Better memory and brain health on keto – the BDNF benefits
- hannagillving
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
One of the main reasons as to why a ketogenic way of eating* comes with powerful brain health benefits, is that the liver will produce ketones for the body to use as main fuel instead of glucose.
Ketogenic foods will also bring more calmness, de-cluttered-ness and cognitive peace to any mind, and perhaps especially to brains on the neurodiversified spectrum.
But did you know that your brain on keto is also producing higher levels of the highly beneficial Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), also known as a potent brain fertiliser?
What is BDNF?
BDNF is a gene which relates to a particular protein responsible for growth, development and survival of new neurons and their synapses in the brain, in both adults and children.
High levels of BDNF are associated with improved cognition and proper brain health, whilst low levels are often seen in individuals with e.g. cognitive decline, depression and anxiety.
Put simply, BDNF is produced under certain forms of stress which will lead to a positive impact. Fasting or exercising are examples of these states of stress. Being in a state of ketosis (meaning your body's primary fuel is ketones rather than glucose), is also a form of (positive) stress.
Ketones and mitochondrial respiration
High levels of BDNF will lead to increased mitochondrial respiration, meaning improved oxygenation of the little powerhouses that are located within each and every cell and neuron of your physical body. The better the mitochondrial respiration, the better you will feel and function. In other words, your health and wellbeing depends on it. Both mentally and physically.
Through the real and unprocessed food that is keto, you can literally eat your way to more quality in life, from inside and out. With the key ingredients being; animal protein, healthy fats, and low-carb veggies. And low-carb amounts of nuts, seeds and berries, if you tolerate them (us humans have individual-based conditions and fuel-mixes).
Exercise and BDNF
If you further want to increase your levels of BDNF, certain sorts of exercise have major impact, too.
Whether or not your goal with higher levels of BDNF is to improve your overall health, boost your metabolism or pinpoint your brain's state of wellbeing – either by proactively protecting it from cognitive decline and early aging, or with the purpose of reversing memory-related conditions such as dementia.
There are of course numerous health benefits from all movement, but in the regard of brain-boosting BDNF, certain types are scientifically proven to be the ones to go for.
Resistance training, intervals and yoga
Studies show that three kinds of exercise are significantly impactful in this regard; resistance training, intervals and yoga.
So why not add intermittent doses of the three, as the cherry on top of food in forms of keto?
Your brain and body will thank you. Quality of life improves (a.k.a. life in technicolour).
And you will have significantly better chances of longevity; a healthy, vibrant life with more years in mindful presence. Which also means more time of quality in this life, to spend with your love, your purpose, your near and dear.
With love,
Hanna
*I try not to use the word "diet", because in my native language, Swedish, it refers to dieting, starving or depriving oneself of nutrition in order to lose weight.
Indeed, going keto will positively impact metabolism (your body's fat burning ability), but I see it as just one of the beneficial bonus effects on keto; health is built holistically from within, firstly through a wholesome and healthy mindset in regard to your food, and how they make you feel.
Science for the curious:
Book recommendation (for fellow professionals or science-nerds):
Ketogenic – The Science of Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction in Human Health, by Professor Tim Noakes and Nutrition Network in partnership with Elsevier International
Comments