Ketones: Using the Ancestral Brain Stack

Tim Ferriss has the ability to move markets. With hundreds of millions of podcast downloads and millions of book sales, it’s no wonder a small percentage become devotees in the cult of Ferriss. Even more impressive is the fervor to which they push an idea into the mainstream. When Ferriss interviewed researcher Dom D’Agostino about ketosis and exogenous ketones, it seemed like everyone was going from low-carb to no-carb. Today there are many products selling ketone salts to improve brain health and mental performance.

Many of these products are well-intentioned, but the true effects of a ketogenic diet or ketones is still in the air. We’ll first provide a basic understanding of ketosis and exogenous ketones, then help you understand the benefits, and finally give a few words of wisdom before parting ways.

A State of Ketosis

In simplified terms, ketosis is a state in which the body’s energy comes from ketone bodies in contrast to blood glucose as is the norm. Usually, there are two types of ketogenic states to take advantage of:

• 1. Starvation
• 2. Nutritional

Starvation

The state of starvation sounds more harsh than it is. In reality, fasting (abstaining from eating for long periods) is a form of starvation and it only takes 24 – 72 hours for your body to start producing ketones for your brain to use. In a fasted state, the production of the ketone bodies will help your brain and body survive until food is consumed.

This type of ketosis may cause the loss of muscle mass and comes with other benefits and side effects because no calories are being consumed.

Nutritional

The sate of nutritional ketosis is different than starvation mode. Instead of eating no food, this consists of eating very certain foods. In a ketogenic diet, one consumes copious amounts of fatty acids and moderate protein with few or absolutely no carbohydrates.

It’s counter-intuitive to some, but the diet is primarily high-calorie fat rather than anything else. A state of nutritional ketosis can be maintained for much longer than the fasted state, however.

Benefits of Ketosis

The proponents of ketosis and a ketogenic diet are vocal about the brain boosting effects, but research is somewhat scarce on the topic.

Memory & Learning – One of the most interesting benefits of ketosis for nootropic enthusiasts is added brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. This part of the brain is largely responsible for memory formation and the cause of increased BDNF is the main ketone body called beta hydroxybutyrate.

Unfortunately, this is the only experiment of performance enhancement with ketogenic diets or beta hydroxybutyrate. Like most products and methodologies, the research focuses primarily on sickness rather than optimal health.

Neurodegenerative Protection – Far more well-researched are the effects of a ketogenic diet on neurodegenerative problems and those who have suffered brain trauma. Because ketosis can aid in mitochondrial health (more info below), it acts as a neuroprotective from problems.

An Evolutionary View

A common refrain among keto-lovers is how focused and well-concentrated they are while undergoing a ketogenic state (or simply taking exogenous ketones like beta hydroxybutyrate). Unfortunately, there is no scientific literature that backs up the claim.

However, there is a theoretical evolutionary explanation for the phenomenon. Our ancestors evolved for millions of years in a hunter-gatherer setting. As survival machines, the brain probably developed a mechanism to increase hypervigilance in a state of starvation (whether via fasting or no carbs).

The increased focus and concentration some people feel may be the brain sending you a reminder to get out into the wilderness and hunt because what you are doing isn’t helping! It is speculation at best, but one founded in evolutionary theory.

Where is the Ketogenic Hype?

As with any fad diet (and the products that accompany them), there is plenty of hype and even some sobering evidence against a ketogenic diet.

Brain Fog – When Tim Ferriss shared his experiences with the ketogenic diet, it was within the context of fighting brain fog he had because of lyme issues. While a ketogenic diet may alleviate brain fog for some with Lyme issues, it may not be universally effective.

Brain fog has various causes, and only some are influenced by mechanisms affected by a ketogenic diet. To listen to Ferriss’ experience, skip to minute 34:00 as he talks about lyme issuesand a ketogenic diet.

Despite common belief, a ketogenic diet’s effect on mitochondrial health isn’t always straightforward, as suggested by some studies. A 2016 study in Neurobiology of Aging indicates that animal models on a ketogenic diet experienced exacerbated neurological damage. If this study holds truth, it poses significant implications for long-term ketogenic dieters.

Even still, for many people, the feeling of a ketogenic diet is better than what they’re used to. Since individuals know their bodies best, this section should offer wisdom, not deterrence.

Kickstarting Ketosis

Whether opting for fasting or carb reduction, several methods can kickstart ketosis effectively. The most important ketone for your brain is called beta hydroxybutyrate (mentioned above), which can come in supplemental form.

BHB, often called, is typically chelated with potassium or sodium, making it somewhat challenging to find. Consuming BHB by itself is tantamount to self-torture. Dr. Peter Attia described it as “jet fuel” and mentioned in numerous places how terrible it tasted. Here is what he said:

“The ketone esters are, hands-down, the worst tasting compounds I have ever put in my body. The world’s worst scotch tastes like spring water compared to these things…It tasted as I imagine jet fuel would taste. I thought I was going to go blind. I didn’t stop gagging for 10 minutes…”

So what’s a eager-keto to do? Luckily, there are alternative products like KetoOS or KetoCaNa, which both have flavorings that make it go down far easier.

For optimal results with ketone products, combine beta hydroxybutyrate with a fat source, typically MCT oil, for enhanced efficacy. The MCT oil helps the BHB cross the blood brain barrier according to Dom D’Agostino’s research.

Before starting a ketogenic diet for brain optimization, assess its effects and decide if it’s sustainable for long-term commitment. Blood work and ketone checks significantly enhance the safety and viability of the ketogenic diet.

Also read our blog on Ginseng