Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about the ketogenic diet and how it can benefit brain health. The ketogenic diet was originally used in the early 1900’s for refractory epilepsy, but now it has become very popular for weight loss. Besides metabolic health and weight loss, the ketogenic diet can be a beneficial tool for brain health. It has been shown to improve outcomes in epilepsy, neurodegeneration (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), neuro-developmental disorders (ADHD and autism), traumatic brain injury, and psychiatric disorders (anxiety, depression, schizophrenia). It’s benefits come from three main factors: improving metabolic flexibility of cells, changing gene expression, and altering the microbiota in a beneficial way. A ketogenic diet requires greatly decreasing carbohydrate intake so that the body starts running on fats and ketone bodies. Nutritional ketosis is an increase in ketones (especially beta-hydroxybutyrate) that are a more efficient fuel source for the brain and body than glucose. They also help decrease inflammation, decrease oxidative stress, increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and feed the microbiome. Check out the video for more in depth information on the benefits of a ketogenic diet and how to start one for brain health!
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