 "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”