Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body produced by the liver from fat for energy when glucose is not available. It is one of the three physiological ketones that are produced by the body. BHB is used for dry eye, athletic performance, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and many other conditions. It can be produced by the body or in a lab and taken as a supplement.
Exogenous ketone supplements are a quicker alternative to boosting blood BHB and might be useful for athletes or people looking for a mental edge. They come in many forms, including ketone salts, MCT oil, and ketone esters.
Ketone salts are supplements that contain a ketone (BHB) bound to a mineral, like sodium or potassium. They are a cost-effective way to increase blood BHB but may have side effects, including GI distress and excessive sodium consumption.
Ketone esters are a newer type of ketone supplement that consists of a raw ketone molecule (BHB) bound to a ketone precursor. They can result in rapid and sustained elevation of blood BHB.
MCT oil doesn't actually contain BHB but is a type of fat found in foods like coconut oil. It is converted quite readily into ketone bodies and can be used as a ketone supplement.
BHB can be used to quickly achieve the metabolic state of ketosis, curb carbohydrate cravings and reduce appetite, speed up keto weight loss, and relieve or prevent the keto flu.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Produced by the body | Yes |
Produced in the liver | Yes |
Provides energy when not enough carbohydrates or sugars have been eaten | Yes |
Can be made in a lab | Yes |
Can be taken as a supplement | Yes |
Can help the brain and nerves work better | Yes |
Can provide energy to muscles to improve exercise ability | Yes |
Can be used for dry eye, athletic performance, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and many other conditions | Yes |
Can be applied into the eye | Yes |
Can be used to lower glucose and improve vascular function in obesity | Yes |
Can be used to treat severe cardiomyopathy in glycogen storage disease type III | Yes |
Can be used to treat multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency | Yes |
What You'll Learn
To aid the transition to a ketogenic diet
The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that can be challenging to follow consistently. Ketone supplements, such as keto BHB, can aid the transition to a ketogenic diet by helping the body reach a state of ketosis more quickly.
Ketosis is a metabolic state characterised by raised blood ketone levels and weight loss. When following a standard high-carb diet, the body's cells rely on glucose for fuel. However, when carbohydrates are restricted, as in a ketogenic diet, the body turns to fat for fuel, producing ketone bodies in the process. This shift in metabolism puts the body into a state of ketosis.
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is one of three ketone bodies produced during ketosis, along with acetone and acetoacetate. BHB is present in the blood in significantly higher quantities than the other two ketone bodies. It is a naturally occurring molecule produced by the body during ketosis and can also be taken as a supplement in the form of BHB salts.
Taking BHB supplements can help alleviate some of the unpleasant side effects that may occur when transitioning from a high-carb to a ketogenic diet, commonly known as the "keto flu." These side effects include constipation, headache, bad breath, muscle cramps, and diarrhoea. BHB supplements can also help curb carbohydrate cravings and reduce appetite, making it easier to stick to the ketogenic diet.
In addition to aiding the transition to ketosis, BHB supplements have been shown to have other potential benefits. BHB easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, providing easily accessible energy to the brain and muscle tissues. It can also help reduce inflammation in the brain and other areas of the body and may have a positive impact on cognitive performance and immune health.
When choosing a BHB supplement, look for one with adequate levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Be aware that some BHB products may have a chemical aftertaste due to the levels of these minerals. It is recommended to take BHB anytime, except with meals, as that is when you are already supplying your body with energy.
Mastering Keta's Bow: A Guide to Unlocking Its Power
You may want to see also
To reduce symptoms of the 'keto flu'
The keto diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that puts your body into ketosis, a state where blood ketones are elevated and weight loss occurs. Ketosis can also be achieved through exogenous means, such as BHB supplements, which are supplemental ketone bodies that can help you reach a state of ketosis more quickly.
When transitioning to a ketogenic diet, you may experience "keto flu", which includes symptoms such as fatigue, hunger, mental cloudiness, constipation, headache, bad breath, muscle cramps, and diarrhea. BHB supplements can help alleviate or prevent these symptoms.
BHB, or beta-hydroxybutyrate, is a ketone body produced by the liver from fat for energy when glucose is unavailable. It becomes the primary source of energy for the body and brain. BHB is a naturally occurring molecule produced during ketosis and can be supplemented to achieve ketosis faster.
BHB supplements can be taken at any time but are best avoided with meals as the body already has an energy source at this time. Taking BHB supplements first thing in the morning, between meals, and before/during/after workouts is recommended.
