Dogs are the most cherished pet in the USA, with 48% of all USA households having one. As a key member of most peoples households, they deserve to experience the same benefits of BHB that humans do. Help them live their happiest, healthiest life with K-9 Thrive, a powerful BHB formula designed specifically to support canine well-being. Harness the power of BHB to promote mental calmness, clarity and over all physical well-being while keeping your beloved dog in the best shape ever.
PRODUCT DESIGN:
Patented BHB and MCT Blend: Our unique formula optimizes BHB and C8 MCTs in a specialized bone broth to support your dog’s specific metabolic needs.
Additional Calming Ingredients: Ingredients like chamomile or L-theanine (pending safety research in dogs) may be included for enhanced relaxation benefits.
Delicious, Easy-to-Administer: K-9 Thrive can be offered as a tasty bone broth powder to mix with food, or it can be made into a gravy.
KEY BENEFITS:
Stress and Anxiety Support: Promotes calmness, focus, and resilience in stressful situations and presents the highest potential for significant impact on a dog’s quality of life helping dogs cope with various anxiety triggers.
Anti-Inflammatory Potential: Reducing chronic inflammation is crucial for alleviating pain, improving mobility, and potentially slowing the progression of age-related conditions in dogs.
Cognitive Support: Maintaining cognitive function is essential for older dogs. BHB can promote brain health and reduce agerelated cognitive decline.
Weight Management Aid: Canine weight management is critical in maintaining health in so many ways. BHB could be a powerful supplementary tool.
TARGET AUDIENCES
Owners of anxious dogs, senior dogs, and any owner seeking natural, holistic health and well-being support for their dog.
In 2013 Gary Millet and Rob Rogers were introduced to the concept of being able to exogenously harness the energy of Beta Hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the most powerful energy molecule the body produces when it enters a catabolic state of ketosis through glucose deprivation.
After studying BHB they concluded that exogenous BHB could be externally ingested in an anabolic fed state, despite normal glucose levels, and utilized by the body for numerous benefits. We believed exogenous BHB could play a major, long-term role in human nutrition in aiding certain morbidities to an ever-growing sicker human population. This technology discovery spawned the birth of Axcess Global Sciences (AGS).
The decision to invest in exogenous BHB technology launched our efforts towards building a strong IP Platform that would allow us control over the use of exogeneous BHB electrolytes and acids worldwide. Our first step towards building our IP Platform came through the licensing of a patent called Weight Loss Medication and Method followed shortly after by licensing a patent from the University of South Florida called Compositions and Methods for Producing Elevated and Sustained Dietary Ketosis.
For AGS to accomplish their vision of a comprehensive IP Platform around BHB they assembled the necessary team and resources to create and patent our own IP technology. AGS now controls 33 granted domestic Composition Patents and 21 Composition Patents Pending in our US IP Platform with 7 Foreign Composition Patents and 87 PCT patent filings in key foreign markets.
In May 2021 AGS licensed its IP Platform to Ketone Labs to sell BHB to select companies for the production and sale of approved BHB and BHB related products. This relationship has been instrumental in pioneering a fast growth market of qualified companies who join us in our belief that BHB has significant, long term, sustainable growth potential in impacting worldwide health and wellness issues.
AGS and Ketone Labs now control the single licensing source of BHB ingredients within the supplement marketplace.
UTILIZING THE AGS IP PLATFORM
Ketone Labs is selective in their relationships for the use of the AGS IP Platform. These are the key technical aspects the IP Platform delivers:
Competitive Advantage of Using BHB in a Product. Adding BHB to a product offering creates a significant competitive advantage and creates new opportunities in select market spaces.
Market Protection. The strength and depth of our IP deters and prevents competitors from entering the market with “me too” products.
Real Efficacy. The science around BHB is strong. It does what the science says it does and we have studies to prove it.
Continued Innovation. AGS will continue to innovate and deepen its IP Platform and provide its partners access to that innovation.
Technical Help. AGS can help with formulations, creative product ideas, and unique delivery systems for BHB.
Market Awareness. Ketone Labs can help provide vital information that can be used to advance the awareness of the benefits of BHB to human health and performance.
COMPETITIVE FUNCTIONAL ADVANTAGES OF USING BHB IN A PRODUCT
BHB is a high cellular energy molecule. BHB is the body’s preferred fuel, producing 2.5 times more energy than glucose. A true fatigue fighter. BHB can be utilized by the body even in a “glucose fed” state.
BHB is immediately up taken by the brain. BHB can stimulate brain energy metabolism, increase brain speed, improve mental clarity and sharpness and improve memory. It can also increase cognitive performance and shows promising results in delaying related onset brain aging diseases.
BHB is protective. Ketosis protects against hypoglycemia and muscle loss during dieting, thus no “low-carb flu,” when entering a low carb state. This reduces tiredness, hunger and irritability on any diet.
BHB is effective in reducing normal anxiety and stress. ï BHB is effective in promoting better sleep.
BHB is highly effective in weight loss. It suppresses appetite and carb cravings. Helps reduce “weight loss plateauing” because the brain is well-fed and the body maintains its normal metabolism rather than down regulating its energy level because it thinks it is starving during any caloric restricted diet.
BHB supplementation allows people to enjoy the benefits of ketones without the harsh dietary restrictions to produce ketones endogenously. It leverages any diet plan.
BHB is the only macro-nutritional ingredient that can be consumed during a fasting period that will not break a fast.
BHB salts has been shown to be very effective in supporting hydration.
BHB helps to lower insulin and glucose levels, which aids in and reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes while improving insulin sensitivity.
BHB helps to improve human endurance and stamina, with no insulin/glucose crashes.
BHB enhances mental and motor performance, helping to improve human performance such as athletics, and bodybuilding/body shaping.
BHB produces fewer free radicals (Reactive Oxygen Species). This is extremely important in curbing and preventing aging, workouts, and improving cellular health.
BHB reduces inflammation by interrupting inflammation pathways.
