KetoFLEX 12/3

Scientific Underpinnings

Through Dr. Bredesen’s work with thousands of participants and now with early results from a successful clinical trial, he has found that the most effective nutrition for support of brain health includes a mildly ketogenic, plant-rich, highly nutritive diet combined with nightly fasting of a minimum of 12 hours with at least 3 before bed. This approach is summarized as the KetoFLEX 12/3 diet — a heavily plant-based, nutrient-dense, whole foods diet, that emphasizes local, organic, and seasonal non-starchy vegetables from every color of the rainbow, combined with an adequate amount of protein, and generous amounts of healthy fat. This approach utilizes multiple mechanisms to optimally support the brain to prevent and reverse cognitive decline. 

• Creates critical insulin sensitivity
• Addresses neuronal fuel reduction and mitochondrial deficiency 
• Reduces inflammation 
• Upregulates immunity
• Increases circulation and optimizes blood pressure 
• Provides raw materials for synaptic support 
• Protects against nutrient deficiencies associated with cognitive decline 
• Promotes cellular autophagy and amyloid-beta clearance 
• Promotes detoxification 
• Protects against muscle and bone loss associated with cognitive decline
  

The primary side effect is improved health and protection from all chronic diseases. Read on for a description of the dietary plan with a summary of the KetoFLEX 12/3 Brain Food Pyramid below. 

KetoFLEX 12/3 Overview  

KetoFLEX 12/3 is a diet (that becomes a lifestyle) to optimize cognition. Let’s break it down so it’s easier to understand.

• Keto refers to ketosis, the natural process by which your body breaks down stored and dietary fat to use as fuel.
• FLEX refers to metabolic flexibility, the ability to use either glucose or fat as a fuel source. FLEX also refers to a flexitarian diet, in which meat is optional.
• 12/3 refers to the minimum amount of time each day that you should spend fasting; for at least 12 hours and at least 3 hours before bed.

The Importance of Ketosis     

Specialized imaging has demonstrated that a reduction in the brain’s ability to use glucose precedes and accompanies Alzheimer’s disease. Evidence has shown that ketones can be used effectively as an alternative and adjunct fuel. To learn more, see Why is Ketosis Important for Brain Health. 

How To Create Ketones

• You can create ketones by combining the three components of the KetoFLEX 12/3 lifestyle: diet, fasting, and exercise on a foundation of quality sleep.
• When combined, they heal metabolism and provide clean sustainable fuel for your brain.
• You can test your blood glucose and ketones with Precision Xtra, KetoMojo or the BIOSENSE breath ketone meter to track your progress.

Before Starting    

It’s very important to first eliminate the inflammatory foods below for several reasons. Most importantly, combining inflammatory foods with a high fat diet (even with healthy fats) can contribute to coronary artery disease. Secondly, many of these foods can contribute to insulin resistance and impede your ability to naturally achieve ketosis.

Avoid sugar (in all forms), simple carbohydrates (breads, muffins, cakes, pastries, crackers, chips, pretzels, pasta, etc.), conventional dairy (milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, etc.), and grains (wheat, corn, rye, oats, rice, etc.)  

KetoFLEX 12/3 Brain Food Pyramid  

Level One: Clean House

To learn about the benefits of fasting, including autophagy, often referred to as cellular housekeeping, read Cognitive Restoration Through Fasting. See fasting goals below.

Fasting Goal

• Everyone should stop eating at least three hours before bed and extend the fast for at least twelve hours. Those who are ApoE4 positive can work on slowly extending the fast to 16+ hours.  

Level Two: Freely Indulge

This is the level of the pyramid that comprises the foods — non-starchy vegetables and healthy fats — that will make up the majority of your plate. See the tips below for making smart choices.

Non-starchy Vegetables

• Non-starchy vegetables are those with a low glycemic index that won’t spike your blood glucose or affect your ability to get into ketosis. Freely enjoy deeply pigmented, organic, seasonal, preferably local, non-starchy vegetables, including leafy greens and cruciferous (some raw and some cooked) with fresh herbs, spices, and teas.  

