In this thread, we will have fun talking about how a ketogenic diet makes for a healthy brain. And sharing just a small portion of the research that proves I am not making this up! Are you ready? 🧠🧵(1/14)
The ketogenic diet (KD) has been linked to significant neuroprotective effects, with Beta-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA) playing a key role in preventing neurodegenerative disorders. I kid you not. Ketogenic diets are no joke when it comes to having a kick-ass brain! (2/14)
Microglial cells play a crucial role in neurodegenerative disorders, but BHBA from the ketogenic diet can help. It promotes an anti-inflammatory microglial phenotype, reduces migration, and modulates cytokine levels. The implications for neuroprotection are off the charts! (3/14)
BHBA, a ketone body from the ketogenic diet, shows remarkable anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the expression of key inflammatory markers and preventing NF-κB activation. Promising news for neuroprotection! (5/14)
BHBA, a component of the ketogenic diet, holds promise for neuroprotection through the regulation of immune responses and inflammation. Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome shows reduced oxidative stress and improved cellular survival. (7/14) #Neuroprotection#Inflammation
I am not sure how much science is needed for the medical establishment to understand that when it comes to brains, there is nothing like a ketogenic diet! (13/14)
Someone asked how insulin resistance could lead to increases in triglyceride and uric acid production. And I am certainly no @BenBikmanPhD (who you should follow!) I will give you the gist of it as I understand it. Settle in for a thread. 🧵(1/12)
@BenBikmanPhD When you are not insulin resistant and healthy, insulin acts as an important regulator of lipid metabolism in the liver. (2/12)
@BenBikmanPhD Insulin promotes the synthesis (creation) of triglycerides and inhibits lipolysis (the breakdown of fats into fatty acids). This balance helps maintain appropriate levels of triglycerides in the body. (3/12)
Ok, here is a tough one (maybe). Myeloperoxidase is an inflammatory enzyme produced by what cells? (answer in comments; no peeking)
Myeloperoxidase is an inflammatory enzyme primarily produced by neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell. Neutrophils are a crucial component of the immune system and are among the first responders to sites of infection or inflammation. (1/5)
Myeloperoxidase plays a significant role in the immune response by generating antimicrobial compounds and promoting the destruction of pathogens. It produces hypochlorous acid and other reactive oxygen species, which have potent antimicrobial properties. (2/5)
C-Reactive protein is produced in the liver primarily by excess levels of which pro-inflammatory cytokine? (Answer in comments. No peeking!)
C-reactive protein (CRP) is primarily produced in the liver in response to increased levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 is a key regulator of the acute-phase response, which is the body's systemic response to inflammation. (1/4)
When there is inflammation in the body, IL-6 stimulates the liver to produce CRP. Elevated levels of IL-6 can trigger the production of CRP, which serves as a marker of inflammation. CRP levels can rise rapidly in response to acute inflammation or infection. (2/4)
Blocking HMG-CoA Reductase with statins will lower the synthesis of cholesterol. The synthesis of what super important nutrient is also affected by blocking this enzyme? (Answer in comments. No peeking!)
Answer: CoQ10. And why is that epically bad. I am going to tell you if you want to keep reading. ⬇️(1/4)
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a critical role in cellular energy production, particularly in organs with high energy demands, such as the heart. Why you would take a statin if the goal is to protect from heart disease, I don't know. Sounds pretty bananas to me! (2/4)
Many patients with high triglycerides and heart disease also have en elevated level of which biomarker? (Answer in the comments. Don't peek!)
Answer:
Patients with high triglycerides and heart disease often have an elevated level of uric acid. Uric acid is a byproduct of purine metabolism, and elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream can be associated with conditions such as hyperuricemia and gout. (1/3)
Research suggests that there is a correlation between elevated uric acid levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease. (2/3)
Yesterday, I posted a cool diagram from a research article showing the benefits of a ketogenic. And @MasinoSusan rightly pointed out that it didn't include the effects of adenosine. So today, we will talk about that! 🧵(1/16)
@MasinoSusan Here is the original tweet to orient yourself. (2/16)
@MasinoSusan The ketogenic diet's impact on adenosine levels in the brain is a key factor in its associated benefits for mood and brain health. Ketone bodies have been shown to increase the production and release of adenosine in the brain, which has several beneficial effects. (3/16)