BHB has special affinity for the heart and kidneys. There are numerous studies showing heart health and kidney function improvement.
BHB has now been shown to have strong anti-viral effects and immunity boosting qualities.
BHB has proven to be a very ineffective growth fuel for cancer cells. A great deal of research is currently being performed on ketones and cancer.
REAL EFFICACY
There are now dozens of new research studies being performed on BHB, ketones, ketogenic diets and exogeneous ketones. We believe the best studies are the ones you do yourself. We have conducted two significant human clinical study trials on BHB and numerous animal studies. Both Human Study 1 and Human Study 2 resulted in regulatory attorney approved Structure, Function Claims covering the following:
Weight Loss
Fat Loss
Improvement in Lean to Fat Ratios
Reduction of Hip Circumference
Lowering of Normal Insulin Levels
Lowering of Normal Cholesterol Levels
Increased Brain Speed
Reduction in Normal Anxiety and Stress
TECHNICAL HELP
Our deep understanding of BHB in all its forms (acids, electrolytes, acid/electrolytes), how it performs, how it tastes, how it reacts to other substances, etc. provides us the ability to quickly innovate perfect applications and create new delivery methods for BHB. We have developed and formulated these classes of BHB products.
BHB Powders
BHB Powders with MCT
BHB Capsules
Keto Gummies
Keto Shots
Keto Collagen
Keto Protein
Keto Bars
Keto Chips
Keto Popcorn
Keto RTDs
BHB MARKET AWARENESS AND GROWTH
BHB is in its infancy in terms of both its potential and the understanding of its TRUE health and wellness value by consumers. The nature of BHB and its efficacy provides sustainability and continuous opportunity to utilize BHB in different formulations and in different delivery systems. The more consumers experience the benefits of BHB, the greater the demand will be for BHB.
The World’s Most Powerful Science Backed Ingredient.
goBHB® is the Gold Standard of cellular energy. It is a very high quality, patent-protected ketone body, commonly known as Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). goBHB® is a breakthrough energy ingredient from Ketone Labs. Our BHB is bio-identical to the BHB produced endogenously when a person enters a low-carb state in which the body releases fat and the liver converts those fats into ketones, as an alternative, high energy source for the brain, heart, and muscles. BHB is the body’s preferred fuel.
To that note, BHB is used by the fetal brain for energy as they freely cross the placenta and are also incorporated into cerebral lipids and proteins, suggesting that BHB is an essential building block for the developing brain.
BHB also plays an important role in a newborn’s metabolism. For one, BHB is important for a baby’s brain development. Studies have shown that the newborn brain is much better at using ketone bodies as fuel compared to an adult brain (3). Ketones are also a precursor for important metabolites which supports brain development, including cholesterol and certain amino acids. During the most important time of your life, when your brain, heart and all your other major organs are developing, BHB aids in this development.
UNDERSTANDING THE MOLECULE BHB
BHB is Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, one of three molecules classically defined by physiologists as ketone bodies. Ketone bodies, such as B-hydroxybutyrate (BHB or B-OHB), acetone and acetoacetate (AcAc), are produced in the liver and serve as alternative energy sources for the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle cells. In the body (endogenous) they are produced by the liver during glucose deprivation (i.e. intermittent and regular fasting, starvation), or when consuming fat during a low-carbohydrate diet (Yudkoff et al., 2007; Branco et al., 2016). During prolonged fasting, glycogen stores (a source of glucose) are used first as energy and when those stores are exhausted, the level of total blood ketone bodies can increase up to 5-8 mM (Owen et al., 1969). At ketone levels of 0.5 mmol/L, it is clinically defined as a state of nutritional ketosis, which also prevents muscle loss (Veech, 2004; Paoli et al., 2015b), and may boost mitochondrial and neuronal metabolism for a myriad of physical and cognitive benefits (Achanta et al., 2017).
Biochemically, BHB is a water-soluble fat-derived energy metabolite. BHB is powerful. It rapidly crosses the blood brain barrier, accumulates in brain tissue and provides energy for the central nervous system (CNS) (Plecko et al., 2002; Yudkoff et al., 2007; Newman and Verdin, 2014; Achanta and Rae, 2017) with far more energy per gram than glucose. Preserving brain energy metabolism serves a very important evolutionary function with regard to the enormous energy demand of the human brain. Ketones help sustain that demand during glucose energy restriction, as well (Veech et al., 2001; Veech, 2004; Cahill, 2006).
During dietary glucose energy restriction from carbohydrate and protein restriction (ketogenic diet; KD), prolonged fasting, or heavy endurance, the human metabolism automatically shifts from burning glucose to burning fatty acids and ketones. In the brain exclusively, ketones become the predominate, preferred fuel for the massive energy requirements of the entire CNS (Cahill, 2006).
The ketone bodies—BHB and AcAc—are synthetized by liver cells’ mitochondria from fatty acids, which lead to ketosis when blood ketone levels rise above 0.5 mmol/L (Figure 1.; fatty acid metabolism in liver). These ketone bodies then reach the brain via blood vessels by transporter molecules. Similar to heart and skeletal muscle cells, ketone bodies can metabolize directly to aceyl CoA and provide energy for brain cells, as well as through the Krebs (ATP) cycle (Yudkoff et al., 2007; Newman and Verdin, 2014; Branco et al., 2016; Egan and D’Agostino, 2016; Achanta and Rae, 2017). While ketone metabolism may appear new, it is interesting to note that BHB is evolutionary molecule – designed to provide high energy when glucose was restricted. For example, many bacteria can synthetize BHB polymers to store energy (Cahill, 2006). Moreover, blood levels of BHB, and how BHB is metabolized and used, are all dependent on age, brain area and species. This suggests a different and diversified physiological role of BHB in the body of several species (Hawkins and Biebuyck, 1979; Achanta and Rae, 2017).
Figure 1. Synthesis and utilization of ketone bodies (from Branco et al., 2016; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ eci.12591/full).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BHB?
