Thread by @KetoCounselor

This thread is for all the new kids on the block who are here to learn the basics about what a ketogenic diet is and why everyone is going on about it! 🧵(1/15)

Ketone bodies are small compounds produced from fatty acids that serve as an alternative energy source for mitochondria when insulin levels are low, such as during fasting or intense exercise. Or a ketogenic diet! (2/15)

The most well-studied ketone bodies in humans are acetoacetate (AcAc) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). (3/15)

Ketone bodies are believed to be adaptive molecules secreted by the liver and quickly distributed to vital organs as part of a survival mechanism. (4/15)

They were thought to evolve to provide bioenergetic and signaling advantages during life-threatening conditions or increased risk factors for premature death. (5/15)

But personally, I and many others have found them to be super useful for their health and brain function in non-impending death circumstances! 😆 (6/15)

I want you to understand that sustained and long-term ketosis with adequate nutrient intake is not a stressful thing for your body. There are some forward-thinking thinkers who are on to the possibility that this might be our bodies' preferred state. (7/15)

In a low enough state of carbohydrate consumption, the conversion of stored energy in adipose tissue into fuel for cellular functions happens. (8/15)

Ketones are derived from fatty acids released from adipose tissue, transported to the liver, and circulated throughout the body. (9/15)

Once taken up by cells, ketone bodies like BHB undergoes a breakdown in the mitochondria to generate acetyl-CoA, which further contributes to ATP production—the primary "energy currency" of your cells. (10/15)

Reducing carbohydrate intake leads to the depletion of the body's glucose reserves (this is good!), triggering ketogenesis (also good!), hepatic oxidation of fatty acids, and production of ketones as an important and I would state, superior energy source. (11/15)

Particularly if you have some insulin resistance or your noggin is not working well. Ketones are a superior fuel in those contexts. I promise. (12/15)

In addition to their metabolic function, #ketone bodies also play a role in signaling processes separate from #energy production. (13/15)

They are involved in epigenetic changes, cellular signaling metabolites. What does this mean? It means they are molecular signaling bodies that turn genes on and off! They are that powerful. (14/15) 🧬#nojoke

If you are curious about ketogenic diets, particularly for mental illness or neurological conditions (or even just a stubborn case of brain fog) you should check out my blog. (15/15)
mentalhealthketo.com