Keto Euphoria: When Does It Kick In?

The ketogenic, or keto, diet is well-known for its ability to help people lose weight, but some people also report experiencing a sense of euphoria or increased well-being after several days on the diet. This feeling, known as keto euphoria or ketosis euphoria, has been described as a mild intoxication or a natural high and is attributed to the body's state of ketosis, where it burns more fat than carbohydrates for energy. During ketosis, the body produces ketone bodies, one of which is beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which has a similar chemical structure to the recreational drug GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate). BHB can induce feelings of euphoria by binding to anxiety-reducing receptors in the brain, similar to the way GHB affects the brain. While there is limited research on the exact cause of keto euphoria, anecdotal evidence suggests that it can provide a sense of mental clarity, increased energy, and reduced anxiety for some individuals.

The keto diet can alleviate anxiety and depression

The keto diet can be a potential solution for people suffering from anxiety and depression. While it is not a cure-all, some individuals have reported significant improvements in their mental health and overall well-being while adhering to this diet.

Understanding the Keto Diet

The keto diet, short for the ketogenic diet, is a very low-carbohydrate diet that typically limits carbohydrates to no more than 50 grams per day. This restriction causes a shift in the body's metabolism, known as ketosis, where it starts burning more fat than carbohydrates for energy. During ketosis, the body breaks down stored fat into fatty acids, which are then converted into acetoacetate, a potent metabolic fuel.

The Link Between Keto and Euphoria

One of the intriguing side effects of the keto diet is the feeling of euphoria or heightened well-being reported by some individuals. This euphoric sensation has been anecdotally linked to the production of ketone bodies, specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), during ketosis. BHB has a similar chemical structure to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a recreational drug known for its psychoactive effects, including mild euphoria.

Impact on Anxiety and Depression

For people struggling with anxiety and depression, the keto diet may offer some relief. Several individuals who have tried the keto diet have shared their experiences of reduced anxiety and improved mood. One person described their experience as a shift from a constant crippling anxiety to feeling happy and incredibly calm. They also reported increased energy levels, enhanced social skills, and a sense of being "normal."

However, it is important to note that the duration of these positive effects can vary. While some individuals experience prolonged periods of improved mental well-being, others may find that the initial euphoric feeling subsides over time. Additionally, reintroducing carbohydrates or sugar into the diet can disrupt the state of ketosis and potentially lead back to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Scientific Backing

The connection between the keto diet and improved mental health is not just anecdotal. Professor Andrew Brown, from the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW Sydney, has studied the effects of very low-carb diets on the brain. He suggests that during ketosis, BHB can reach high levels in the brain and bind to the same anxiety-reducing receptors as GHB, potentially leading to similar effects.

While the keto diet may not be a cure for anxiety and depression, it could be a valuable tool in managing these conditions. The production of BHB during ketosis may induce a sense of euphoria and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the complex relationship between the keto diet and mental health. Individuals considering the keto diet for mental health reasons should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure a safe and effective approach.

The body goes into ketosis after a few days

The body enters a state of ketosis within a few days of starting a very low-carb diet. This is a metabolic process where the body, believing it is starving, switches from burning carbohydrates to burning fat. During this time, the body breaks down stored fat into fatty acids, which are released into the blood. When these fatty acids reach the liver, they are converted into acetoacetate, a metabolic fuel that belongs to the ketone family. This is why very low-carb diets are often referred to as "ketogenic" diets.

As acetoacetate decomposes, it produces carbon dioxide and acetone, the latter being responsible for the sweet-smelling breath often associated with low-carb dieters and those fasting. However, a healthy liver will convert most of the acetoacetate into beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a molecule that is very similar to the recreational drug GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate). BHB can induce mild euphoria by acting on the same anxiety-reducing receptors in the brain as GHB.

Some people who have adopted a keto diet have reported experiencing a sense of euphoria and increased energy, focus, and creativity within 3-4 days. This state can last for up to a week or longer, depending on dietary adherence. However, it is important to note that the exact cause of these feelings is not yet fully understood, and there may be other factors at play, such as the effects of low blood sugar.

While a keto diet may bring about positive mental health changes, it is not a substitute for professional treatment. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential side effects of a very low-carb diet, which may include loss of calcium from bones, an increased risk of kidney stones, and growth retardation.

Ketosis stimulates the breakdown of stored fat into fatty acids

When the body is in a state of ketosis, the liver rapidly metabolises fatty acids into acetyl-CoA. Some acetyl-CoA molecules are then converted into ketone bodies: pyruvate, acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone. These ketone bodies can function as an energy source and signalling molecules.