BHB is an alternative energy source to glucose and it is the body’s preferred energy source: Despite the fact that the human brain (weighing approximately 1.5 kg) represents 2-3% of body weight, it consumes 20% of the body’s total energy output. BHB represents an alternative form of energy that most of the body’s cells, including the brain, can use in many ways (Yudkoff et al., 2007; Pinckaers et al., 2017) (Figure 2.).
Here are the facts. The brain is shown to burn ketones preferentially over glucose in two ways: (1) In the developing brain, ketones preserve glucose for the pentose phosphate pathway, which results in ribose for DNA synthesis and NADPH for lipid biosynthesis and (2) under conditions of long-term starvation and KD, metabolism shifts from burning glucose to fatty acids and ketones as fuel. Under different conditions from above, glucose is the predominate fuel for the brain (Nehlig, 2004; Cahill, 2006).
The brain is like a hybrid engine, able to switch from ketones to glucose and vice versa. These observations show that the brain has a remarkable ability for adaptation and metabolic flexibility.
“The Fourth macronutrient”: BHB provides macronutritional mitochondrial energy (as a “high-octane” fuel). It can also provide unique signaling and health benefits that are completely independent of its role as an energy metabolite (Hashim and VanItallie, 2014; Newman and Verdin, 2014; Cox et al., 2016; Dyer, 2016; Egan and D’Agostino, 2016). This makes BHB one of the most versatile molecules in the human body
Reducing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in lowering oxidative stress and inflammation: ROS causes cell damage, especially at the mitochondrial level. BHB when metabolized creates 46X LESS ROS compared to the metabolism of glucose. This magnitude of reduction in oxidative stress and inflammatory processes helps reduce cellular damage, and may improve the symptoms of different diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1)-deficiency syndrome, anxiety, autism, depression, cancer, and epilepsy not only in model animals of different human diseases but also in patients (Masino et al., 2009; Stafstrom and Rho, 2012; D’Agostino et al., 2013; Shimazu et al., 2013; Hashim and VanItallie, 2014; Poff et al., 2015; Youm et al., 2015; Ari et al., 2016; Branco et al., 2016; Chavan et al., 2016; Rogawski et al., 2016; Achanta and Rae, 2017; Bostock et al., 2017; Cheng et al., 2017; Rho, 2017; Simeone et al., 2017; Tefera et al., 2017).
Figure 2. Effect of ketone bodies on exercise metabolism. (from Pinckaers et al., 2017; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC5309297/).
Improvement of cognitive functions: BHB improved cognitive functioning (e.g., working memory and executive function) in both memory-impaired patients and in healthy nondemented subjects (Reger et al., 2004; Krikorian et al., 2012; Ota et al., 2016).
Reduction of Normal Stress and Anxiety: BHB with MCT showed normal stress and anxiety were reduced by 39% (2019, Blind Comparison of Two Different Compositions of Exogenous Ketones and Their Impact on Anxiety, Weight, Lean Muscle Mass and Cognitive Function, Koche, Dituri, and Gracio)
Reduction in seizure activity: Approximately 50% reduction in seizure activity was demonstrated in 50-60% of children with drug-resistant childhood epilepsy after KD, which effect may be in relation, among others, to progressive elevation of serum ketone bodies/BHB (Ross et al., 1985; Groomes et al., 2011; Thammongkol et al., 2012; Kim et al., 2016).
Homeostatic role: BHB is one of the main components of homeostatic mechanisms, which allow us to survive prolonged starvation and other trying environmental factors. For example, BHB actively regulates its own synthesis and promotes effective use of fat tissue (as an energy store) under this circumstance (Taggart et al., 2005).
Longevity-enhancing effects: BHB could also have longevityenhancing effects (Newman and Verdin, 2014; Veech et al 2017). In C. elegans (roundworms), BHB was shown to increase lifespan through inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC) and reducing metabolic stress (Edwards et al, 2014).
Reduction of hunger and sugar craving and its effect on weight management: Nutritional ketosis/BHB plays a role in regulating food intake and body weight (Atkins, 2002; Paoli, 2014; Paoli et al., 2015a). Different hypotheses suggest the indirect and direct mechanisms by which KD/nutritional ketosis/ ketone bodies induce and evoke weight loss: (i) Losing energy by excretion of ketone bodies, (ii) gluconeogenesis (which converts protein to glucose and provides a major portion of the glucose needed for fuel during the initial period of KD) is an energy-demanding process leading to a “waste of calories”, (iii) higher satiety effect of proteins, which evoke reductions in appetite,(iv) increased lipolysis and decreased lipogenesis and (v) a possible direct suppressive effect of ketone bodies (e.g., BHB) on appetite/ hunger (Kekwick and Pawan, 1957; Atkins, 2002; Cahill, 2006; Feinman and Fine, 2007; Johnstone et al., 2008; Westerterp- Plantenga et al., 2009; Sumithran et al., 2013). In the Kekwick and Pawan study in 1957, the researchers showed that you can consume the same number of calories in fat, protein and carbs, but you expend the most energy (calories) when consuming fat. In other words, a calorie is not a calorie. Also, the ketogenic diet/nutritional ketosis is characterized by increased circulating free fatty acid levels, which may reduce food intake and glucose production through specific neurons from parts of the brain implicated in regulation of satiety and hunger (Paoli et al., 2015a). Thus, among others, beneficial effects of increased levels of both free fatty acids and BHB on body weight suggests that KD/ketosis may be a good way to manage weight. (ISSN 2001 KETAD Trial: Effects of exogenous ketones as an adjunct to low calorie diet on metabolic biomarkers, fat loss and health,Lopez, Raub,, et. al)
Insulin sensitivity: BHB enhances insulin sensitivity (Will et al., 1997; Veech, 2004; Park et al., 2011).
