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Cyclical Ketogenic Diet

Meaning

A Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD) is a structured nutritional regimen that alternates between extended periods of very low carbohydrate, high-fat intake, inducing nutritional ketosis, and brief, scheduled periods of high carbohydrate consumption, often termed refeeds. This strategy is clinically employed to harness the metabolic benefits of ketosis, such as enhanced fat oxidation and improved insulin sensitivity, while utilizing the carbohydrate phases to replenish muscle glycogen stores and optimize key anabolic hormones like insulin and thyroid hormone. It represents a more flexible approach than a standard ketogenic diet.