Do CBD and the Keto Diet Complement Each Other?

CBD and the ketogenic diet have become a popular combination when it comes to health and wellness. But are they really compatible? Here's how combining CBD with a keto diet could support your wellness needs.

What is the keto diet?

A ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. It helps you burn fat more efficiently by depriving your body of glucose, prompting it to enter a state known as ketosis. Glucose (sugar) is the body's primary source of energy. When glucose is in short supply, your body burns fat to produce energy molecules called ketones (more on these shortly).

A ketogenic diet focuses on low-carb foods such as:

• Cheese
• Avocado
• Red & white meat
• Fish and seafood
• Nuts
• Eggs
• Dark chocolate

Guiding your body into a state of ketosis may affect you in several ways. Many followers of the keto diet report reduced hunger and weight loss, as is often the case with elimination diets. A ketogenic diet may also impact inflammation and insulin sensitivity, but we'll dive a little deeper into the potential benefits later on.

Understanding ketosis

The keto diet focuses on the principle of ketosis, a state that elevates the level of ketones in the body. To enter ketosis, you need to limit intake of carbohydrates, the main source of glucose in most diets.

When we eat a ton of bread, pasta, and sugars, whatever our body doesn't immediately burn for energy gets stored as fat. However, a low-carb, high-fat diet pushes your body to enter ketosis and fuel itself differently—burning fat instead of stockpiling it. Most people on the keto diet try to eat no more than 20–50 grams of carbohydrates per day.

The best way to check if you've entered ketosis is to perform a ketone blood test. If levels are between 0.5–3.0 millimoles per litre (mmol/l), then you know you're in ketosis and your body is using fat as its primary energy source.

What are the benefits of the keto diet?

The keto diet has been subject to a lot of hype in recent years, but don't discount it as merely a fad. There may be several good reasons to try the keto diet, provided it fits with your lifestyle and wellness goals.

Potential benefits of the keto diet include:

• Hunger reduction
• Weight loss (short term)
• Reduced insulin and blood sugar
• Lower triglycerides (fat molecules in the bloodstream)
• Better control of “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol

What are the risks of the keto diet?

No diet, keto included, is without risks. By eliminating certain food groups and forcing your body to prioritise fats and carbs differently, potential side effects include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Bad breath

The reason for the side effects listed above stems from a phenomenon known as "keto flu". Nearly everyone will experience some form of keto flu while the body adapts to its new fuel source. The impact is usually worse at the beginning of the transition, with symptoms improving quickly—usually 1–2 weeks later.

Is CBD keto-friendly?

So, how exactly does CBD fit into a ketogenic diet? Well, the compound appears to synergise with keto; first and foremost, it doesn’t appear to directly interact with the biological mechanisms of ketosis. Instead, cannabidiol is known for its influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a vast regulatory network that keeps a close eye on functions such as mood, appetite, and sleep.

Moreover, provided you choose high-quality CBD products, you won’t need to worry about specific ingredients either. However, the one watch-out would be CBD gummies or edibles, as these often contain sugar and artificial flavours. Avoiding these entirely is crucial to staying in ketosis.

Does CBD oil have carbs?

Even better news for followers of the keto diet is that CBD oil contains a negligible amount of carbohydrates. You don't need to worry about factoring CBD into your diet plan, or about it disrupting ketosis.

Cibdol CBD oil is:

• Nearly free from carbohydrates
• Gluten-free
• Vegan

Moreover, CBD products with an olive oil carrier contain an abundance of monounsaturated fat, a healthier alternative to saturated fats found in ready-made meals or fast food. In short, CBD oil synergises incredibly well with the principles of a keto diet.

How can CBD benefit the keto diet?

Knowing CBD won't disrupt ketosis is fantastic news, but you're probably wondering if there are any other benefits to CBD and keto. Below you'll find a summary of potential advantages.

Weight loss

Research published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry examined the relationship between CBD and fat browning—the conversion of "bad" white fat into "good" brown fat.^[1] It remains to be seen whether similar results can be achieved in human trials, but it points to a potentially promising synergy between keto and CBD.

Inflammation

Studies have found that CBD and ketosis appear to influence cytokines, protein cells that signal an inflammatory response.^[2] While inflammation is a key part of our immune system, chronic inflammation can lead to many non-communicable diseases. Combining CBD oil supplements with a keto diet could be a powerful force in this regard.

Metabolism and appetite

A 2018 study found that the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a pivotal role in regulating food intake via metabolism and endocrine function.^[3] The endocrine system is also responsible for producing hormones that make us feel hungry. Given that CBD can influence the ECS in complex ways, it could help to promote a balanced, healthy metabolism.

The heart and brain

The journal Surgical Neurology International notes that CBD boosts levels of the neurotransmitter adenosine, a compound associated with several functions in the brain and immune system.^[4] Moreover, a different study demonstrates CBD's link with endothelial cells found in the coronary artery.^[5] To put it another way, CBD shows promise for supporting both our brain and heart, although the exact implications remain under investigation.

Skin

Our skin is one of the first areas where an intolerance to food or chemical substances will show. As many people choose to follow the keto diet to eliminate these aggravators, it makes sense to synergise your food regime with a compound supportive of the skin’s natural ecosystem.

According to a comprehensive review, that support could come via CBD topicals, as researchers found that cannabinoids can interact with receptors located throughout the various cellular components of the skin.^[6]

Stress

Dramatically altering what you eat and drink is stressful for anyone, especially during the transition period. It's also when we feel worried or anxious about our diet that we're most likely to settle back into old habits, indulging in those comfort foods.

Fortunately, researchers understand the impact stress can have on our daily routines, which is why they’re examining the influence of natural compounds such as CBD. There's still a lot to uncover regarding specific mechanisms of action, but the results of a 2015 review point to a promising future.^[7]

Metabolic disorders

One of the primary benefits of a ketogenic diet is its impact on insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a blood sugar problem that can lead to conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, a review published in the American Journal of Pathology observed the effects of plant-derived cannabinoids like CBD and THCV in relation to diabetes and diabetic complications.^[8]

Can CBD mitigate any of the risks or side effects of the keto diet?

A ketogenic diet ultimately stabilises blood sugar and boosts energy levels. However, that doesn't happen right away, and CBD could help ease your transition to ketosis.

When you first cut down on carbohydrates, you may find yourself feeling sluggish, irritable, even foggy-headed. This “keto flu” stems from your body’s need for time to adapt. It is used to getting energy from glucose, and you'll need a few days or weeks to effectively transition to burning fat, allowing your body to ramp up production of those energising ketones.

To help overcome keto flu, it's wise to consider the influence of supplements. Given that you're eliminating certain foods, your body may lack the vitamins and minerals it needs to maintain balanced well-being. With that in mind, Cibdol stocks a wide range of CBD supplements, blending the broad influence of cannabinoids with well-known vitamins and minerals.

CBD and keto: key takeaways

So, are CBD and the keto diet a good match? They certainly could be. However, if you have questions about ketosis or any pre-existing health conditions, it's essential to talk to your doctor before drastically changing your diet or starting a new supplement routine.

If nothing seems amiss, consider trying a ketogenic diet alongside a regimen of CBD oil. Combined with an active lifestyle, these simple changes could help you feel lighter, more invigorated, and ready to live life to the fullest.

Considering the keto diet and looking to support your nutritional journey with CBD? Why not browse the Cibdol store for a complete selection of keto-friendly oils, capsules, and supplements. Or, if you want to learn more about how foods influence well-being, visit our CBD Encyclopedia for everything you need to know.