Benefits of ketones for brain?
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Based on the insights of , ketones offer several benefits for brain health:
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After Head Injury: Ketones can provide a buffering component after brain trauma, potentially offsetting some of the micro damage and maintaining energy supply to the brain 1.
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Mitochondrial Health: The ketogenic diet stimulates processes like mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, increasing the number of healthy mitochondria in brain cells. This is believed to be why the diet is an effective treatment for epileptic and chronic mental disorders 2.
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Metabolism and Mental Function: Exogenous ketones might support brain function by enabling the brain to utilize them for energy, as fatty acids can't fuel the brain directly. This could be especially relevant in treating alcohol use disorder as part of a lower carb diet 3.
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Cognitive Improvement without Stringent Dieting: There's evidence that even without a strict ketogenic diet, reducing carbohydrate intake or using ketone esters can result in cognitive improvement 4.
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Mental Health Disorders: Higher ketone levels may benefit those with mental health disorders, notably when they are in substantial, chronic conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder 5.
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Treatment of Epilepsy: A ketogenic diet increases GABA transmission in the brain, which can reduce seizures in epilepsy and also provide relief from symptoms of major depressive disorders, especially in cases refractory to typical antidepressants 6.
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Usage as a Brain Fuel: Ketones are an efficient brain fuel even when not adhering to a ketogenic diet, providing better focus, energy for cognitive tasks, and aiding in exercise 7.
These findings highlight the versatility and potential therapeutic use of ketones in supporting brain health and managing neurological conditions.
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