BHB has been shown to reduce feelings of hunger, improve mental and physical performance, provide longer-lasting energy, and enhance immune health. It easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, providing easily accessible energy to the brain and muscle tissues. Additionally, the minerals in BHB salts act like potent electrolytes, helping to combat keto-related insomnia, muscle cramps, and spasms.
Overall, BHB supplements can be a helpful tool when transitioning to a ketogenic diet, reducing the unpleasant effects of "keto flu" and providing a range of health benefits.
Keto Salts: A Guide to Using Them Right
You may want to see also
To boost physical performance
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a chemical produced by the body that provides energy when there is a lack of carbohydrates or sugars in the body. It can also be made in a laboratory and taken as a supplement. BHB is used for dry eye, athletic performance, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and many other conditions, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses.
BHB can be a great way to boost physical performance. Firstly, it can help curb carbohydrate cravings and reduce appetite. This is because BHB is a more efficient fuel source than sugar, providing more energy per molecule. BHB also produces fewer free radicals, which are harmful by-products that can damage cells and DNA. By reducing the production of free radicals, BHB helps to protect against oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Additionally, BHB can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, providing the brain with an alternative source of energy and improving cognitive function. This can lead to increased mental clarity, better exercise performance, and enhanced overall workout performance. BHB also has the ability to stimulate the expression of various health-promoting genes, which can have a positive impact on longevity and vitality.
Furthermore, BHB can help accelerate fat loss by increasing fat- and ketone-burning capacity and suppressing appetite. It can also help to replenish glycogen stores after exercise and accelerate recovery. By taking BHB supplements, individuals can experience the benefits of increased energy and improved physical performance without having to follow a strict ketogenic diet.
Keto Mojo: Testing Blood Glucose Levels
You may want to see also
To enhance mental focus
Keto BHB is a supplement that can be used to enhance mental focus and improve cognitive functioning. The main ingredient in Keto BHB is beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a ketone produced by the liver when the body is in a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
When the body is in ketosis, BHB can be used as an energy source by the brain and muscles, enhancing mental focus and reducing fatigue. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with neurological or mental health conditions, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and depression.
In addition to enhancing mental focus, Keto BHB may also provide other benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced cravings. However, it is important to note that side effects such as nausea, digestive issues, headaches, and dizziness may occur, especially when taken on an empty stomach or when the body is adapting to ketosis.
It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medication.
Keto Diastix: Testing Ketones and Glucose at Home
You may want to see also
To promote longevity
Keto BHB is a supplement designed to enhance the effects of a keto diet. The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that induces ketosis, a metabolic state where the body burns stored fat for energy instead of glucose. This can lead to rapid weight loss and increased energy levels.
The potential benefits of the keto diet and keto BHB supplements for longevity have been studied in mice, and the results suggest that they may indeed promote longevity. Mice fed a ketogenic diet experienced increased lifespan, improved memory, and better cognitive and motor functioning compared to control groups.
The increase in lifespan is believed to be due to elevated levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), one of three ketones produced by the body during ketosis. BHB has been found to have protective effects on cells, making them more resistant to oxidative stress. This discovery has led to speculation about the potential benefits of BHB for Alzheimer's research and brain health in general.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of the keto diet and keto BHB supplements for longevity in humans is still speculative, and more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits. While some people may find success with keto BHB supplements, it is important to approach them with caution and always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or diet.
Thickening Keto Pudding: The Best Low-Carb Options
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Keto BHB can be used in the following scenarios:
- To quickly achieve the metabolic state of ketosis.
- To curb carbohydrate cravings and reduce appetite.
- To speed up keto weight loss.
- To relieve or prevent the keto flu.
- To enhance immune health.
- To reduce inflammation in the brain and body.
- To boost athletic performance and endurance.
- To improve mental performance and cognitive function.
You can take keto BHB at any time, but it is best to avoid taking it with meals as you will already be supplying your body with energy. Here is a suggested meal plan:
- First thing in the morning (in place of breakfast) to help keep your ketones up.
- In between meals to kill cravings and energy crashes.
- Before, during, or after workouts to supplement with readily available energy.
Keto BHB is a ketone body produced from fat by the liver for energy when glucose is not available. It ultimately becomes the body and brain's primary source of energy. Keto BHB can be taken as a supplement to a low-carb diet to achieve the metabolic state of ketosis more quickly.
Yes, keto BHB is generally considered safe and is a self-affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) dietary supplement ingredient. It is a naturally occurring metabolite formed during fat digestion and metabolism.