Improvement of reaction time and exercise performance: BHB may improve them both due to its use as an alternative substrate for ATP (Cox et al., 2016; Egan and D’Agostino, 2016). Additionally, BHB spares glycogen and Leucine (Nair et al, 1988). Brain reaction time was shown to increase by 9.9% (2019, Blind Comparison of Two Different Compositions of Exogenous Ketones and Their Impact on Anxiety, Weight, Lean Muscle Mass and Cognitive Function, Koche, Dituri, and Gracio).
Intermittent fasting: Consumption of BHB may preserve and maintain brain energy metabolism during periods of limited glucose availability without breaking a fast or interrupting autophagy.
Alleviation of the keto or low carb “flu” symptoms: Keto, low carb “flu” (or ketogenic/ ketosis flu, low-carb flu, induction flu, Atkins flu) is a withdraw symptom from glucose dependency experienced during carbohydrate restriction, which occurs during intermittent fasting, converting to a low carb or ketogenic diet. It’s really the side effect of when the body is adapting to burning ketones rather than glucose for its primary fuel. BHB decreases the symptoms of keto “flu” (e.g., fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, and difficulty focusing or brain fog), consumption of more fat, or BHB, may be recommended (Stanton, 2011).
WHY USE EXOGENOUS KETONES (BHB)?
Most people cannot withstand the rigors of maintaining a ketogenic or very low carb diet. It’s just too hard. And certainly, the mainstream population isn’t going to do it. This means their pathway to obtain the main benefits of ketones will be lost. The intermittent faster may also struggle to maintain that lifestyle even though its less rigorous, but nevertheless even intermittent fasting is limited to the number of ketones the body actually produces during an intermittent fast.
What needs to be understood is that the purpose of fasting, ketogenic diets, low carb diets, or calorie restriction diets is to put the body into a position of making more ketones than it already does and using those ketones to its benefit. Exogenous ketones for the first time provide access to ketones anytime you want or need them without having to follow a very restrictive diet. These exogenous ketones will always be used by the body in preference to glucose uptake. This is the power of exogenous ketones, the benefits without the hassles.
We now know through lots of science that BHB has the unique property of enhancing bioenergetic effects (much like creatine, but more versatile), thus consuming BHB as a supplement is the way to quickly enhance our overall metabolic health and even performance. (Abraham, 2015; Cox et al., 2016; Egan and D’Agostino, 2016; Pinckaers et al., 2017). For example, the use of BHB may be especially beneficial for populations of people that have insulin resistance or carbohydrate intolerance. Evidence suggests that BHB can enhance insulin sensitivity and may improve glucose disposal (Will et al., 1997; Veech, 2004; Park et al., 2011). A large percentage of the population above middle age has either signs of insulin resistance or is considered pre-diabetic.
It seems that the most promising application of exogenous ketones as a supplement is using this source of BHB daily as a source of energy to further augment anyone’s own diet or to enhance your intermittent fast (Veech, 2004; Paoli et al., 2013). Ketones are shown to be utilized regardless of glucose levels such as when someone might be on a Zone diet. (ISSN 2001 KETAD Trial: Effects of exogenous ketones as an adjunct to low calorie diet on metabolic biomarkers, fat loss and health, Lopez, Raub,, et. al).
When it comes to using BHB as a supplement together with intermittent fasting or a low carb diet, this may present several additional compelling benefits. For example, when one starts a KD, one’s brain essentially goes through a form of “glucose withdrawal” that can negatively impact physical and cognitive performance. This usually occurs over several days, or as long as two to four weeks, and causes lethargy, headaches and an overall decrease in mental well-being. But after several weeks the body adapts entirely to using fat and ketones (keto-adaptation) more efficiently for energy. Anecdotally, many users report that BHB makes this transition to a keto or low- carbohydrate diet more seamless by circumventing the need for extreme dietary restriction to elevate BHB levels.
This happens by providing an alternative form of energy that can help to restore and preserve normal brain energy metabolism in the face of carbohydrate restriction as described above. If following a KD, the use of BHB helps to bridge the gap into ketosis by supplying ketones to the brain and supplying a nongluconeogenic energy precursor that has less insulin potentiating effect than glucose or protein. Oral intake of BHB will not prevent endogenous ketone production from nutritional ketosis.
The other key application of exogenous ketones is their consumption during a period of time-restricted eating called intermittent fasting (IF). IF has been shown to have a broad range of health benefits, cognitively, physically and especially for metabolic health in resetting insulin resistance. It may have therapeutic effects alone or as an adjunct to increase the efficacy of the treatment of different diseases such as cancer, anxiety, neurological diseases and cognitive impairment (Park et al., 2011; Arnason et al., 2017; Hu et al., 2017; O’Flanagan et al., 2017; Singh et al., 2017). Anecdotally, the consumption of small amounts of ketone supplements during a period of intermittent fasting, can provide a person with greater sustained energy without impairing endogenous ketogenesis. Many of the aforementioned benefits are largely a function of preserving and maintaining brain energy metabolism during periods of limited glucose availability and mild hypoglycemia.
One of the main benefits of elevated BHB is that hunger cravings are controlled (satiety) as long as brain energy metabolism is not interrupted by fluctuations in glucose and insulin. Nutritional ketosis plays a vital role in stabilizing and regulating food intake control (Atkins, 2002; Paoli et al., 2015a). Regarding insulin, it has been shown that ingesting sodium-BHB did not change insulin secretion and was well tolerated without adverse effects in human studies (Plecko et al., 2002; Van Hove et al., 2003). More advanced formulas using BHB mineral electrolytes (i.e. in combination with MCTs) and new/more effective methods of their application are being developed to enhance and sustain ketone absorption and utilization and to evolve therapeutic procedures. For example, it has been demonstrated that not only intragastric gavage of BHB electrolytes, but also administration of its 4.2% solution (in drinking water) increased ketonemia/BHB level in rats, which may decrease fat mass and suggests that ketone supplements can increase the effectiveness of the treatment of obesity (Pawan and Semple, 1983; Caminhotto et al., 2017).
