Carbs Vs Keto: Brain Power Source?

The human brain is a complex organ that requires a constant supply of energy to function optimally. While carbohydrates have traditionally been considered the primary fuel source for the brain, there is growing interest in the potential benefits of a ketogenic diet, which prioritizes fat and restricts carbohydrate intake. This paradigm shift raises the question: does the brain function better with carbohydrates or ketones?

Ketones can be used to meet up to 70% of the brain's energy needs

The brain is an incredibly busy organ, responsible for a vast array of functions, from enabling us to make decisions, read and speak, to regulating body temperature and secreting hormones. It requires a constant, steady supply of fuel to carry out these functions.

The brain can use two main types of fuel: glucose and ketones. For those who eat a moderate to high-carb diet, the brain's primary energy source is glucose. However, for those on a low-carb, ketogenic diet, the brain can use ketones to meet a significant portion of its energy needs.

Ketones are water-soluble compounds produced by the liver from the breakdown of fatty acids when carbohydrate intake is very low, and insulin levels are reduced. Even when fasting or going for long periods without eating, the body can produce small amounts of ketones.

The brain always requires some glucose to function. However, research has shown that for individuals on a strict ketogenic diet, ketones can be used to meet up to 70% of the brain's energy needs. This is particularly relevant for people with certain neurological and mental health disorders.

For the remaining 30% of the brain's energy requirements, the liver can synthesise all the glucose needed through a process called gluconeogenesis, or "making new glucose". The liver uses various compounds to synthesise glucose, including amino acids from protein, glycerol from the breakdown of body fat or dietary fat, and pyruvate and lactate, which are molecules that form when the body metabolises glucose.

Thus, the brain can have all its energy demands met by the liver, regardless of carbohydrate consumption. This evolutionary adaptation likely played a crucial role in the survival of our ancestors, who often went for extended periods without eating while searching for food.

Ketogenic diets may reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's

The brain is an incredibly busy organ, responsible for a wide range of functions, from enabling us to make decisions and speak to regulating involuntary processes such as breathing and hormone secretion. To carry out these functions, the brain requires a lot of energy—accounting for 20% of the body's total energy needs. Typically, the brain uses glucose as its primary energy source. However, in people with Alzheimer's disease, the brain's ability to use glucose for fuel is impaired. This has led to Alzheimer's being referred to as "type 3 diabetes" by some researchers.

Ketogenic diets offer an alternative energy source for the brain in the form of ketones. Ketones are produced when the body is low on glucose and turns to burning fat for energy. The brain can use ketones for fuel, and ketogenic diets aim to take advantage of this by restricting carbohydrates and increasing fat intake, thereby encouraging the body to produce ketones.

Several studies have found that ketogenic diets may improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease. One randomized crossover trial found that patients on a ketogenic diet showed improvements in daily function and quality of life compared to those on a usual diet. Another study found that a ketogenic diet improved the cognitive abilities and quality of life of patients with mild to severe Alzheimer's. Additionally, animal studies suggest that a ketogenic diet may be an effective way to fuel a brain affected by Alzheimer's.

While the exact mechanism behind these potential benefits is not yet fully understood, one theory suggests that ketones protect brain cells by reducing reactive oxygen species, which can cause inflammation. Another theory posits that a diet high in fat, including saturated fat, may reduce the harmful proteins that accumulate in the brains of people with Alzheimer's.

It is important to note that not all studies have found a connection between ketogenic diets and improved cognition in Alzheimer's patients, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of this dietary approach. Additionally, ketogenic diets may not be suitable for everyone, and it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.

Ketogenic diets may reduce symptoms of Parkinson's

The ketogenic diet has been shown to have therapeutic benefits for a wide range of brain conditions, including Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that results from the deterioration of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. The cause of this deterioration is not known, but it is believed that carbohydrate metabolism disorders may affect the progression of the disease.

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with controlled amounts of protein. This type of diet can increase the production of ketone bodies, which are an alternative energy source for the brain when glucose is in short supply. Ketone bodies have been shown to improve cerebral circulation and reduce muscle tremors and stiffness in patients with Parkinson's disease.

