World’s most popular diet boosts brain power

A ketogenic diet can preserve your brain power and even reverse memory loss [Click here](1770d7/ct0_0/1/ms?sid=TV2%3A2VBgC5m7i) to view this message in your browser | [Click here](1770d7/l-002e/zout?sid=TV2%3A2VBgC5m7i) to stop receiving our messages [] [] Al Sears, MD 11905 Southern Blvd. Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 [] July 24, 2024 [] Reader, A ketogenic diet can preserve your brain power and even reverse memory loss in old age, according to an exciting new study. The high-fat keto diet, which encourages your body to burn fat instead of carbs, is the world’s most popular meal plan. Users report shedding excess pounds quickly and getting a “second wind” with more energy. I’ve been recommending my fat-based, zero-carb [“Primal Power Meal Plan”](1770d7/ct1_0/1/lu?sid=TV2%3A2VBgC5m7i) to patients for more than two decades. And while the impact of this diet on balanced blood sugar and weight loss is clear, there’s more to it… When you eat this way, you’ll immediately notice that your brain is firing on all cylinders. So, I wasn’t surprised to see studies that reveal what this diet can do for your memory. Memory Loss Reversed The latest study is a follow-up to a previous study that revealed the ketogenic diet can improve cognitive performance in older male mice. This time, the research team uncovered the specific mechanism that makes it possible. Scientists put 19 male mice aged between 20 and 23 months – which counts as “old age” for the animals – on either a cycled keto diet or a standard, control diet. Mice in the experimental group switched between a ketogenic diet and a standard diet every other week. Researchers measured metabolic changes for the first 12 weeks. For five weeks after that, the team examined differences in behavior. That’s when they found out what was really happening… Upon further testing, the scientists found that ketone bodies – which are produced by the liver when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose – boosted the connection between the synapses in the brain.1 This has incredible implications for your brain and memory. As you may know, synapses make up the space between nerve cells. This is how chemicals are passed along between neurotransmitters. A better connection between the synapses in your brain helps neurons send signals more effectively – increasing your capacity to recall old memories and enhance your ability to store new ones.2 An earlier study noted that ketone bodies “decrease oxidative stress, increase antioxidants, and scavenge free radicals.” These processes are essential for promoting the healing of the brain.3 The researchers say this is what restored cognitive function in the mice. And they have every reason to believe it would have the same effect on humans. Ketones can be used by most cells of the brain to make energy. When insulin resistance blocks glucose from brain cells, this energy source for the brain can help restore function. Your body produces ketones when you eat a diet high in fat and very low in carbs. Your body enters a state called “ketosis.” Because your body doesn’t have carbs to burn for energy, you burn ketones instead. And ketones burn clean. They make fewer waste products, keeping the stress off the damaged brain cells. Studies show a ketogenic diet can slow and even help reverse dementia symptoms. In a recent study, 23 people with mild cognitive impairment were put on a high- or low-carb ketogenic diet. After just six weeks, the low-carb group showed improved memory compared to the high-carb group.4 Ketogenic diets have also been linked to reduced risk of type-2 diabetes,5 Alzheimer’s,6 Parkinson’s disease,7 autism,8 multiple sclerosis,9 and certain cancers, especially brain cancer.10 As I mentioned, I’ve been recommending a high-fat, low-carb meal plan for many years. In fact, I have a catered keto-friendly lunch for my staff every other week. Unlike other diet fads that have come and gone, a ketogenic meal plan doesn’t ask you to give up much — some of your favorite foods may already be on the menu. Like this delicious short-rib recipe. Enjoy These Luscious Keto Korean Short Ribs Ingredients: For the ribs: [kombucha] Korean short ribs are a big hit at the keto-friendly catered lunch we all enjoy together at the Sears Institute on Fridays. - 5 pounds English-style short ribs - 1 Tbsp Himalayan salt - ¼ tsp black ground pepper For the sauce: - ½ cup coconut aminos - 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar - 2 tsp fish sauce - 6 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped - 4 scallions, chopped - 1-2 inches of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped Preparation: - Wash and dry the short ribs. Rub in salt and pepper. - Combine the sauce ingredients in a blender until smooth. - Pour some of the sauce into the bottom of Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot, then add the ribs — coating each one on all sides. Poor the remainder of the sauce on top of the ribs. - Shut and lock the lid and turn the steam valve to closed position. Program the Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot to cook under high pressure for 45 minutes. - Let the pressure release naturally. - If the ribs are not tender, cook for 10 minutes more. - Transfer your ribs to a plate, pour the sauce over – and enjoy. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS --------------------------------------------------------------- References: - Acuna-Catalan D, et al. “Ketogenic diet administration later in life improves memory by modifying the synaptic cortical proteome via the PKA signaling pathway in aging mice.” Cell Reports Med. 2024;5(6):101593. - Kennedy M. “Synaptic signaling in learning and memory.” Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2016;8(2):a016824. - Greco T, et al. “Ketogenic diet decreases oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial respiratory complex activity.” J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2016 Sep; 36(9): 1603–1613. - Krikorian R, et al. “Dietary ketosis enhances memory in mild cognitive impairment.” Neurobiology Aging. 012;33(2):425.e19-425.e27. - University of Michigan. “Liquid low-calorie or low-carb keto diet can reverse type 2 diabetes, research shows.” . Accessed on July 17, 2024 - Dillmore A, et al. “Effects of a ketogenic and low-fat diet on the human metabolome, microbiome, and foodome in adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease.” Alzheimers Dement. 2023 Nov;19(11):4805-4816. - Grochowska K and Przeliorz P. “The effect of the ketogenic diet on the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases and its impact on improving cognitive functions.” Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2022 May-Aug; 12(2): 100–106. - Evangeliou A, et al. “Application of a ketogenic diet in children with autistic behavior: pilot study.” J Child Neurol. 2003 Feb;18(2):113-8. - Bock M, et al. “Ketogenic diet and prolonged fasting improve health-related quality of life and lipid profiles in multiple sclerosis – A randomized controlled trial.” 2015. - Varshneya K, et al. “The efficacy of ketogenic diet and associated hypoglycemia as an adjuvant therapy for high-grade gliomas: a review of the literature.” Cureus. 2015 Feb 27;7(2):e251. alsearsmd@send.alsearsmd.com [Preferences | Unsubscribe](1770d7/l-002e/zout?sid=TV2%3A2VBgC5m7i) 11905 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411, United States