When it comes to performance, especially during periods of extreme exertion or extreme environment (e.g., military troops, emergency personnel, etc.), the use of BHB supplementation evoked mild ketosis. This may be leveraged to provide resilience in the face of limited glucose or oxygen levels without elevation of free fatty acids (Veech, 2004). It may also be noted the application of BHB as an exogenous fuel may be perceived as beneficial to exercise enthusiasts, high-performance athletes (e.g., elite athletes, and cyclists) and even to corporate executives functioning under high levels of stress due to limited sleep, limited food consumption and nonstop travel associated with their business activities. BHB in the form of BHB electrolytes may also add a critical hydration component by being able to deliver “free electrolytes” in the form of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium as the freely dissociate from the BHB acid upon ingestion and provide the body an instant supply of needed electrolytes. We call these PURE electrolytes. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that BHB may have distinct benefits for athletes looking to improve their reaction time and performance (Abraham, 2015; Paoli et al., 2015b; Cox et al., 2016; Egan and D’Agostino, 2016). Moreover, exogenous ketone supplements/ BHB as a food supplement may increase endurance performance of warfighters similar to high-performance athletes, providing an alternative substrate for oxidative phosphorylation (ATP), greater muscle fat oxidation and a sparing of muscle glycogen (Cox et al., 2016; Egan and D’Agostino, 2016). Elevating blood ketones may also enhance cardiac function (Puchalska and Crawford, 2017). For example, ketone bodies increased both the hydraulic efficiency of the heart by 28% and synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (Kashiwaya et al., 1994).
The most promising application of BHB appears to be as a neurocognitive enhancement strategy and perhaps even a nootropic agent for improving cognitive function and reaction time, which has a broad range of implications for age- related cognitive decline (Newport et al., 2015; Ota et al., 2016; Mamelak, 2017). It has been demonstrated that BHB preserves the rat hippocampus (Izumi et al., 1998), a brain structure, which has a role for example in memory and cognition (it is interesting to note that the hippocampus is one of the first structures of the brain, which suffer damage in dementia generating among others shortterm memory loss). In human studies, BHB infusion and ketogenic meals- evoked increase in BHB levels improved cognitive functioning (e.g., working memory and executive function) not only in memory- impaired patients but also in healthy non-demented subjects (Reger et al., 2004; Krikorian et al., 2012; Ota et al., 2016). BHB increased the cerebral blood flow in healthy people (Hasselbalch et al., 1996), which may evoke ameliorating effect on cognitive functions. Moreover, ketone bodies may protect from cognitive impairment and moodiness evoked by obesity and weight gain (Yancy et al., 2009; Davidson et al., 2013).
WHY BHB ELECTROLYTES?
It doesn’t do anyone any good to produce a product no one will consume. Ever tasted a BHB ester? 1,3, butanediol (which is not a ketone body, but a pre-cursor alcohol that sometimes is used to create BHB)? They taste awful! BHB is attached to minerals (electrolytes) to create stability and consumability so they can be used in powder form, which is the most convenient form. A BHB electrolyte is created through an ionic bond with a mineral because BHB is not stable on its own in powder form. The BHB “electrolyte” (calcium, sodium, magnesium or potassium) makes the molecule way more palatable, and it’s also a very convenient way to deliver critical electrolytes that may otherwise be depleted under conditions of low-carbohydrate dieting or performance. Specifically, the consumption of BHB in a mineral electrolyte form buffers the ketone molecule to reduce the mild acidity that’s associated with the free acid form while supplying free-form electrolytes to aid in a low-carb diet or high performance activity.
It is important to consume BHB with balanced minerals in order to help absorption and maintain the proper electrolyte balance while being able to increase BHB levels. (Paoli et al., 2015b; Kesl et al., 2016; Caminhotto et al., 2017) (Figure 3.). Combining BHB with mineral electrolytes also allows BHB consumption in effective concentrations without leading to gastrointestinal (GI) distress It is interesting to note that ketone electrolytes may be effective in different intravenous and dialysis fluid therapies such as application of sodium- BHB in resuscitation fluids in combat casualties (Veech, 2004).
Figure 3. Effects of ketone supplementation on blood BHB level (from Kesl et al., 2016; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC4743170/).
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO BALANCE THE MINERALS?
One way to balance BHB mineral electrolytes is to have sodium as the predominant mineral, since that can facilitate absorption of many molecules in the gut through co-transporter activation. Potassium, magnesium and calcium would represent at least 50% of the mineral content of the ketone electrolytes in a balanced ratio. This is one general guideline for formulation of a ketone electrolyte that is palatable and tolerable (Plecko et al., 2002; Van Hove et al., 2003; Azzam and Azar, 2013; Kesl et al., 2016).
BHB electrolytes contain BHB and sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+) and/or magnesium (Mg2+) ions. As ketone bodies have diuretic effects and cause a loss of certain amounts of electrolytes BHB “electrolyte” content helps compensate for the loss without serious side effects if keeping to normal dosing (Veech, 2004). It should be noted that the sodium in sodium BHB is not sodium chloride (aka, table salt), the type of sodium people normally attribute to a rise in blood pressure. Ours is PURE sodium.
WHY BHB FREE ACID?
The best way to create a BHB RTD is using our BHB free acid which is a 50% solution. There are no solubility issues, no acidity issues, no flavoring issues or production issues. Dosing levels can be anything you want based off what you are trying to achieve.
APPROPRIATE DOSING FOR VARIOUS OUTCOMES (WEIGHT MGMT. (SATIETY), COGNITION, PERFORMANCE…)
The best dosing strategy for BHB electrolytes is to start at a relatively low dose – about 6 g per serving. Gradually increase the dose every three days in order to achieve the desired energy performance and GI tolerability. However, to achieve therapeutic levels of ketone bodies (1-5 mM) in the blood of a 70 kg man, it can range from 5.6g to 63 g/day of BHB salts (Veech, 2004), depending on the goal of the user and/or type of disease state. In dietary supplements, the typical therapeutic dose is in the 10g to 12g range. In some applications BHB can be combined with 2 to 3g of MCT for higher and more sustained levels of blood ketones. After ingesting a BHB supplement, increased levels of blood ketones may decrease to the normal physiological levels within several hours (Figure 3.). Thus, to achieve and maintain desired therapeutic levels of BHB, it’s wise to time your ketogenic/ BHB supplement to achieve your goal (e.g., before a meal, during intermittent fasting, prior to exercise, before difficult cognitive tasks, for long-lasting energy and other goals unique to you).
