Keto Bhb: How Long Until It Works?

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body produced by the liver from fat for energy when glucose is unavailable. It is the body and brain's primary energy source and can be produced by the body during ketosis, or taken as a supplement to achieve ketosis more quickly. BHB can be taken in the form of ketone salts or ketone esters. Ketone salts are typically found in powder form and mixed with liquid, while ketone esters are packaged in liquid form and are used primarily in research.

BHB provides numerous health benefits, including improved cognitive function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced workout performance. It can also help fight and prevent cancer, as most cancer cells cannot use ketones effectively to grow and spread. Additionally, BHB can boost insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

While BHB supplements can help support a keto diet, they should not be relied upon as a quick fix or magic bullet for weight loss. Maintaining ketosis requires a consistent keto diet and may take a few days to achieve. Furthermore, the effectiveness of BHB supplements in weight loss is still under research, and they may even hinder it in some cases. Overall, while BHB can provide numerous health benefits, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.

BHB is a chemical that the body produces naturally during ketosis

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body produced by the liver from fat for energy when glucose is not available. It is the body and brain's primary source of energy and is a naturally occurring molecule produced by the body during ketosis.

The body has a variety of fuel sources, and typically, sugar is the primary energy source. However, burning sugar creates potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. On the other hand, BHB is a more efficient fuel source that provides more energy and produces fewer free radicals.

BHB is one of the three ketone bodies produced during ketosis, the others being acetone and acetoacetate. BHB is present in the blood in significantly higher quantities than the other two. It is also the final product of ketogenesis and provides an alternative energy source for the entire body, including the brain.

The process of turning fat into BHB and then into energy involves two metabolic processes: ketogenesis and ketolysis. During ketogenesis, free fatty acids are shuttled into the mitochondria of liver cells and converted into acetyl-CoA, which is essential for energy metabolism. This then degrades into acetoacetyl-CoA, HMG-CoA, and finally acetoacetate, the first ketone. BHB is then produced from acetoacetate.

During ketolysis, BHB is released into circulation and absorbed by the heart, brain, and other organs to be turned into energy. The cells reverse most of the steps used to form the ketone bodies, converting BHB back into acetyl-CoA, which can then enter the Krebs cycle to create energy.

BHB has numerous benefits for the body. Firstly, it stimulates the expression of various health-promoting genes, acting as a "signaling metabolite". It also reduces inflammation by blocking the inflammatory protein NLRP3 inflammasome, which, when chronically stimulated, can trigger cancer, insulin resistance, and various diseases. BHB fights oxidative stress, increases longevity, enhances cognitive function, helps fight and prevent cancer, boosts insulin sensitivity, and accelerates fat loss.

Exogenous ketone supplements can be used to increase BHB levels in the body. These are usually in the form of BHB salts or ketone esters. BHB salts are ketones bound to a salt, typically sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium, and are the most common and cost-effective form. Ketone esters are the raw form of BHB and are harder to find and more expensive, but they work faster and are more potent and effective.

While exogenous ketone supplements can be beneficial, they are not a replacement for a healthy diet and should be used in conjunction with a keto diet for the best results.

It can also be made in a lab and taken as a supplement to achieve ketosis faster

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a chemical that is made by the body and provides energy when not enough carbohydrates or sugars have been eaten. BHB can also be made in a lab and taken as a supplement.

BHB is a naturally occurring molecule produced by your body during ketosis. It is one of the three ketone bodies your liver makes when it's running low on carbs. The other two are acetoacetate and acetone. BHB is the most abundant ketone in the body, typically making up ~78% of ketones found in the blood.

Ketone supplements are marketed as a quick fix when you indulge in a non-keto-friendly meal. The idea is that if you eat something that’s not keto-friendly, you can reach for exogenous ketones to keep your body in ketosis. The word "exogenous" means created externally, and these supplements are forms of the ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB).

BHB salts are supplemental ketone bodies that you can take to reach a state of ketosis more quickly. Ketone salts are ketones bound to a salt, typically sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium. They’re most often found in powder form and mixed with liquid. BHB salts are a highly effective supplement that is easier to purchase, consume, and digest.

Ketone esters are the raw form of BHB, with nothing else added. They are expensive, hard to find, taste terrible, and may negatively affect the gastrointestinal system. Ketone esters are used primarily in research and aren’t as readily available for purchase as ketone salts.

The only way to truly optimise and sustain your ketone levels is by producing them endogenously. Exogenous ketone supplementation can help, but it will never replace the benefits of sustained nutritional ketosis. The best strategy is to optimise BHB levels endogenously by following the ketogenic diet.

The fastest way to enter and sustain ketosis is to implement a very low-carb ketogenic diet (less than 15 grams of net carbs per day), do a fasted high-intensity training session for 45-60 minutes, and intermittent fast for at least 14 hours. After your fast, have a very low-carb keto meal and supplement with MCT oil and/or BHB Ketone Base when you need extra energy.

