Glycerol (part of a triglyceride molecule) from the breakdown of body fat or dietary fat. Pyruvate and lactate, which are molecules that form when the body metabolizes glucose. These molecules can be joined back together to re-create glucose. So your brain can have all its energy demands met by the liver - from stored glucose, gluconeogenesis, or ketone production - whether or not you eat any carbs at all. Using glucose alone vs. If you eat a moderate-carb to high-carb diet, your brain isn’t adapted to using ketones. Therefore, glucose will be the major fuel source for the brain. Once your body has adapted to eating a very-low-carb or carb-free diet, the brain uses ketones to meet a large portion of its energy needs, and the liver makes as much glucose as is needed to meet the remainder.10 Consequently, blood sugar levels remain stable and the brain gets all the fuel it needs, even though carbs aren’t being consumed. This makes a lot of sense from an evolutionary point of view.
It’s known that hunter-gatherers often went for several hours or even days without eating while searching for food. The ability to use a combination of ketones and glucose to fuel their brains was likely key to their survival. Are ketones good for brain health and function? Some experts believe that using a combination of ketones and glucose may be uniquely beneficial for the brain, especially in people with neurologic and mental health disorders.11 Research suggests that in certain situations, this combination could be quite beneficial. Epilepsy: Although usually not completely devoid of carbs, the classic ketogenic and modified Atkins diets restrict carbs to less than 20 grams per day. Mental health conditions: While research is preliminary, anecdotal evidence, basic neurochemistry studies and a few promising clinical trials have suggested a ketogenic diet may improve symptom control for some mental health conditions. For example, bipolar disorder - which is known to share some features with epilepsy - may improve on a ketogenic diet, as might schizophrenia.13 Read more in our guide on low-carb and mental health.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Trauma to the brain can impair its ability to use glucose efficiently and may lead to elevated blood sugar levels. According to some studies, a carb-free or ketogenic diet may provide an alternative fuel to the brain as it heals, thus giving benefits to people who have sustained TBI’s. Hunger control: A carbohydrate-free diet suppresses the "hunger hormone" ghrelin that is secreted mainly by the stomach. Ghrelin has multiple effects in the body, but one impact is on the brain’s hypothalamus to regulate appetite control.19 It also travels to the amygdala, the brain’s reward center. Importantly, although considered high-quality research, these studies are very small. Nevertheless, they provide clinical evidence that helps confirm what many people report after adopting a carb-free diet - they feel much less hungry. In short: Eating carbohydrates to fuel the brain is an option, not a requirement. It’s true that the brain can’t run entirely on ketones; it needs some glucose as well. However, your brain isn’t in any danger on a very-low-carb diet or even a diet that’s entirely carb-free. Thanks to gluconeogenesis, GlucoLife Wellness your body will reliably produce and provide your brain with all the glucose it needs. GuideWhat is ketosis? What benefits can it bring? Is it safe? In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: how to use ketosis for weight loss, health, and performance; the optimal levels of ketosis; and how to measure and get into ketosis. Start your FREE 7-day trial! Get instant access to healthy low-carb and keto meal plans, fast and easy recipes, weight loss advice from medical experts, and so much more. A healthier life starts now with your free trial!
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