The most therapeutic diet for brain health

The brain is an EXTREMELY energy hungry organ. Despite the fact that it weighs a mere 1.5kg (on average), it takes up at least 25% of the overall body’s energy requirements - that’s massive.

It’s no surprise, therefore, that energy deficits in the brain drive the development of mental health conditions and cognitive health diseases. This energy problem stems from the inability to properly utilise glucose - an energy molecule that comes predominantly from the breakdown of carbohydrates.

In order for glucose to be used efficiently by brain cells, it needs insulin to enter the cells. Often, those with blood sugar dysregulation and/or full blown diabetes, will also suffer with poor cognition and low mood - it’s because energy isn’t getting into cells.

Ketones are an energy source that come from fats, and have been extensively researched in their ability to provide clean fuel for the body and brain. They have been shown to literally reverse the energy crisis in the brain, as well as helping to repair brain cell structures and communication between brain cells.

Here are some key medicinal properties of eating a ketogenic diet for the brain:

🥑 Ketones improve mitochondrial (these are the batteries of your cells) function in the brain, which means increased energy output and better cognitive function.

🥑 Ketones regulate gene expression, which improves neuronal survival and growth - this means fresh, new brain cells!

🥑 Ketones enhance our antioxidant defences by upregulating key antioxidant enzymes - this means less oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain.

🥑 Ketones prevent excitotoxicity by reducing glutamate in the brain and increase GABA levels, which has a calming effect on the nervous system.

Following a keto diet can be tricky, however, and I would highly recommend the guidance of a clinician to support you in transitioning. I also wouldn’t recommend a keto diet to everyone, especially those that are highly stressed and aren’t sleeping well. This is because being on a low carbohydrate diet whilst also having chronically high cortisol levels (our stress hormone) can exacerbate the stress response and have an over-catabolic impact on the body.

If you feel like you may be a good candidate to try the keto approach, please do get in touch so we can discuss more.