ARE THERE PATENTS ASSOCIATED WITH BHB?
Yes, Axcess Global Sciences currently holds the greatest number of BHB electrolyte and acid patents concerning BHB, the combination of BHB and MCT, and numerous other combinations of BHB and other ingredients. Ketone Labs is the official distributor of the patented BHB trademark goBHB™.
DOES TAKING EXOGENOUS KETONES ACTUALLY PUT SOMEONE INTO KETOSIS?
Yes, taking exogenous ketone supplements will elevate normal blood plasma BHB levels into a range that is clinically accepted as being in a state of ketosis (>0.5 mM) (Achanta and Rae, 2017).
CAN I BENEFIT FROM EXOGENOUS KETONES IF I’M NOT EATING KETOGENICALLY?
Yes, someone not eating a KD or carbohydrate-restricted diet can benefit from consumption of BHB electrolytes due to the fact that this will allow an elevation of BHB in the blood, which we know is linked to many health benefits described above; some of which have been documented in humans (Pinckaers et al., 2017). More research is needed to move the preclinical animal studies into human clinical studies to validate the use of BHB supplementation.
SHOULD THOSE IN NUTRITIONAL KETOSIS TAKE EXOGENOUS KETONES?
Yes. The use of exogenous ketones for performance applications has been exclusively in the realm of special operations forces and elite level endurance athletes that have described significant benefits for specific applications (Egan and D’Agostino, 2016; D’Agostion et. al., 2013; Abraham, 2015; Pinckaers et al., 2017). Similar to creatine supplementation, we will elucidate what types of exercise and what types of sports will benefit most from ketone supplementation as the science progresses (Cox et al., 2016). It will be important for the end-user to experiment with the dosing of ketones according to their own performance regimen since other factors, – including body size, type of exercise, duration, existing nutrition strategy and other supplements – will influence the performance-enhancing benefits of BHB supplementation (Pinckaers et al., 2017). Those already in a state of nutritional ketosis can also benefit from BHB supplementation by allowing the user to optimize blood levels of ketones that they have found correlate with optimal mental and cognitive performance.
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The World’s Most Powerful Science Backed Ingredient.
SERIES 2 – BHB, THE FOURTH MACRONUTRIENT:
Unveiling the Power of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in ATP Production
In the realm of nutrition and metabolism, the commonly recognized macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. However, emerging research highlights the significance of exogenous Beta- Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as an already refined and potent “4th macronutrient.” Unlike its more familiar counterparts, BHB offers a unique and efficient pathway for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production (the body’s energy currency), positioning BHB as a superior source of cellular energy with remarkable advantages over glucose.
This paper aims to elucidate the pivotal role of ATP in the body, the mechanisms of its production, and the exceptional efficacy of BHB in generating ATP with minimal oxidative stress.
The Energy Currency of Life: Understanding ATP
ATP, often referred to as the body’s energy currency of the cell, is indispensable for virtually all biological processes. It powers muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, chemical synthesis, and active transport across cell membranes. Structurally, ATP consists of an adenine base, a ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups. The energy is stored in the high-energy phosphate bonds, and when ATP is hydrolyzed into adenosine
diphosphate (ADP) an inorganic phosphate (Pi) releases the energy required for all cellular activities.ATP is primarily created in the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, through a process called “oxidative phosphorylation” during cellular respiration. Additionally, ATP can be produced in the cytoplasm through glycolysis, albeit much less efficiently. The generation of ATP is analogous to electricity production from power plants that provides the electricity that powers our homes, cars, and tools. ATP fuels the biochemical machinery of life in our bodies.
Mechanism of ATP Production from Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB)
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body. It can be produced endogenously by the liver during periods of low carbohydrate intake, fasting, or ketogenic diets. BHB can also be administered exogenously now through goBHB. BHB serves as an alternative energy source to glucose, especially for the brain and muscles. Now it can be obtained through exogenous supplementation in a glucose fed state. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how BHB is converted into ATP:
Transport into Cells: — BHB is transported from the bloodstream into cells via monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs).
Conversion to Acetoacetate: — Inside the cell, BHB is converted back to acetoacetate by the enzyme beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. This reaction takes place in the mitochondria and involves the reduction of NAD+ to NADH.
Activation to Acetoacetyl-CoA: — Acetoacetate is then activated to acetoacetyl-CoA by the enzyme succinyl-CoA:3-oxoacid CoA transferase (also known as SCOT or OXCT1). This step bypasses the need for ATP, which is a significant advantage over glycolysis.)
Cleavage to Acetyl-CoA: — Acetoacetyl-CoA is cleaved into two molecules of acetylCoA by the enzyme thiolase. This acetyl-CoA can then enter the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle).
Krebs Cycle and Oxidative Phosphorylation: — Krebs Cycle: The acetyl-CoA enters the Krebs cycle, where it undergoes a series of reactions to produce NADH and FADH2. — Electron Transport Chain (ETC): NADH and FADH2 donate electrons to the ETC in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The flow of electrons through the ETC drives the pumping of protons across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient.
ATP Synthase: — The proton gradient powers ATP synthase, an enzyme that synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi).
BHB: A Superior Source of ATP
BHB, is referred to as the body’s preferred fuel. It provides an alternative energy source to glucose and has very efficient pathway for ATP production. BHB, can then be utilized by various tissues, especially the brain and muscles, as a direct energy source. Here is why BHB is a superior source for producing ATP:
Enhanced ATP Yield: BHB metabolism produces more ATP per molecule compared to glucose. BHB enters the mitochondria and is converted into acetyl-CoA, which then enters the Krebs cycle. The subsequent oxidative phosphorylation of BHBderived substrates yields more ATP molecules with fewer steps compared to glucose metabolism.