BHB supplements can be beneficial for people who want to transition into ketosis without necessarily having to follow the diet. However, it is important to note that the supplements are most often sold as a salt, and consuming too much could lead to the detrimental effects of consuming too much salt, like high blood pressure.

BHB can help improve cognitive function and mental clarity

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a chemical that is produced by the body when it is deprived of carbohydrates and sugars. It can also be made in a laboratory and taken as a supplement. BHB is a ketone body that is used as an energy source by the brain and muscles. It is the brain's preferred fuel source as it bypasses the blood-brain barrier to be used as fuel immediately.

• BHB can reduce inflammation in the body's tissues, and chronic inflammation is a common factor in many diseases.
• BHB can be used as an alternative energy source for the brain, which may improve cognitive function.
• BHB enhances the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is associated with improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety and depression.
• BHB helps increase the synthesis of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is necessary for proper brain health.
• BHB has been shown to inhibit the NLRP inflammasome, which could reduce inflammation in the brain and improve cognitive function.
• BHB may improve gut health, which is linked to brain health through the gut-brain axis.
• BHB may support improved brain function and performance by increasing the production of mitochondria, which are known as the "powerhouse" of a cell.
• BHB can decrease brain fog by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain.
• BHB may support improved mental health by promoting weight loss and regulating hormones that impact the brain.

The time it takes for keto BHB to work will vary depending on the individual and the method used to achieve ketosis. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or diet.

It can be used to treat conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

The ketogenic diet has been used to treat conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrates and protein, forcing the body to shift its energy source from glucose to fats or ketone bodies.

Alzheimer's Disease

A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that a ketogenic diet significantly delays the early stages of Alzheimer's-related memory loss in mice. The study found that the molecule beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) plays a pivotal role in preventing early memory decline. The data suggest that the ketogenic diet and BHB specifically, may delay mild cognitive impairment and the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

The study involved genetically modified APP/PS1 mice who express a mouse/human amyloid precursor protein as well as a mutant human presenilin 1 gene. The mice were given either a keto diet or a carbohydrate-rich standard diet with the same number of calories. Researchers found that female mice had higher levels of BHB in their bodies than males, as well as brain enzymes known to support memory. Male mice who were switched to a late-midlife keto diet exhibited improved spatial memory.

Parkinson's Disease

The ketogenic diet has been used to treat medication-resistant epilepsy for many years and pre-clinical work supports its potential use in treating Parkinson's disease. Researchers posit that ketone bodies work as antioxidants and bypass a defect in the mitochondria to fuel the body's energy production.

A case study involving five volunteers who followed a ketogenic diet for 28 days showed an improvement in their ability to perform daily activities and their motor symptoms. However, it is important to note that a placebo effect could not be ruled out.

It is important to consult a physician and dietitian before making any significant dietary changes, as the ketogenic diet can be strict and challenging to follow, potentially putting individuals at risk for nutritional deficiencies.

BHB may also help fight and prevent cancer

BHB, or beta-hydroxybutyrate, is a ketone body produced by the liver when an individual is in a state of ketosis. Ketosis is triggered when the body does not have enough glucose from carbohydrates to use as fuel and instead burns fat for energy. BHB can also be produced in a lab and taken as a supplement to achieve ketosis more quickly.

While there is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of BHB for cancer treatment or prevention, some studies suggest that it may have a role in slowing or preventing colorectal cancer.

BHB and Colorectal Cancer

A study on mice found that a ketogenic diet, which is very high in fat and low in carbohydrates, may inhibit the development of colorectal cancer. The compound β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which is produced when the body is in a state of ketosis, was found to slow or stop the growth of colorectal tumors in mice, regardless of their diet.

The study also found that BHB slowed the growth of human colorectal cancer cells grown in a lab. Additionally, BHB was found to bind to a receptor on epithelial cells called Hcar2, which boosts the activity of the Hopx gene, signalling cells to stop dividing.

Human Studies

Although the results of the mouse study are promising, experts warn that more research is needed before any conclusions can be made about the role of BHB in cancer prevention or treatment. Clinical trials are being set up to study the use of BHB supplements in people with colorectal cancer.

Other Potential Benefits of BHB

In addition to its potential role in cancer prevention, BHB may also have other health benefits. It can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, providing energy to the brain and muscle tissues. It may also help reduce inflammation in the brain and other areas of the body and has been linked to improved mental and physical performance, as well as enhanced immune health.

Safety Considerations

While BHB is generally considered safe, there are some side effects to be aware of. High levels of BHB in the blood can make it dangerously acidic. Additionally, BHB supplements can have a chemical aftertaste and may cause stomach upset, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain, especially when taken in very high doses.

While the potential benefits of BHB for cancer prevention and treatment are intriguing, more research is needed to understand its effectiveness and safety in humans.

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