Brain fog Vs clarity...is it the fat, or low carbs?

#1

I’m doing keto for my frazzled brain. I’m about three weeks in, and I think there’s a difference. I have had major brain fog for the last year or two. So much so that I have had to have glasses, also had to go to therapy and all sorts as it is brain fog in a depersonalised way. No fun. Well I’ve started to feel a bit more real and connected … but hope it still gets way better than this.

My question is based on hearing lots of people say that they feel mentally sharper on keto. So tell me, is it high fat that does this, or simply not shoveling crap and processed carbs or any carbs into your mouth all day?
Wouldn’t you feel better cutting out lots of carbs anyway, without necessarily upping to a whole lotta fat.
Or is this a silly question? :smiley_cat: But don’t blame me, my brain is still foggy!

(Ruth) #2

Yep, brain fog! Did not prepare properly

(Duncan Kerridge) #3

My guess would be reduced insulin, so less insulin resistance in the brain, and then add a bunch of ketones into the fuel supply.

This is a good article (it gets better after the first few paragraphs) : https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/mind-guest-blog/the-fat-fueled-brain-unnatural-or-advantageous/

You reduce insulin by cutting carbs and your liver makes ketones from fat (body fat or food). So it’s both. If anyone cut 1000kcal of carbs out of their diet they’ve got to replace it with something. Most people eat plenty of protein already. So more fat.