When followed correctly, there are a range of health benefits that can be derived from a ketogenic diet. One of these advantages is the benefits to brain health. When the body enters a state of ketosis, it generates enough ketones to meet all the brain’s energy needs. Ketones also burn using different enzymes which can improve brain health.
While you are in a state of ketosis, the ketones in your brain act as neuroprotective antioxidants, which prevent cell damage from harmful free-radicals.
Ketones are a healthier, safer and more efficient source of energy than glucose from sugar. The beta-hydroxybutyrate, or the ketone body, fuels more energy to the brain than glucose and burning ketones can help improve brain health. Burning ketones helps the brain to function properly in older age.
Ketones also increase the production of mitochondrial genes that play an essential role in metabolism. Ketosis improves the performance of the brain, while the mitochondrial genes protect against stroke and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases.
Ketones improve brain function by increasing the GABAergic tone while decreasing the glutamatergic tone. GABA is the inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain. Glutamate is the excitatory neurotransmitter. The latter is responsible for memory function, neural communication, and learning. However, it can become damaged if the glutamate has excessive stimulation, leading to various conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). People who follow a keto diet may be at a lower risk for these conditions because ketones help prevent increases in glutamate.
A keto diet is often recommended for people who have Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease
Ketones also enhance the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It is a kind of protein
that supports or preserves existing neurons while helping new neurons as they grow. Ketones can also improve the function of different areas of the brain like the cortex, basal forebrain, and hippocampus. These parts are responsible for various functions of the brain such as memory, learning, and thinking.
A keto diet is often recommended for people who have Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Keto is a safe approach for these kinds of diseases because of its benefits for the brain. If a keto diet is introduced during the early stages of these diseases, or at the first sign of symptoms, it may be possible to delay progression or reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Despite the potential for significant health benefits, it is always best to consult a physician or health professional before starting any diet—even a ketogenic diet—as a way to treat any disease or illness.