A small clinical study of seven volunteers with Parkinson's showed that five out of seven had improvement in their post-diet test scores after maintaining a ketogenic diet for one month. Another case study of a 68-year-old woman with mild Parkinson's found that a ketogenic diet eased motor symptoms and anxiety and depression while improving cognition. The woman in the case study no longer met the criteria for a metabolic syndrome diagnosis after 24 weeks on the ketogenic diet.

The ketogenic diet may be a safe and effective way to improve biomarkers of health, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and Parkinson's symptoms. However, more controlled clinical trials are needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet in improving cognitive function and controlling or reducing symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Ketogenic diets may help treat epilepsy

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been used to treat epilepsy since the 1920s. It is usually recommended for children whose seizures have not responded to medication, but it has also been found effective in adults. The diet works by producing ketones in the body, which are formed when the body uses fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. Ketones are not dangerous and can be detected in the urine, blood, and breath.

The ketogenic diet has been shown to be effective in reducing or preventing seizures in many children and adults with epilepsy. Over half of the children who go on the diet have at least a 50% reduction in the number of their seizures, and some children become seizure-free. The diet has also been found to be effective in treating specific types of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and infantile spasms.

The exact mechanisms behind the ketogenic diet's antiseizure effects are not fully understood, but it is believed that ketones and some unsaturated fatty acids play a crucial role in generating anti-seizure activity. The diet also regulates antioxidative shields within the body, increasing glutathione supply and guarding mitochondrial DNA from oxidative stress, which prevents neuronal cells from being damaged by epileptic seizures. Additionally, the diet stimulates and ensures a more significant amount of energy for the brain than glucose alone.

The ketogenic diet is usually started in the hospital, with close medical supervision. It is important to stick to the diet as prescribed, as even one meal off the diet can cause it to lose its good effects. The diet can be challenging to follow due to restricted food choices, and it may cause side effects such as sluggishness, constipation, and high cholesterol levels. However, these side effects are typically temporary and can be managed with proper supervision and adjustments to the diet.

Overall, the ketogenic diet is a safe and effective treatment for epilepsy, particularly in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. It offers a sense of control over seizures for parents and caregivers, and it has been shown to improve seizure control and reduce the need for anti-seizure medications in some cases.

Ketogenic diets may improve memory

Ketogenic diets have been found to improve memory in older adults, particularly those at risk of Alzheimer's disease. In one study, older adults without dementia performed better on a series of cognitive tests while in ketosis.

Ketogenic diets have also been found to improve memory in adults with dementia.

The brain can use two main types of fuel: glucose or ketones. In people who eat a low-carb, ketogenic diet, the brain uses ketones to meet a large portion of its energy needs. Ketones are produced by the liver when carb intake is very low.

Ketogenic diets have been found to be beneficial for several brain-related conditions, including Alzheimer's, epilepsy, brain cancer, traumatic brain injury, cognitive decline, and other brain disorders.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, characterised by the development of plaques and tangles in the brain that cause memory loss. Many researchers believe it should be considered "type 3" diabetes because the brain's cells become insulin-resistant and are unable to use glucose properly, leading to inflammation.

Ketogenic diets and MCT supplements may improve memory and brain function in people with Alzheimer's disease, although research is still in its early stages.

Epilepsy

Ketogenic diets have been found to be effective in reducing seizures in children and adults with epilepsy. The exact mechanisms behind the antiseizure effects of ketogenic diets are still unknown, but possible explanations include the anticonvulsant effects of ketones, a lack of glucose in the brain, an increase in GABA (a calming neurotransmitter), and a decrease in glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter).

Traumatic Brain Injury

Ketogenic diets may also be beneficial for people with traumatic brain injuries. When someone suffers a concussion, a cascade of immune cells rushes to the brain to heal the injury, but this response can also damage delicate brain cells. Keto may attenuate these effects, although most of the evidence for this is based on studies in mice.

Other Benefits

Ketogenic diets have been found to improve brain function in older and obese rats. They have also been used to successfully treat congenital hyperinsulinism, a condition that causes hypoglycemia and can lead to brain damage. Additionally, ketogenic diets may provide relief from migraine headaches and reduce symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

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