Keto Bhp: Does It Work?

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body produced by the liver from fat for energy when glucose is not available. It is one of three ketones the body produces during states of fasting or through low-carb, high-fat diets. BHB is the predominant ketone body, accounting for upwards of 78% of all ketone bodies in the blood. It is a clean and effective fuel for the body and can be supplemented with BHB salts to reach a state of ketosis more quickly.

BHB is a naturally occurring molecule, produced by the body during ketosis

Beta-hydroxybutyrate, or BHB, is a ketone body produced by the liver from fat for energy when glucose is not available. It is a naturally occurring molecule, which is produced by the body during ketosis. BHB is one of three ketones that the body produces during states of fasting or through low-carb, high-fat diets. The body's primary energy source changes from glucose to stored fat, which is broken down to form BHB.

BHB is the predominant ketone body circulating throughout the body, making up about 80% of the total ketones in the blood. It is the preferred way to measure blood ketones. There are two forms of BHB, known as "chiral" molecules, which are essentially mirror images of each other. R-BHB is the molecule produced during human and animal metabolism, and it is the only form that can be broken down into acetyl-CoA and then ATP for energy. S-BHB is an intermediate step in the production of R-BHB and does not remain long enough to enter circulation.

BHB is produced through a process known as ketogenesis, which occurs when the body is in a fasted or glucose-depleted state. Insulin levels fall, allowing fat cells to release free fatty acids, which are sent to the liver and broken down into acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). This then goes through a process that eventually leads to the production of acetoacetate, which is converted into BHB by the enzyme BHB-dehydrogenase. BHB is then transported out of the liver and into circulation, where it is used as fuel.

BHB has several benefits, including reducing feelings of hunger, improving mental and physical performance, providing longer-lasting energy, and enhancing immune health. It can also help to curb carbohydrate cravings and reduce appetite, making it easier to stick to a keto diet. Additionally, BHB can cross the blood-brain barrier, providing energy to the brain and muscle tissues.

BHB is a powerful energy source for the brain

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a powerful energy source for the brain. It is a ketone body produced by the liver from the breakdown of fats in the body when glucose is not available. BHB is one of the three main ketone bodies, alongside acetoacetic acid and acetone, and it is the most abundant, making up about 80% of the total circulating ketones in our blood.

BHB easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, providing the brain with a readily accessible energy source. It is used as fuel by the brain and other bodily tissues, which break down ketones and produce ATP to power themselves. BHB is particularly beneficial for the brain as it provides energy without the drawbacks of using fatty acids or glucose. Using fatty acids for energy can lead to a hypoxic (oxygen-poor) environment for neurons due to the greater amount of oxygen required for their oxidation. Meanwhile, glucose oxidation can lead to the production of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals. In contrast, BHB oxidation leads to less ROS production and protects against oxidative stress within cells.

The use of BHB as an energy source can also bring cognitive benefits. Studies have shown that BHB can improve memory, focus, attention, and learning. It also reduces inflammation in the brain and protects against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Additionally, BHB can help to reduce the risk of mood-related disorders such as depression and improve overall mental performance.

BHB can be supplemented with MCT oil to increase blood BHB levels

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is one of three ketone bodies produced by the body during ketosis. The other two are acetone and acetoacetate (AcAc). BHB is the most abundant, making up to 78% of total ketones in the blood.

A study on the effects of MCT oil on BHB levels found that consuming MCT oil alone resulted in a significant increase in blood BHB levels, with a peak at 60 minutes. When MCT oil was consumed with glucose, there was a more delayed but slightly higher peak in BHB levels.

Another study found that MCT oil supplementation at 0.5g per kg of body weight in healthy participants significantly increased plasma BHB levels compared to a control intervention. The highest individual BHB level after MCT oil supplementation was 0.9 mmol/L.

MCT oil can be added to foods and drinks such as coffee, smoothies, and fat bombs. It is generally safe to use in moderation but should be used with caution when used long-term as it contains a lot of calories and may cause weight gain.

BHB can be used to treat Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alzheimer's and Dementia

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body that can be produced by the body when fasting, exercising, or following a low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diet. BHB can also be introduced into the body through exogenous means, such as ketone supplements.

BHB has been shown to have therapeutic potential in treating multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Alzheimer's, and dementia.

Multiple Sclerosis

A study on a mouse model of MS found that BHB treatment improved behavioural performance, prevented myelin loss, decreased the activation of astrocytes and microglia, and up-regulated the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the corpus callosum and hippocampus. BHB treatment also increased the number of MCT1+ cells and APC+ oligodendrocytes, which are critical for axon survival. Furthermore, BHB treatment decreased the expression of proteins related to oligodendrocyte apoptosis, which is associated with the inhibition of the p38-MAPK/JNK/JUN pathway and the activation of ERK1/2, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is an inflammatory form of arthritis that causes joint pain, swelling, and damage. RA commonly affects the hands, knees, or ankles, and usually the same joint on both sides of the body. It can also impact other parts of the body, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and blood.

RA occurs when the immune system attacks the synovium, the tissue lining the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. While the exact cause of RA is unknown, researchers believe it may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Alzheimer's and Dementia

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, late-onset form of dementia with no effective treatment available. AD is characterised by memory loss and impaired cognitive functions.

Recent studies suggest that BHB may play a role in treating AD by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which is a critical component of the innate immune system. BHB treatment has been shown to reduce plaque formation, microgliosis, and apoptosis in mouse models of AD. Additionally, BHB has been associated with improved cognitive performance and memory in AD patients.

In summary, BHB has been shown to have therapeutic potential in treating MS, RA, Alzheimer's, and dementia. BHB can be produced endogenously through fasting, exercise, or a ketogenic diet, or it can be introduced exogenously through ketone supplements.

BHB is a type of beta-hydroxybutyrate

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body produced by the liver for energy when glucose isn't available. It is a naturally occurring molecule produced by the body during ketosis. BHB is one of three ketone bodies produced during ketosis, the other two being acetone and acetoacetate. BHB is present in significantly higher quantities in the blood than the other two.

BHB is an alternative energy source for the body, including the brain. It is a more effective fuel molecule than glucose, with fewer byproducts and a more regulatory intermediate metabolite. BHB can be synthesised in the liver via the metabolism of fatty acids, or through a second metabolic pathway that does not involve acetoacetate as a metabolic intermediate.

BHB has been found to act as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, and can have a profound positive impact on those new to the keto diet. It can also be taken as a supplement to reach a state of ketosis more quickly.

BHB has been linked to several health benefits, including improved mental performance, increased physical performance, and longer-lasting energy. It has also been found to reduce inflammation in the brain and other areas of the body, and may be linked to increased lifespan.

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