Thread by @KetoCounselor

Mitochondria and ketone bodies play important roles in the regulation of redox potential, and together they can help heal your brain. 🧵(1/12)

Mitochondria are the primary site of energy production within cells, and they play a crucial role in the regulation of redox balance. (2/12)

During energy production, electrons are transferred from electron donors to electron acceptors and can lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). (3/12)

ROS must be kept in balance through antioxidant systems or oxidative stress gets to be too much for your body (and brain) to handle. (4/12)

To prevent oxidative stress, mitochondria have a range of antioxidant defenses, including the production of glutathione and the activation of Nrf2. (5/12)

Ketone bodies can enter the mitochondria and undergo beta-oxidation, a process that generates acetyl-CoA and produces reducing agents like NADH and FADH2. How do these help mitochondria protect your brain? (6/12)

Reducing agents can donate electrons to the electron transport chain within the mitochondria, leading to the production of ATP (energy!) and the transfer of electrons to molecular oxygen, which ultimately generates water. (7/12)

This process is important for energy production and helps to prevent the accumulation of ROS. (8/12)

Ketone bodies can also help to maintain redox balance within cells by activating antioxidant pathways like Nrf2, which can upregulate the production of glutathione and other antioxidant defenses. (9/12)

Overall, the interaction between mitochondria and ketone bodies can help to maintain redox balance and prevent oxidative stress within cells. Imagine what this does for a struggling brain! (10/12)

The relationship between mitochondria and ketone bodies is complex and can be affected by a range of factors, including diet, exercise, and genetics. (11/12)

Super excited for research to clarify and allow us to fully understand this relationship and its implications for the treatment of mental illness and neurological disorders. (12/12) #ketoformentalhealth #brainhealthmatters #metabolicpsychiatry