Once you know the basics of how ketones and ketosis work, what to eat, and what to avoid on keto, you also need to understanding the best supplements to take when starting the keto diet. Here they are, in order of importance, as recommended by Dr. Colbert.

1. MCT Powder for Quick, Fat Burning Energy

MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat that—unlike other fatty acids—your body can metabolize right now [1]. That means your body can more quickly convert the fat into ketones to be used as energy (instead of being stored as fat!).

In other words, with MCTs you stay in fat-burning mode longer and they’re a perfect complement to a ketogenic diet.

As supplements, MCTs come from palm oil or coconut oil and are available as MCT powder or oil. Be careful about what’s added—look for all-natural flavors and only natural, sugar-free sweeteners so carbs are kept very low.

2. Digestive Enzymes for a Happier Stomach

A ketogenic diet like the Keto Zone™ program is very high in good, fat-burning fats and rich in vegetables and proteins. While these are great for health, your body might need a little help adjusting to the changes.

Help out your digestive system by supplementing with a digestive enzyme. It’ll help your body break down the fats and vegetables better so you can receive their nutrients without uncomfortable symptoms like gas, bloating, or indigestion.

But don’t reach for just any standard digestive enzyme! The type matters.

Here’s what to look for:

Fat Digestion Enzyme: Lipase

This is the best digestive enzyme to take on the keto diet.

When you eat common healthy keto fats like extra virgin olive oil, avocados, and keto nuts and seeds, your pancreas naturally releases lipase. But here’s the problem: your body probably won’t make enough lipase to handle keto-level fats.

So, look for a high-lipase digestive enzyme supplement to provide exactly what you need to break down these foods.

Vegetable Digestion Enzymes

A healthy keto diet like the Keto Zone™ is not only high in fats but also rich in vegetables—more than the average American eats, that’s for sure.

To account for the high veggie intake, Dr. Colbert also advises supplementing with enzymes that target cellulose, a tough-to-digest substance in most keto vegetables.

Those enzymes are cellulase and hemicellulose.

For best results on keto, seek a digestive enzyme containing at least these three enzymes.

3. Collagen Protein for Joint and Tissue Support

After MCT powder and digestion enzymes, collagen protein is highly recommended on a ketogenic diet.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and is popular as a supplements for many reasons. It contains vital amino acids for optimal health.

There are different supplemental forms of collagen protein: type I, type II, and type III.

Supplementing with all three collagen types can support healthy hair, skin, nails, connective tissue, and gut health, but type II collagen is uniquely used for medicinal purposes, joint mobility, and flexibility too.

Collagen supplements are typically made from either beef collagen or chicken collagen, which is mostly type II collagen. Hydrolyzed chicken collagen is most recommended for those on the Keto Zone™ program.

4. Exogenous Ketones for Energy and Entering Ketosis Quickly

Entering ketosis means your body has made the switch from burning carbs and sugar for fuel to burning fat. This is what we also called the “Keto Zone,” and it’s the sweet spot when you’re burning fat, gaining energy, and improving your health and mental clarity.

Exogenous ketones help you with two main things:

• Entering ketosis quickly, whether you’re just starting the keto diet or getting back into it after a period of eating higher carb.
• Boosting energy levels once you’re already in ketosis and your body is thriving on ketones for energy, clarity, and fat loss.

Look for exogenous ketones that are free of added sugars (stevia is best for sweeteners), high in the ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and contain electrolyte salts—which is our next listed supplement.

5. Electrolytes for Your Nervous System

As you drastically reduce carbs and enter ketosis, your body initially drops a lot of water—taking important electrolyte minerals with it.

Your body needs electrolytes to conduct electricity throughout your nervous system and keep everything firing and working properly, such as your digestive system and heart. Replenishing electrolytes also helps prevent the symptoms of keto flu.

Those electrolytes are:

• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Potassium

A simple way to increase sodium is by adding more sea salt to your food or dissolving some in water.

For the magnesium and potassium, you might need to supplement, such as adding mineral/electrolyte drops to water—or you can look for a ketone supplement that already contains added electrolyte salts.

Also, Don’t Forget: Drink Water

Since low-carb diets tend to increase water loss, remember to drink water very often. Dehydration is a common symptom of ketosis that’s preventable with regular water intake!

Reading for Starting the Keto Diet: Keto Zone Diet Book

To jumpstart your keto success, Dr. Colbert also recommends “supplementing” with the Keto Zone Diet book for an optimal healthy living plan covering how to use these supplements and everything you also need to know when starting the keto diet (or getting back into it).

Get ready to lose weight, balance hormones and appetite, burn fat, and live a purpose-driven life with your new balanced keto diet plan.

The post Starting the Keto Diet? 5 Doctor-Recommended Supplements You Need appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.