Reduced Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Production: One of the remarkable benefits of BHB metabolism is its lower production of ROS compared to glucose metabolism. ROS are byproducts of cellular respiration that can cause oxidative damage to cells and tissues, contributing to aging and various diseases. BHB’s cleaner ATP production process minimizes oxidative stress, promoting better cellular health.
Gold Standard of Cellular Energy: Due to its efficient ATP production and reduced oxidative stress, BHB can be considered the gold standard of cellular energy. Its role in sustaining energy levels during metabolic states where glucose is scarce underscores its importance as a macronutrient.
Advantages of BHB in ATP Production
Higher ATP Yield: — The conversion of BHB to ATP is more efficient than glycolysis and glucose metabolism, as BHB produces more reducing equivalents (NADH and FADH2) that feed into the ETC, resulting in a higher ATP yield.
Reduced Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Production: — BHB metabolism produces fewer reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to glucose metabolism. ROS are highly active and harmful byproducts that can damage cells and tissues. Lower ROS production means less oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Alternative Energy Source: — BHB provides a crucial energy source during periods of low carbohydrate availability, ensuring that critical organs like the brain continue to receive a steady supply of energy.
Summary and Conclusion
The production of ATP from BHB involves a pathway that not only yields a higher amount of ATP, but also produces less oxidative stress compared to glucose metabolism, highlighting the efficiency and advantages of BHB as an energy source.
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) stands out as a formidable 4th macronutrient, offering a superior pathway for ATP production compared to traditional glucose metabolism. Its efficient conversion to ATP with minimal ROS generation positions BHB as an exceptional source of cellular energy, potentially redefining our understanding of macronutrients. As research continues to unveil the benefits of BHB, its role in nutrition and metabolism may become increasingly prominent, offering new avenues for optimizing human health and performance.
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SERIES 1 – THE FACTS ABOUT 1,3 BUTANEDIOL
Beta Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is considered the gold standard of clean cellular energy.
BHB is more efficient than glucose at producing energy. It can be converted into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s main energy currency, more quickly and easily than glucose.
BHB does not require insulin to carry it into the cell.
BHB is preferred by the brain, heart, kidney, and almost every other cell in the body over glucose.
BHB produces far less damaging free radicals (ROS) and increases levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that helps to promote the growth and repair of cells.
The utilization of BHB in promoting superior performance and health is well documented.
What is 1,3 Butanediol? Chemically 1,3 butanediol IS AN ALCOHOL that can be converted through the liver into BHB. It ISN’T a ketone body like BHB. 1.3 butanediol is what you call a “ketone precursor,” a substance capable of converting into BHB in the liver to increase BHB levels in the blood. However, the ability of 1,3 butanediol to convert into BHB does not necessarily mean that supplementing with 1,3-butanediol will result in the desired increased levels of BHB in the blood or the side effects that come from the conversion.
The Process the Liver Goes Through to Convert 1,3-butanediol into BHB: Converting 1,3-butanediol into BHB must be done in the liver. Converting 1,3-butanediol to BHB is a complex enzymatic process that is subject to a variety of factors, including the individual’s metabolic state and the presence of other nutrients in the body necessary to fully metabolize the 1,3-butanediol. It cannot be directly absorbed into the blood like BHB. The conversion is done through a metabolic pathway known as the 1,3-butanediol pathway. In this pathway, because 1,3-butanediol is an alcohol, it must first be converted to beta-hydroxybutyraldehyde (BHBA) by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). BHBA must then be oxidized to form BHB by the enzyme beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (BDH).
The Energy Cost of Conversion: Converting 1,3 butanediol into BHB takes time and ATP energy. In a most recent study by NNB Labs entitled “The Impact of Different BHB Substates and Precursors on Liver ATP,” 1,3 butanediol consumed 89.1 mg/ min of ATP to convert 12.5g of 1,3 -butanediol into BHB. This is in contrast to BHB acid which provides 13.6 mg/min of ATP to the liver in transporting it into the blood within a 2 hour period of time. This equated to a comparative loss of 755% in ATP liver energy using 1,3, butanediol as a BHB source versus BHB acid in supplying BHB into the blood with similar dosages.
The Risks of 1,3, butanediol: While 1,3-butanediol is recognized as safe for consumption and even marketed as a vodka substitute (such as in products like Ketohol), its classification as an alcohol raises potential concerns. Similar to other alcohols, it necessitates processing by the liver, which could impact liver function over time. Additionally, from a performance perspective, 1,3-butanediol may pose challenges due to its impact on ATP energy levels, potentially impairing physical and cognitive function compared to non- alcoholic BHB sources.
Here are some of the key concerns of 1,3 Butanediol:
Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can impair athletic performance, as it can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and decreased endurance.
Impaired coordination: Alcohol can impair coordination, reaction time, and balance. This can be dangerous for athletes who require precision and coordination.
Reduced muscle growth and recovery: Alcohol consumption can reduce protein synthesis, which is the process by which muscles grow and repair. This can lead to slower recovery times after exercise and reduced muscle growth over time.
Decreased endurance: Alcohol consumption can decrease endurance and performance during aerobic exercise, such as running or cycling.
Reduced mental focus: Alcohol consumption can impair cognitive function and reduce mental focus, making it more difficult for athletes to concentrate and perform at their best.
The Side Effects of 1,3 butanediol: The literature also identifies 1,3-butandiol can cause a range of adverse health effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of coordination. Additionally, long term consumption of 1,3-Butanediol has been linked to the development of liver and kidney damage, as well as respiratory problems such as asthma.