The liver itself cannot use these molecules for energy, so the ketone bodies are released into the blood for use by peripheral tissues, including the brain. Ketone bodies are particularly important as an energy source for the brain, as the brain cannot use fat as an energy source.

The process of ketogenesis involves two acetyl-CoA molecules condensing to form acetoacetyl-CoA via thiolase. Acetoacetyl-CoA briefly combines with another acetyl-CoA via HMG-CoA synthase to form hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl-CoA. Hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl-CoA is then converted into the ketone body acetoacetate via HMG-CoA lyase.

Acetoacetate can then reversibly convert to another ketone body, D-β-hydroxybutyrate, via D-β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. Alternatively, acetoacetate can spontaneously degrade to acetone and carbon dioxide. These resulting ketone bodies are then exported from the liver to supply energy to the brain and peripheral tissues.

In addition to fatty acids, deaminated ketogenic amino acids can also be converted into intermediates in the citric acid cycle and produce ketone bodies.

Fatty acids are converted into acetoacetate in the liver

A very low-carb diet can cause changes in the brain similar to those caused by the illicit drug GHB. This is because a low-carb diet can cause the body to enter a state of ketosis, where it begins to burn more fat than carbs. During ketosis, fatty acids are released into the blood and travel to the liver, where they are converted into acetoacetate. This is why very low-carb diets are sometimes called "ketogenic" diets.

Acetoacetate is a metabolic fuel that belongs to a family of chemicals called ketones. It can decompose into carbon dioxide and acetone, which is known for its ability to remove nail polish. However, a healthy liver will convert most of the acetoacetate it produces into a more stable substance called beta-hydroxybutyrate or BHB.

BHB is very similar to GHB, a recreational drug with psychoactive effects. They have the same chemical formula, differing only in the position of one hydrogen and oxygen atom. During ketosis, BHB can reach high levels in the brain, where it binds to the same anxiety-reducing receptors as GHB. This is the likely cause of the euphoric feelings some people experience on a low-carb diet.

Now, for a more detailed explanation of how fatty acids are converted into acetoacetate in the liver:

Fatty acids are broken down into acetyl-CoA through a process called beta-oxidation. This process occurs in the mitochondria of liver cells. Once fatty acids enter the liver, they are transported into the mitochondria via carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT-1). Beta-oxidation then breaks the fatty acids down into acetyl-CoA.

Next, two acetyl-CoA molecules are combined to form acetoacetyl-CoA. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme thiolase, also known as acetyl coenzyme A acetyltransferase (ACAT). Acetoacetyl-CoA is then converted into HMG-CoA by the enzyme HMG-CoA synthase.

Finally, HMG-CoA lyase converts HMG-CoA into acetoacetate. Acetoacetate can then be converted into acetone through non-enzymatic decarboxylation or into beta-hydroxybutyrate via beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase.

So, to summarize, fatty acids are converted into acetyl-CoA through beta-oxidation in the liver. Acetyl-CoA is then used to form acetoacetyl-CoA, which is further converted into HMG-CoA and then acetoacetate. Acetoacetate is one of the ketone bodies produced during ketosis and can be used by the body for energy, especially by the brain during periods of low glucose availability.

Acetoacetate decomposes into carbon dioxide and acetone

A very low-carb diet can cause changes in the brain similar to those caused by the illicit drug GHB. One of the effects of GHB is euphoria, and some people on very low-carb diets report feeling euphoric. This is because a very low-carb diet flips the metabolic switch from burning more carbs than fat, to burning more fat than carbs. This process is called ketosis and usually takes a few days.

During ketosis, the body stimulates the breakdown of stored fat into fatty acids, which are then released into the blood. When these fatty acids reach the liver, they are converted into acetoacetate, a metabolic fuel that belongs to a family of chemicals called ketones. This is why very low-carb diets are sometimes called "ketogenic" diets.

Acetoacetate then decomposes into carbon dioxide and acetone, the solvent best known for its ability to remove nail polish. This is why people on very low-carb diets often have sweet-smelling breath.

The production of acetone through this process has historically been important, especially during World War I when it was used for the industrial production of explosives. Today, there is a growing interest in using acetoacetate decarboxylase-containing bacteria to produce acetone in a more environmentally friendly way.

In the human body, the conversion of acetoacetate into acetone and carbon dioxide is a final irreversible step in the ketone-body pathway. This pathway provides the body with a secondary source of energy, especially during periods of fasting, exercise, or as a result of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Heart muscle, renal cortex, and the brain during low glucose levels prefer acetoacetate over glucose as an energy source.

While acetoacetate decomposition can lead to feelings of euphoria, it is important to note that ketogenic diets and prolonged fasting can also lead to the production of high levels of acetone, which is toxic. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks and side effects of very low-carb diets.

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