Written by Anna Mercoiret, Holistic Coach
Anna Mercoiret, founder of the Wholistic method, is a holistic coach who overcame serious health issues from a high-stress finance career in Paris through Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Energy Work. Now, she helps others achieve balance and wellness with her integrative approach, combining body, mind, and soul healing.
In recent years, the ketogenic diet has gained immense popularity in the wellness space. With its promise of fat-burning, mental clarity, and improved metabolic health, many are turning to keto in hopes of healing inflammation and hormonal imbalances. But is this high-fat, low-carb way of eating really a one-size-fits-all solution? As a naturopath and Ayurvedic practitioner specializing in chronic inflammation and hormonal regulation, I believe the answer is more nuanced.
Understanding the keto diet
The ketogenic diet shifts the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where fat becomes the primary source of energy instead of carbohydrates. By significantly reducing carbohydrate intake, insulin levels drop, and the liver starts converting fat into ketones, an alternative fuel source for the brain and body.
This metabolic shift has been shown to offer benefits for conditions such as type 2 diabetes, epilepsy, and even some neurodegenerative diseases. But how does it interact with chronic inflammation and hormone balance, especially in women?
The anti-inflammatory potential of keto
Chronic low-grade inflammation is at the root of many modern diseases, including autoimmune disorders, PCOS, endometriosis, and insulin resistance. The ketogenic diet can offer anti-inflammatory benefits through several mechanisms:
Reduced insulin and glucose spikes: Lower insulin levels help reduce systemic inflammation, a key trigger in many hormone-related disorders.
Ketone bodies and inflammation modulation: One of the primary ketones, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome, an inflammatory pathway linked to many chronic diseases.
Weight loss and fat reduction: Excess adipose tissue (especially visceral fat) promotes the release of inflammatory cytokines. By reducing body fat, keto indirectly supports a lower inflammatory load.
From a naturopathic lens, these changes can help restore balance to overburdened systems and reduce oxidative stress, allowing the body’s natural healing mechanisms to activate.
Keto and female hormones: A double-edged sword?
Many women struggling with PCOS, estrogen dominance, or adrenal fatigue are drawn to keto. Indeed, studies have shown that the diet can improve markers such as the LH: FSH ratio, reduce testosterone levels, and support ovulation in women with PCOS.
However, a word of caution: while short-term improvements are promising, long-term strict keto can disrupt hormonal rhythms in some women, especially if done without adequate nourishment or stress management.
Thyroid function: Carbohydrates are crucial for thyroid hormone conversion. Prolonged low-carb eating may reduce T3 levels, leading to fatigue, mood changes, and a slowed metabolism.
Cortisol and adrenals: The body may perceive carb restriction as a form of stress, increasing cortisol levels, which in turn can affect menstrual regularity and reproductive health.
Cycle irregularities: Women with already low body fat or high physical stress may experience amenorrhea or worsened PMS on strict keto.
Ayurveda teaches that no food or diet is inherently good or bad, only appropriate or inappropriate for the individual at a specific time. This is particularly relevant when it comes to cyclical hormones.
Balanced approach: Personalizing keto with Ayurvedic wisdom
In my practice, I often use elements of the keto diet as part of a broader therapeutic protocol but rarely recommend it in its strictest form for long periods, especially for women in their reproductive years.
Here are a few ways to adapt keto for better hormone balance:
Incorporate carb cycling: Allowing small amounts of complex carbs, like sweet potatoes or quinoa, a few times a week can support thyroid and adrenal health.
Focus on quality fats: Choose anti-inflammatory fats like ghee, olive oil, avocados, and omega-3s rather than relying heavily on dairy or processed meats.
Mindful eating and digestion: In Ayurveda, how you eat is as important as what you eat. Supporting agni (digestive fire) ensures better nutrient assimilation and hormonal communication.
Listen to your body: Monitor your cycle, energy, mood, and digestion. If symptoms worsen, it may be time to pause and reassess.
To conclude, the ketogenic diet can be a powerful therapeutic tool when used mindfully and strategically. For women struggling with chronic inflammation and hormone-related conditions, it can jumpstart healing, but only if it aligns with their unique constitution, lifestyle, and stress load.
As always, I recommend working with a holistic health professional who can personalize your approach, integrating both science and traditional wisdom.
Your body has an innate intelligence. Trust it, and give it what it needs to thrive.
Anna Mercoiret, Holistic Coach
Anna Mercoiret is a holistic coach and the founder of the Wholistic method. After a demanding career in finance in Paris led to numerous health issues, Anna transformed her life through Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, Energy Work, and Personal Development. In just six months, she regulated her PCOS, reduced chronic inflammation, stabilized her kidney insufficiency, calmed her anxiety, and relocated to Bali.
Drawing on her comprehensive training and personal experience, Anna developed the Wholistic method, which aims to balance the body, mind, and soul. Today, she helps individuals master their health, find balance, and lead more aligned lives through tailored holistic coaching.
