Ketogenic diets have risen in popularity in recent years. Whether losing some weight or improving other physical conditions, this low-carb and high-fat diet has become the go-to for many. However, the benefits of a keto diet extend beyond physical health. Recent studies have cropped up showing how it positively impacts mental well-being.<\/p>\n
However, how do low-carb and keto diets work, and how do they help a person\u2019s mental and brain health?<\/p>\n
Typically, the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose to create energy and fuel variousfunctions. However, consuming excessive carbohydrates can result in the body storing the excess as fat, leading to weight gain and other health issues.<\/p>\n
In contrast, low-carb or keto diets limit a person\u2019s carbohydrate intake, prompting the body to turn to fat for energy. When this happens, the body produces molecules called ketones<\/a>\u2014the alternative fuel it makes when it\u2019s low on glucose. Using stored fat for energy means a person can lose weight and alleviate several ailments.<\/p>\n As mentioned, glucose<\/a> is the energy that the body gets from eating carbohydrates. However, having too much of this simple sugar can increase blood sugar levels. However, blood sugar levels become manageable in a keto diet as it changes the body’s energy source to ketones.<\/p>\n This change in fuel source can significantly benefit one\u2019s mental health and brain function. For instance, this diet can prevent the excessive sugar\u2019s effect on orexin<\/a>, a neuropeptide responsible for inducing wakefulness. Moreover, the body won\u2019t experience a sudden surge and rapid crash of blood sugar levels that can lead to irritability and annoyance\u2014stabilizing a person\u2019s mood.<\/p>\n Dementia and cognitive decline are common consequences of constant high insulin levels<\/a>. One factor that leads to these outcomes is the body developing insulin resistance. This condition happens when the body produces too much insulin from excessive carbs and becomes less responsive to the substance.<\/p>\n A keto diet drastically reduces carb intake, putting the body in ketosis. In this state, your insulin levels remain low and help your body maintain insulin sensitivity. On top of controlling diabetes<\/a>, this diet can improve your brain health and cognitive functions.<\/p>\n Besides high insulin levels, inflammation can lead to declining brain health. According to a study<\/a>, inflammation in different cognitive parts of the brain has led to the worsening symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s, Parkinson\u2019s disease, and dementia.<\/p>\n To combat this effect, some people follow a keto diet. The ketones the body produces in this diet have shown the potential to be a long-term treatment for inflammation<\/a>. With a low-carb diet, you can protect your brain from damage and even improve its functions.<\/p>\n High sugar and insulin levels\u00a0 can cause the body to release too much cortisol and adrenaline, resulting in increased heart rate, blood pressure, and other \u201chypoglycemic\u201d symptoms. A person can experience excessive sweating, anxiety, irritability, shaking, and difficulty concentrating.<\/p>\n These hormones are essential in responding to stressors. However, you can develop mental health disorders like depression and cognitive damage when sustaining these hormones at high levels for extended periods.<\/p>\n Following a keto or other low-carb diet can help you prevent these conditions from happening. Its ability to regulate your blood sugar prevents spikes and crashes that trigger the release of stress hormones. As a result, you can achieve healthy mental well-being from a balanced level of stress hormones.<\/p>\nPotential Benefits to Mental Health and Brain Function<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Regulates sugar in the blood<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Controls insulin levels<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Reduces inflammation<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Balances stress hormones and adrenaline levels<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Stabilizes neurotransmitters<\/strong><\/h3>\n