Brain Food

The ketogenic diet - or keto, for short - continues to make waves among health seekers. People rave about it for weight loss and elevated energy, but what if we told you that it might also be a secret weapon for brain health? 

The Brain’s Favourite Fuel: Glucose vs. Ketones

Your brain is a high-maintenance organ using up about 20 % of your body's total energy. Normally, it runs on glucose - which comes from carbohydrates - but sometimes it doesn’t process this efficiently, especially as you age. This is where ketones step in like the hero of the story.

Ketones are an alternative fuel source that the brain can use when carbs are in short supply. When you follow a ketogenic diet, your body enters a state called ketosis. This happens when you drastically reduce your carb intake and replace it with fat, causing your body to shift gears and start breaking down stored fat into ketones for energy. Think of it like switching from gas to solar power - your body becomes more efficient at using its own fat stores instead of relying on a constant supply of carbs.

Can Keto Help with Brain Function?

Ketosis doesn’t just help with weight loss - it also provides a steady source of fuel that the brain can absorb more easily than glucose, especially in people experiencing cognitive decline. Scientists have been exploring its effects on brain disorders for years, and the results are promising. Research suggests that increasing ketone levels through diet may help improve brain function in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. 

Keto has been used for decades to help manage epilepsy, and now researchers are looking into its potential for other neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and even depression.

The idea is that ketones provide a more efficient energy source, reduce inflammation, and improve mitochondrial function - which is a fancy way of saying they help your brain’s powerhouses work better. It’s like upgrading your brain’s battery life.

What Does a Keto-Friendly Plate Look Like?

Switching to keto means changing up your plate in a big way. But don’t worry - it’s not all butter and bacon. 

A well-balanced keto meal is packed with healthy fats, proteins, and just a small amount of carbs from nutrient-rich sources.

Fat takes centre stage, with foods like avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, cheese, and fatty fish leading the charge. Protein comes from meat, poultry, eggs, and plant-based sources in moderate amounts. Carbs are kept to a minimum, focusing on leafy greens and non-starchy vegetables.

The goal is to keep your body in ketosis so it continues to produce those brain-loving ketones.

Any Side Effects?

Some people experience what’s known as the ‘keto flu’, which includes fatigue, headaches, and brain fog as your body adapts to burning fat instead of carbs. These symptoms usually pass within a few days.

Another thing to watch out for is nutrient deficiencies if you don’t eat a variety of foods. Keto works best when done in a way that’s balanced and sustainable. Checking in with a doctor or nutritionist before making major dietary changes is always a good idea.

The Verdict: Is Keto a Brain Booster?

The research on keto and brain health is still evolving, but the evidence so far is exciting. Whether you’re looking to improve focus, boost memory, or support long-term brain health, keto might be worth a try. Of course, like any diet, it’s not one-size-fits-all - but if you love the idea of fuelling your brain with fat, you might just find yourself on team keto.

Also, if you ever needed an excuse to load up on guacamole - here it is.