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Ketogenic Metabolic Protocol

Shift your fuel system toward ketones with a well-formulated approach, and understand exactly when ketosis is useful and when it is not.

🔬
Neuroscientist · University of South Florida
Not endorsed · Based on the published work of Dom D'Agostino
Daily time
Daily
Steps
6
Difficulty
Intermediate
Sources
5
View the steps →
What it is

D'Agostino studies metabolic therapies. A well-formulated ketogenic diet is very low carb, adequate protein and high fat, weighted toward mono-unsaturated fats and MCTs rather than the old very-high-saturated-fat clinical version. Electrolytes are not optional: most early 'keto flu' is sodium and water loss. Exogenous ketones (BHB salts) and MCT oil can raise ketones quickly and ease the transition, but he is candid that they are not for blind daily megadosing. You can measure the whole thing at home with a blood ketone meter.

Why it works
Cutting carbs lowers insulin and shifts metabolism toward fat and ketones, which many people find gives steadier energy and focus. MCTs (especially C8) convert to ketones readily and cross the blood-brain barrier. The diet's effect is uniquely measurable at home, which makes it easy to dial in. His broader research into ketosis for epilepsy, cancer and brain injury is promising but is research, not a consumer health claim.
The evidence
Sources
Published work by Dom D'Agostino, cited straight to the source: long-form episodes, clips, peer-reviewed papers and their own writing. Select any to view it here.
1
Developing a well-designed ketogenic diet and harnessing its benefits (FoundMyFitness)
Video
2
AMA with Dom D'Agostino: ketogenic diet, exogenous ketones and exercise (The Drive, Peter Attia)
Podcast
3
The ketogenic diet, ketosis and metabolic therapies (Dom D'Agostino on The Drive)
Podcast
4
Ketosis for Mood, Cognition & Brain Protection (The Tim Ferriss Show #845)
Podcast
5
Developing a Well-Formulated Ketogenic Diet (FoundMyFitness)
Video
Source viewer
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The protocol
Clinical strong human trials Mixed some or emerging evidence Commercial weak or unproven, sold widely Equipment / Test not an evidence claim How we grade →
Diet

Go very low carb, adequate protein, high fat

Typically under ~30 to 50 g carbs/day; protein to your needs; fill the rest with quality fats

This is what triggers and sustains nutritional ketosis.

D'Agostino · The Drive
For this step
No product needed
Essential

Replace electrolytes generously

Liberally salt food; supplement sodium, potassium and magnesium

Lower insulin makes you excrete sodium and water; this prevents most keto flu.

D'Agostino · STEM-Talk
For this stepClinical
Electrolytes (sodium / potassium / magnesium)
Prevents keto flu
Fuel

Add MCT oil or powder

Start with 1 tsp and titrate up; C8 (caprylic acid) is the most ketogenic; powder is gentler on the gut

Raises ketones and crosses the blood-brain barrier; build up slowly to avoid GI upset.

D'Agostino · The Drive
For this stepMixed
MCT oil / powder (C8)
Titrate up slowly
Optional

Use exogenous ketones to ease in

BHB ketone salts can reach fasting-level ketosis in ~30 min; not necessarily a daily habit

Useful for the transition or a mental-energy boost; he cautions against high daily doses.

D'Agostino · FoundMyFitness
For this stepMixed
Exogenous ketone supplement (BHB + electrolytes)
Helps ease the transition into ketosis
Measure

Track blood ketones at home

A blood ketone meter; aim for light nutritional ketosis unless directed otherwise

The diet's big advantage: you can verify you are actually in range.

D'Agostino · STEM-Talk
For this stepEquipment
Blood ketone meter
Confirms nutritional ketosis
Cover bases

Protein, quality fats, and micronutrients

Adequate protein each meal; vitamin D3 with K2; whole-food fats

Keeps the diet sustainable and nutritionally complete.

D'Agostino · The Drive
For this stepClinical
Vitamin D3 + K2
Daily micronutrient cover
Is this for you?
Good fit if
  • Metabolic experimenters
  • People seeking steady energy and focus
  • Those who have stalled on other approaches
  • Anyone who likes measurable feedback
Cautions
  • Type 1 diabetes, pregnancy, liver disease, or a history of kidney stones: do not attempt without medical supervision
  • D'Agostino reported elevated liver enzymes after high-dose ketone supplementation, and high ketones can drop blood glucose too low; do not megadose
  • Therapeutic uses (epilepsy, cancer, brain injury) are his research area, not health claims we make; these belong with a physician
  • Stay well hydrated with electrolytes to protect the kidneys
  • Educational only, not medical advice
Related protocols
Update history
  • July 3, 2026 Protocol published.
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Not medical advice. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a qualified clinician before changing your health routine.
Independent curation. YourProtocol.ai is an independent platform. This protocol is based on the publicly available work of Dom D'Agostino and is not created, reviewed, endorsed by, or affiliated with Dom D'Agostino or Neuroscientist · University of South Florida.

Ketogenic Metabolic Protocol
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