How does keto work? The ultimate guide to the science behind keto

Keto helps your body shift from burning carbs for energy to burning fat: a fuel that improves a huge variety of function in your body, including cognitive, blood sugar responses, and satiety signals.

You may have heard about the many benefits of keto, like supporting healthy weight loss, decreasing brain fog, etc. But how does it actually work? In this post, we’ll break down the science behind keto so that you know the “why” and “how” behind the “what.”

How keto works

To put it simply, on keto, you are helping your body shift from burning carbs for energy to burning fat instead. This happens as a result of cutting carbs, because your body only burns fat when it runs out of carbs. As your body begins to burn fat instead, you may notice better mental clarity, more energy, and other benefits.

The science behind it

Let’s go into a little more detail. On keto, your body is actually using glucose (which it gets from carbs) or ketones (which it gets from fat) to fuel itself. When your carb intake is extremely low, glycogen stores (the storage form of glucose) become depleted.

As a result, the body begins to break down fat for fuel, and produces ketones as a byproduct of this process and you enter a state called ketosis. This is where “keto” gets its name.

What are ketones?

Ketones are natural acids that your body produces when it’s burning fat for fuel instead of carbs. They are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and provide energy to the brain, which otherwise relies on glucose. That’s why so many people notice their brain fog improves once they start keto! (Your brain loves burning fat as much as the rest of your body does!)

Why the science works

Fueling your life (and your body) on carbohydrate is a bit like using unleaded gas in a truck that requires diesel. It’s (to put it lightly) not the best fuel for the job. Your body naturally runs more efficiently when you’re burning fat instead. Without high amounts of carbs, your blood sugar remains more stable, meaning your energy levels stay steadier as well. It also means messages (such as when it’s time for sleep, when it’s time to be at peak performance, and even when it’s time to eat) don’t run into as much interference. That means they end up coming through louder and more easily.

Keto’s effect on the brain has shown potential benefits for neurological disorders. It may also help reduce hunger and cravings. Studies have found that people who follow a ketogenic diet tend to feel fuller for longer periods of time, which can help with weight loss. This is largely because keto emphasizes eating healthy proteins and fats, which increase satiety.

In conclusion

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has become increasingly popular for weight loss and improved health. By reducing your intake of carbohydrates and increasing your intake of healthy fats, your body enters a state of ketosis, which can lead to a reduction in body fat, improved insulin sensitivity, and other health benefits.

While the science behind keto is still being studied, the evidence so far suggests that it can be an effective approach for weight loss and improved health. If you’re interested in trying keto, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure it’s right for you.