Healthy fats

• Increasing healthy fats, such as high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), avocado, nuts, and seeds, will not only make the nutrients from your vegetables more bioavailable, but it will also help you achieve nutritional ketosis.  

Level Three:  Upgrade Your Gut

It’s very important to work on healing underlying chronic GI issues and to promote gut health as you are implementing this new diet. The gut microbiome provides the foundation for healthy function of our nutritional, immune, hormonal, and neurological systems.  

Prebiotic Fiber, Resistant Starches & Probiotic Foods

• Specific foods, including prebiotic fiber (artichoke hearts, jicama, dandelion greens, mushrooms, leeks, green banana, etc.), resistant starches (tubers, legumes, parsnips, cassava root, rutabagas, pistachios, etc.) and probiotic foods (fermented vegetables, sauerkraut, kimchi, low sugar kombucha, tempeh,  miso, etc.) in small quantities, as tolerated, can help to cultivate a healthy gut. 

Level Four: Choose Wisely

This level of the pyramid includes animal protein and fruit, both of which can be very healthful but should be chosen carefully and intake moderated. See tips below.   

Animal Protein  

It’s very important to get an adequate amount of protein but consuming too much impedes autophagy (also fostered by fasting), metabolic health, and even longevity. Healthy people under age 65 should limit protein consumption to 0.8-1.0 grams per kilogram of lean body mass per day. Concurrently implementing a strength training program to avoid frailty is highly recommended.      

• When consuming animal protein, quality matters. We recommend prioritizing low mercury, wild-caught seafood for the DHA and eggs from pastured hens for the choline. When eating meat, be sure that it’s 100% pastured.      

Fruit

Ancestrally, fruit was enjoyed seasonally to fatten up for the winter. Because fruit is now imported from around the globe to be available year-round, many people overconsume and choose varieties that are hybridized to be sweeter and lower in fiber impairing metabolic health. Fruit can be very nutritious when carefully selected.     

• Eat heirloom fruit seasonally. Always balance nutritive value against glycemic concerns. Exceptions include small portions of neuroprotective wild berries, lemons, limes, and unripened tropical fruit (green plantains, bananas, mangoes, papayas, and kiwi) as resistant starch and for their natural digestive enzymes.

Level Five: Indulgences

Just as the descriptor indulgences suggests, this is the level of the pyramid where we really start to put on the brakes. While all of the foods included on this level — approved sweeteners, cocoa flavanols, A2 dairy,  and dry red wine — can be quite healthful for some, they all need to be enjoyed in moderation.   

Approved Sweeteners

• If necessary, use limited amounts of approved sweeteners that include pure versions of stevia and monk fruit. Local honey may be used by those who are insulin sensitive. 

Cocoa Flavanols

• To derive the health benefits of flavanols, enjoy small amounts of high cacao chocolate, low in sugar, cadmium, and lead.

A2 Dairy (Less Inflammatory)

• You may have small amounts of A2 dairy (such as goat cheese) if tolerated and desired.

Dry Red Wine

• Alcohol is a neurotoxin and is best avoided by anyone with dependence issues or at risk of suffering from cognitive decline. If you decide to indulge occasionally, consider small amounts of organic sugar-free, low-alcohol red wine.

Check out Dr. Bredesen’s latest book, The End of Alzheimer’s Program, for in-depth information about KetoFLEX 12/3 and much more. Apollo Health subscribers, once logged in, have access to detailed instructions about how to implement the diet, which can be found in the  KetoFLEX 12/3 Nutritional Guidelines, along with lots of nutritional support information, including how to track glucose and ketones, how to determine macronutrient ratios, recipes, and much more. Additionally, subscribers have access to many other educational guides that offer step-by-step instructions for how to implement every aspect of the Bredesen Protocol.