Introduction: In the quest for optimal health, it's crucial to explore various supplements that can support the well-being of both our hearts and brains. One such supplement gaining attention is ketones. In this article, we delve into the fascinating properties of ketones and their potential benefits for brain function and heart health.
Ketones as the Brain's Super Fuel: Ketones, often referred to as the brain's preferred fuel, offer unique advantages. When present, the brain readily utilizes ketones as its source of energy. Unlike glucose transporters, which can face obstacles due to insulin resistance, ketones are shuttled into the brain through monocarboxylate transporters (MCT). This bypasses any energy deficiency gaps and provides an alternative energy source.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Ketones: Another intriguing aspect of ketones is their anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that ketones can directly impact NLRP3 inflammasome, potentially aiding in mitigating damage and supporting recovery. This anti-inflammatory effect adds to the overall health benefits of ketones.
Ketones vs. Glucose as Brain Fuel: While glucose is traditionally considered the brain's primary fuel source, recent insights challenge this notion. Studies exploring the coexistence of high glucose and high ketones reveal that the brain favors ketones when they are both available. This preference holds true for both the brain and the heart, as both organs readily uptake ketones when present in the bloodstream.
Ketones and Heart Health: The relationship between ketones and heart health is particularly intriguing. Studies have shown that the heart's uptake of ketones is proportional to their availability in the blood, independent of other substrates. This becomes especially significant for individuals with heart failure, as ketones provide additional energy and support cardiac metabolism.
Ketones and Cognitive Performance: While research on the effects of ketones on academic or cognitive performance in children is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests potential benefits. Exogenous ketone supplements, such as Keone IQ, have been safely used by children with reported improvements in alertness and cognitive function. Ketones are generally recognized as safe, and infants naturally spend most of their time in a state of ketosis.
Conclusion: As we explore the best supplements for a healthy heart and brain, the role of ketones cannot be overlooked. Their ability to serve as a super fuel for the brain, possess anti-inflammatory properties, and support heart health makes them a promising addition to our wellness routines. While further research is needed to fully understand their effects on cognitive performance, ketones offer a natural and safe way to optimize brain function and promote cardiovascular well-being.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Ketones are the brain's preferred fuel source, providing an alternative energy source that bypasses energy deficiency gaps and supports brain function.
- Ketones have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in mitigating damage and supporting recovery, adding to their overall health benefits.
- Ketones are beneficial for heart health, as studies show that the heart readily uptakes ketones, providing additional energy and supporting cardiac metabolism.
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Transcription
Dr. Latt Mansor:
First and foremost, Ketones are brains super fuel, like it's a brains preferred fuel. So when it's present, the brain will take it up. So because ketones are being shuttled in via mct, which is monocarboxylate, transporter, it's different to glucose transporters, which are glutes, right? So it's coming in from different shuttles, different channels, so it can bypass that whatever insulin, resistance you have.
Okay. Secondly, we are looking at the anti-inflammatory properties of ketones as well. The direct effect on of ketones on NLRP3 inflammasome could also potentially help with both mitigation of the damage as well as recovery down the road. That's fascinating. So first of all is the energy deficiency gap that may be.
Compensate it with ketones and lactate. And then two, the anti-inflammatory properties of ketones. Why does some people still say that glucose is the preferential fuel for the brain? I mean, under normal circumstances, the glucose does use a lot. I mean, sorry, the brain does use a lot of glucose, right?
But then how many people, like how many studies are there that shows that you have high glucose and high ketones, and then the brain proofer ketones, like what we know is that ketones and brains and whatnot. When ketones are, when ketones are present, the brain and the heart will always take up ketones.And what's more interesting is that, I know for a heart, for, for a show in the heart is that when the heart takes up ketones, it's proportional to the availability of ketones in the blood. How this is independent of the uptick of, of the substrates. Meaning that when they measure the venous, uh, the arterial blood and the venous blood, so blood going in, blood going out, the uptick of glucose and fats.
Remain the same and ketones go up. And this is especially important for a failing heart. Yeah. Because you are essentially providing more energy because it's uptaking more substrates and providing more energy to the failing heart. And we know in heart failure, the heart, actually schizo metabolism.
Ben Greenfield:
I didn't realize how applicable this was to heart disease. This, this is fascinating. Back to the brain. Yeah. My, my sons just took their first dose ever of ketones. They're, they're upstairs in their bedroom. I think right now in close proximity. Yeah. Listening to us. And I'm curious when it comes to things like school performance, cognitive performance, uh, youth intake of ketones, are they safe?
For kids. Yeah. If you can say that. And B, have you guys looked at academic performance or anything like that? Or is that on the radar or has that been studied?
Dr. Latt Mansor:
So it hasn't been studied. So first of all, let me answer. For kids, we have had, um, kids take it. In fact recently a gentleman called James, he, his son had, Almost drowned when he was a baby.
Now he's six. He's having, you know, brain injury and he had to be tubed and everything. And I sent him some Keone iq and reportedly, he notices some changes, like his son became more alert. Ketone IQ is FDA grass, which is generally recognized as safe. So we have a safe profile like safety profile and tolerability that is safe for everyone essentially.
And let's, let's put it this way, right? Ketones are, ketones are ketones. Babies spend most of their time in ketosis. And breast milk has a lot of ketones in it as well, doesn't it? It just fats and, and you just, you are on low carbs, so most of the time babies are on ketones. Yeah. So having this, you know, exogenous ketones, it's essentially normal.
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