It's impossible to understand the role of exogenous ketones without first understanding the keto diet, so let's start there βπ».Β
The ketogenic diet is a dietary pattern that promotes the production of ketone bodies through a metabolic state called ketosis. To do this, the amount of carbohydrates must be reduced β¬οΈ as much as possible.
Normally, carbs help your body produce energy, however, in situations where there are no carbohydrates, ketone bodies play a key role π.
Ketone bodies are used immediately, for energy π, at the expense of fat. For this reason,Β the ketogenic diet has proven to be useful in weight loss, in addition to endless other benefits. We're big fans!
But even so, the elimination of most carbohydrates, as we mentioned before, requires our body to change the predetermined energy function (glucose) for fat π₯.
This change is huge, and like all changes, it will take some adjustments while your body stabilizes.
This is where exogenous ketone supplements play a key role, helping us get through this change with little or no side effects.
What are exogenous ketone supplements? π§
As mentioned before, when you reduce carbohydrate intake and replace it with fat, your body enters a metabolic state, resulting in the formation of ketone bodies.
The thing is, there is a specific ketone body π₯ that is the most abundant, efficient, and fastest, that your body can use to generate energy. This is beta-hydroxybutyrate, AKA BHB. We know you probably didn't learn about it in school, but we'll let you in on the secret now π€!
What is BHB?
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a molecule that the body uses as energy fuel β½ in the absence of glucose (sugar). Letβs picture it as a little energetic ball that your body produces naturally to keep you alive.
BHB is the most abundant ketone body, and you can get amazing benefits from it when produced in large amounts. Trust us, your brain π§ and your body will love it.
Oh wait, but did you know that exogenous ketones also exist? π¬
You have probably heard the term "exogenous ketones." Well, these are nothing more than supplemental ketone bodies π (usually BHB) that you eat or drink. By consuming these, you will increase your BHB levels π in no time, which in turn, will get you into ketosis more quickly.
The power of exogenous ketones on the Ketogenic Diet π½οΈ β π
Normally, it takes the body a few days to change the way it produces energy. During this time, it is common to have mild symptoms known as the "keto flu," π€§ and that means that you are not in ketosis yet.
But, BHB supplementation has way more advantages. Letβs take a look:
Benefits of exogenous ketones (BHB) β
- Feeds the brain and muscles, easily crossing the blood-brain barrier, resulting in easily accessible energy for the brain and muscle tissues
- Increases ketone levels in blood, muscles, and the brain
- Reduces and normalizes blood glucose
- Increases muscle protein synthesis
- Decreases fatty acids in the blood
- Reduces the feeling of hunger
- Improves mental performance
- Improves immune health
- Helps you avoid and minimize the keto flu symptoms
To sum it up, if you want to avoid sugar highs and lows, boost your energy β‘ (as well as your physical performance), enhance fat loss while maintaining muscle mass, and improve your mental performance, then BHB supplementation is for you! Be sure to have a look at our keto shop to get your own π.