THE POWER OF KETOSIS WITH BEN AZADI
Fueling the Body and Protecting the Mind
BEN AZADI
2024
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In healthy humans, the body has an impressive ability to produce ketones—an alternative energy source—whenever it needs them. During periods of fasting, even overnight while sleeping on an empty stomach, the liver ramps up ketone production, increasing the concentration of ketone bodies in the blood. When insulin levels drop low enough, the body switches into fat oxidation mode, where fatty acids are transported to the liver to be converted into ketones. These ketones include acetone (expelled in the breath), acetoacetate (expelled in the urine), and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which circulates in the blood.
Ketosis, therefore, is not just a diet but a fundamental metabolic process that has existed as long as humans have. If our ancestors couldn't convert fatty acids into ketones, they wouldn’t have survived. Ketosis was essential for them to maintain focus and energy during periods of food scarcity. In fact, if it weren’t for ketosis, we wouldn’t exist today—our ancestors would have been unable to find food, leading to extinction.
Even newborns naturally enter a state of ketosis when breastfed. This fat-burning state is crucial for the neurological development of the brain, which is largely composed of fat and thrives on BHB 1, 2, 3.
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The Role of Mitochondria in Energy Production and Survival
Mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, produce the majority of the body's energy. Cutting-edge research shows that mitochondria have an intelligence, acting as a surveillance system. When the body faces threats such as toxins, infections, poor diet, or mental stress, this innate intelligence signals the mitochondria to lower energy production to handle the threat. This is known as "war-time metabolism" or the cell danger response.
Once the threat is resolved, the mitochondria are signaled to return to normal, entering "peacetime metabolism." Healthy cells with healthy mitochondria produce optimal energy, maintaining homeostasis and buffering oxidative stress. However, during a cell defense response, the body enters a hypometabolic state, generating oxidative stress. Fatigue, inflammation, and even inner ear symptoms can be signs of this mitochondrial response to protect cells from harm.
The goal, then, is to return mitochondria to peacetime metabolism, particularly in the inner ear, which can be critical in managing symptoms like vertigo and hearing loss.
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Ketones as a Mitochondrial Boost
When in ketosis, ketones act as signaling molecules that stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis—the process by which new mitochondria are formed. This increases cellular energy production while reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species 4. In fact, studies show that ketosis can increase the number of ATP molecules (the currency of cellular energy) produced from 32-36 (when burning glucose) to 120-160 (when burning fat). This represents a significant increase in energy efficiency 5, 6, 7.
The Six Key Benefits of Ketones
Increased Cellular Energy: Ketones stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis, enhancing cellular energy.
Reduced Inflammation: Ketones reduce inflammatory markers.
Increased Growth Hormone: They protect cells and DNA from oxidative stress.
Enhanced ATP Production: More cellular energy is produced.
Cleaner Fuel: Ketones burn more cleanly than glucose, producing fewer free radicals.
Protection and Repair: Ketones help repair the inner mitochondrial membrane.
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The Broad Benefits of Ketosis
But there's more to ketosis than just energy production. Here are some additional mechanisms of action:
Blood Sugar and Insulin Levels: Ketosis lowers both, promoting metabolic health.
Neurotransmitter Systems: Ketosis increases GABA and adenosine while reducing glutamate.
Mitochondrial Function: Enhanced mitochondrial production and function.
Inflammation Reduction: Ketosis upregulates antioxidants like glutathione peroxidase and lowers inflammatory cytokines.
Gene Expression: Ketosis influences DNA methylation and gene expression.
Autophagy: Ketosis promotes the recycling of damaged cells, aiding in cellular repair.
Longevity: Several studies suggest that ketogenic diets can promote longevity and reduce the risk of age-related diseases by targeting oxidative stress and influencing gene expression 8, 9, 10, 11.
Ketosis: A Fundamental Human Process
Ketosis is not just a modern diet trend; it is a metabolic process rooted deeply in human history. For our ancestors, ketosis was a survival mechanism during times of famine or low carbohydrate availability, such as winter. It allowed them to maintain mental clarity and physical energy to find and hunt food.
Interestingly, the benefits of ketosis extend beyond survival. The ketogenic diet has shown promise in treating various conditions, including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and even cancer. The diet mimics the effects of fasting, which has long been known to reduce the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures. The story of Charlie Abrahams, a boy with severe epilepsy who became seizure-free on a ketogenic diet, is just one example of the diet's potential.
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Conclusion
In summary, ketosis is a metabolic state with profound implications for energy production, cellular health, and disease prevention. Whether through fasting or a ketogenic diet, entering ketosis can enhance mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and promote longevity. Far from being a new diet fad, ketosis is a time-tested metabolic process that has been vital to human survival and remains essential for optimal health today.
Written by best selling author Ben Azadi, FDN-P. Learn more about Ben here: http://www.benazadi.com
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