A 6-month study carried out by Eric Westman showed that following the keto diet had a 95% success rate in reducing insulin dependency for patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This is just one of the many benefits keto has to offer. Ketogenetic diets primarily work by inducing a state of Ketosis, where the body burns its own fat to produce ketones which fuel it.
Ketones are an essential need for this process to take place, as they take the place of blood glucose used for energy production. More to this, the state has shown other health benefits that promote whole person health. It builds better brain performance, lowers cholesterol levels, increases insulin sensitivity, and helps in weight loss and maintenance. It is, however, recommended to seek professional guidance in order to gain the necessary knowledge and to find out if you are eligible.
Ketones In Everyday Mammalian Life
Ketones are present in all mammals, including human beings. Everyone produces a small amount in their sleep when they haven’t had a meal for a few hours. They are a source of energy for body tissue, and are used by the brain during starvation. Having elevated levels of ketones in the body, a condition known as ketoacidosis can, however, be dangerous, as it throws blood pH off balance, making it acidic. This is why testing your ketone levels is important. The acid in question is released through exhalation or in urine, and can also be detected in the blood. This means you can easily carry out a ketone test at home using your urine or blood. People diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes are more prone to this kind of condition, and need ketone level monitoring. Ketosis is different from ketoacidosis, as it is a biologically adapted state which improves your health, while the latter is harmful.
Ketones Improve Brain Functionality
The production of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is helpful in building long term memory. Beta-hydroxybutyrate is a form of ketone produced during ketosis that helps the cognitive ability to hold information for longer periods. This is because it provides more energy for the brain cells, which use it up to 70% more efficiently. One way to encourage this function is by increasing your healthy fat intake, such as by consuming more omega-3. It boosts the production of a fatty acid DHA, which makes up 15% to 30% of the brain. It brings better clarity, as well as improves memory. So effective are ketones in boosting brain functionality that the keto diet has been used to help patients diagnosed with neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Ketones Improve Metabolism-Related Problems
Ketones as a source of energy improve mitochondrial function and biogenesis, in turn positively affecting metabolism. Metabolic coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide NAD is essential for mitochondrial health. NAD levels significantly increase when ketones are used for energy instead of glucose. With this, various metabolism problems are resolved in a much more efficient way. These problems include abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting blood sugar levels, high triglycerides, and low “good” HDL cholesterol levels. An intentional increase by utilizing ketogenetic diets has therefore been recommended for people with the above metabolic syndrome symptoms to improve their health.
A ketogenetic diet is not the only way to improve ketogenesis, the process through which ketone bodies are formed. You can also stimulate the process by increasing your physical activity, fasting and increasing your intake of medium-chain triglycerides, such as coconut oil. All these help you achieve ketosis, which is healthy from time to time for the body. Burning the fat reserves will help you maintain a healthy weight, and in turn save you many weight-related diseases. As an added advantage, the improved health and functioning of brain cells help with anti-aging in senior adults.
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Author Credit: Allie Oliver