The Science of Ketones
How do Ketones work?
When glucose (via carbohydrates) is in limited supply, the body naturally shifts to using Ketones as an alternative fuel source, tapping into fat stores to help maintain steady energy levels. This shift allows the brain, muscles, and heart to operate efficiently without relying on carbohydrates.
Ketosis
Ketosis is a metabolic state when the body has elevated levels of Ketones in the blood, primarily as beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), but also acetone and acetoacetate. This state occurs when the body starts efficiently burning fat as its main fuel source due to limited access to glucose. Ketosis is commonly triggered by low-carb diets, like the ketogenic diet, or different types of fasting.
Unique Benefits of Ketones
- Provides stable, efficient source of energy
- Supports mental clarity
- Supports metabolic health
- Supports weight management and appetite control
- Helps maintain ketosis
- Helps maintain healthy levels of hunger hormones
Benefits of BHB
BHB, whether made naturally in the body or taken as a supplement, offers several benefits, particularly for mental clarity and physical performance. It provides an efficient and consistent energy source, reducing brain fog that can be associated with glucose fluctuations. For busy professionals to athletes seeking enhanced endurance, BHB can improve stamina and focus, and reduce fatigue. Additionally, BHB’s antioxidant properties help protect the body from oxidative stress, supporting overall health.
BHB and Hunger Control
BHB plays a powerful role in appetite control by directly influencing hunger hormones and brain signaling. Unlike glucose, Ketones act not just as fuel, but as signaling molecules to peptides that affect how we feel hunger and fullness. Elevated BHB levels have been shown to suppress ghrelin (the "hunger hormone") and enhance the effects of leptin and GLP-1, both of which promote satiety (a feeling of fullness). BHB can also make intermittent fasting or low-calorie diets more tolerable. Studies suggest that combining ketogenic diets and exogenous Ketone supplements can help curb hunger and activate peptide hormones—sometimes even more effectively than calorie restriction alone.
Boosting BHB Levels
To boost Ketone BHB levels in the body and help the body enter a state of ketosis, you can make BHB endogenously (in your body) by fasting or limiting carbohydrate intake, or you can take BHB exogenously (from an external source) with a supplement.
BHB supplements can help elevate Ketone levels in the body to support appetite regulation, energy, focus, and endurance without requiring strict dietary changes.
Ketone Types
Ketone Esters and Ketone salts both provide exogenous Ketones to support the body’s transition into ketosis, but they differ in composition and effectiveness.