BHB ketones are one of the helpful supplements whose effects can be used, among others, in high-fat, ketogenic diets. A supplement that may support physical and mental functions, so I invite you to learn more about what it has to offer.
What are BHB ketones?
As you probably know, the body’s basic fuel, including for the muscles and brain, is glucose. Without fuel, we would not be able to function, let alone talk about more extreme activities such as improving physical or mental performance. When the supply of energy in this form is cut off, the body looks for alternative sources. Then energy will be produced from fatty acids.
BHB ketones are one of the ketone bodies that we are able to produce when access to glucose, which is the source of energy, is cut off. Such situations include fasting, or the recently popular
high-fat (ketogenic) diets, in which we ourselves provide the body with an alternative energy source.
How do BHB ketones work and who are they recommended for?
As I mentioned, BHB ketones are formed when we appropriately limit the source of energy that the body uses on a daily basis. They can then be used as an energy alternative. The brain can also use ketones, although not without reason even during a ketogenic diet sugars are not completely eliminated. However, this does not mean that external supplementation is pointless - quite the opposite.
First and foremost, BHB ketones speed up and improve the process of entering ketosis, and also help minimize the states that may occur as a result of fat adaptation - e.g. a drop in energy. They will also serve as energy support during the diet itself, especially during physical activity.
More technically, BHB ketones break down into acetoacetate in our mitochondria, which serve, among other things, as "power plants". It is they that are responsible for burning and energy. Acetoacetate breaks down, and then we are dealing with a hydrogen atom and Acetyl-CoA.
The atom mentioned combines with vitamin B3 in its active form, while Acetyl-CoA (two molecules) takes part in the Krebs cycle. In short: they serve to power the body. For this and other reasons that you will be able to read about, the supplement is especially recommended for:
- people following a ketogenic diet,
- people just entering ketosis,
- physically active people,
- people struggling with insulin resistance.
BHB Ketones - how can they help?
A ketogenic diet is generally used for specific purposes. If there are no contraindications, it can be used, for example, to effectively reduce excessive accumulated body fat or to combat insulin resistance. The diet itself should be introduced gradually and preceded by tests in order to determine, among other things, the condition of the body and any deficiencies. Mainly because a sudden change in eating is a huge shock and at the same time a dose of stress. The initial switch from one type of energy source to another, alternative one, is called adaptation. It may proceed in different ways and at a different pace for each person - this depends, among other things, on the factors mentioned earlier. Adaptation may be accompanied by a drop in energy and, often, a feeling of fatigue or mental discomfort. BHB ketones are intended to support this whole process, speed up its pace, and thus minimize unpleasant effects.
The fact that BHB ketones enter the mitochondria and the whole energy process takes place there is a flagship advantage of supplementation. Obtaining energy in this way will allow the stage associated with inflammation and excessive production of free radicals to be bypassed.
Moreover, according to studies, they increase superoxide dismutase activity and reduce the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Supplementation also reduces oxidative stress.
In short: BHBs have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
By the way, they affect sirtuins, which may bring detoxification benefits, provide a certain degree of protection against neurodegenerative processes and contribute to improving fat-burning processes, which will also be important for physically active people.
There is no doubt that athletes or people training recreationally will benefit from supplementation, because BHB ketones can increase the availability of branched-chain amino acids, stimulate the production of mitochondria and affect dopamine.
The product may support work on physique and health by, among other things, improving glycaemia and cells' sensitivity to insulin. Fighting insulin resistance protects against possible unpleasant consequences, and also allows for more effective burning of stored body fat.
BHB ketones reduce blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, enabling cells to make better use of glucose when access to it is limited. For this reason, some sources state that with this type of supplementation a higher carbohydrate intake may be possible, as well as a more efficient and faster return to ketosis after deviations.
It is worth mentioning that dosing should be gradual (e.g. start supplementation with 1 g) and under observation. In too large single doses, when we do not know how our body reacts to the supplement, it may have a laxative effect. Even so, it is worth trying if we have decided to take care of our health and physique by means of a ketogenic diet.
BHB Ketones - summary of benefits and other advantages of use
- faster entry into ketosis and return to it,
- possible higher carbohydrate intake,
- support for fat reduction,
- improved insulin sensitivity,
- alternative energy fuel,
- reduction of the effects of fat adaptation,
- higher energy levels and motivation to act,
- help in cleansing the body and eliminating damaged cells,
- increased BDNF expression (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and a more efficiently functioning nervous system,
- anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,
- in ketosis, nighttime recovery improves.
