The Keto Diet and Your Mood
A keto diet has the potential for endless benefits. It may help improve the conditions of our brain, immune system, and even our mood. It may even help prevent depression.
Some evidence suggests that depression may develop as a result of neurological problems associated with inflammation in the body. Excessive or prolonged inflammation can trigger changes in mood and affect the health of various body tissues. A keto diet emphasizes eliminating carbohydrates; this can help heal gut problems, reduce inflammation, and ultimately improve your mood.
As our body adapts to the keto diet, it starts to burn ketones. The ketones produced while your body is in ketosis provide 2/3 of the brain’s energy, helping it work more efficiently; the brain doesn’t have to rely on sugar as an energy source. This reduces the chance of damage by free radicals and oxidative stress in the brain. In this way, neurons stay safe from harm, resulting in better communication and mood.
Ketones are the primary influencers of the brain. They enhance the function of the brain to produce more brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These elements help the neurons grow healthier to produce more neurotransmitters and connect new neurons more efficiently.
There are times when low blood sugar levels cause low energy, mimicking the signs of depression. A ketogenic diet minimizes those drops in blood sugar and the resulting low energy. Reducing carbohydrates in the body can positively impact the serotonin levels, which may help relieve depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders. This is significant for individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s or bipolar disorder, as it may help stabilize their emotions.
A ketogenic diet can also increase the mitochondrial glutathione levels. It activates the Nrf2 pathway to reduce oxidative stress and help clean our body’s cells. It can also decrease the reactive oxygen elements to prevent the development of stress. One of these elements is the glutamate that is kept away from the neuronal cells to avert mood problems.
Our body’s blood sugar levels have a dramatic effect on our mood. Managing those levels is key to preventing mood swings and even disorders. Indicators of increased blood sugar include depression, fearfulness, and inability to focus. Individuals with high blood sugar may also experience emotional sensitivity, memory failure, and insecurity.
There is powerful evidence that a high-fat, low-carb diet like the keto diet can help stabilize our mood and improve brain health. The keto diet can provide a wealth of benefits beyond just weight loss. Consult with a physician or medical professional to see if the keto diet may be right for you.
If you would like to learn more about my Check out my Fit2LiveKeto 60 Day Program.
Yours in health and wellness,
Wendy Purviance FMCHC
A little bit about me:
Wendy Purviance -Busy women hire me to get rid of bloating and up their energy without depriving themselves of delicious food. As a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach and Whole Living Expert, I do this by getting to the root cause of their sickness so that they can finally say goodbye to excess weight and enjoy endless energy to reignite their zest for life.
As a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, I know one size doesn’t fit all. We will work together collaborating and identifying your health goals. The art of the coach-client relationship is to come alongside the client, listening, empowering and putting together a plan that works for you. A realistic plan that can be implemented for lasting change. We will look at a whole body, a Mind-body approach using whole foods, positive psychology, the psychology of eating, stress its impact on the body working towards changes in lifestyle for optimal health and lasting lifelong wellness!