Here are a few studies highlighting the risks of using 1,3 butanediol:
In a recent study presented at the 4th International Keto Live® Conference in Switzerland, conducted by Csilla Ari, Dominic D’Agostino, and Zsolt Kovacs, called “Review of exogenous ketone supplements with enantiomer and concentration dependent effects,” showed the liver damage after administration of 1, 3, butanediol and ketone esters after 100 days in tissue histology. This is in contrast to administration of ketone salts (which contain BHB acid + electrolytes), and noted these are the most suitable exogenous ketones for chronic administration.
A study published in the journal “Clinical Toxicology” in 2006 found that 1,3-butanediol can cause kidney damage in rats. The study found that rats that were given high doses of 1,3-butanediol for 12 weeks had significant damage to their kidneys. This damage was similar to the damage that is seen in people who have kidney disease.
A study published in the journal “Neurotoxicology and Teratology” in 2008 found that 1,3-butanediol can cause neurotoxicity in rats. The study found that rats that were given high doses of 1,3-butanediol for 12 weeks had significant damage to their brains and spinal cords. This damage led to neurological problems, such as seizures, coma, and death.
The Taste is Horrible: Beyond 1,3 butanediol’s reduced effectiveness and inherent risks compared to BHB acid, 1,3-butanediol has an incredibly unpleasant taste. It is often described as having a very chemical or medicinal after taste, while BHB acid is often described as having a more natural or slightly sweet fruity taste. And from a price perspective, 1,3 butanediol is more expensive per gram than BHB acid in either a liquid or electrolyte acid powder form.
The Choice is Clear: 1,3 butanediol is a “want to be BHB,” and is no match for the authentic, gold standard of clean cellular energy of BHB.
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Enhanced focus, reaction time, and cognitive function all result from taking BHB. Gamers Edge is formulated to support a. gamers’ demanding needs and habits when locked in digital competition, pushing the boundaries of strategy, focus and reflexes. Every click, every keystroke is a quest for the ultimate win, that is why gamers need Gamer’s Edge. Gamers represent a massive and engaged market eager for innovative solutions to elevate their experience. There are now over 3 billion gamers.
PRODUCT DESIGN:
Mental clarity and reaction time are crucial. This product combines the high mental sustained ATP energy of BHB with a unique set of other brain and eye enhancement micronutrients and electrolytes to fill the demands for optimal gaming performance without the distortion, crashes and fatigue from stimulants. Since gamers often maintain unconventional schedules, the formula must also promote better sleep quality and recovery.
TARGET AUDIENCES:
Competitive Gamers: eSport competitors seeking any edge to improve reaction times, focus, and endurance during intense matches and tournaments.
Serious Amateurs: Highly engaged players who want to perform their best in online competitions and ranked play.
Dedicated Streamers: Need consistent energy for long streaming sessions and to maintain a high level of interaction and entertainment.
Marathon Gamers: Prone to extended, all-night sessions; need to combat fatigue and maintain performance.
Completionists: Driven to finish games at 100%, often putting in long hours for achievement hunting.
Busy Professionals: Limited gaming time; want to maximize performance and enjoyment in short sessions.
Health-Conscious Gamers: Interested in alternatives to sugary energy drinks, seeking a more balanced and sustainable energy source.
POTENTIAL MESSAGING:
Gain the Edge: Enhance your reaction time, mental clarity, and overall performance with our unique blend of BHB ketones, cognitive boosters, and eye-health support.
Limitless Gaming: Designed for gamers who push their boundaries. Achieve sustained energy, razor-sharp focus, and optimize your mind and body for maximum gaming performance.
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INTRODUCTION
The Flow State, characterized by intense focus, effortless action, and intrinsic enjoyment, has been linked to brain energy metabolism. New evidence implicates a strong connection between brain energy metabolism and the ability to achieve this desirable state. We believe the L-enantiomer (L-BHB) is capable of inducing and maintaining Flow States.
UNDERSTANDING FLOW: A NEUROBIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
Flow is associated with specific brain network configurations reflecting:
Reduced self-referential processing: Diminished activity in brain areas associated with introspection frees up cognitive resources for the task at hand.
Suppression of negative thought patterns: Dampened erratic energy patterns in regions linked to anxiety and worry promote mental clarity.
Activation of reward centers: Enhanced activity in neurotransmitters activating dopamine and norepinephrine, known to be involved in motivation, reward-related structures, reinforces positive feelings and focus.
UNLOCKING THE FLOW STATE
The Flow Model provides a framework for at least understanding the elusive state of flow, that is characterized by intense focus, effortless action, and intrinsic enjoyment. This model emphasizes a delicate balance between the perceived challenge of a task and an individual’s skill level in accomplishing that task. When those are in alignment the task appears easy to do and is often accomplished quickly with perceived ease and accuracy.
“When the challenge matches the skills to meet the challenge, where a state of super competence is reached without boredom, with an absence of real fear of failure, the “flow state” is attained.”
HERE ARE WHAT WE HAVE DETERMINED TO BE THE FLOW STATE CONDITIONS:
1.Skill vs. Challenge:
The Core of Flow: Flow arises from the delicate balance between perceived skill and the perceived challenge of a task. A person needs to feel capable, but not to the point of boredom. The challenge must stretch their abilities without causing overwhelming anxiety or doubt of capability.
High Skill, High Challenge: The optimal “flow zone” resides with a high level of both perceived skill and challenge. Tasks in this zone are motivating and lead to very high feelings of accomplishment.
Other Zones: – Boredom: Occurs with high skill but low challenge. Tasks feel monotonous and unfulfilling. – Anxiety: Arises when perceived challenge exceeds skill. People may feel overwhelmed, leading to worry and reduced performance. – Apathy: Results when both skill and challenge are low, leading to disinterest and lack of motivation.
2. Action and Awareness Merging:
Immersion: In a flow state, one becomes fully engrossed in the task. The boundaries between the self and the activity seem to dissolve, creating a sense of effortlessness and a loss of time perception.
3. Clear Goals:
Well-Defined Purpose: Flow experiences often occur in activities with well-defined goals that provide direction and focus.
4. Immediate Feedback:
Informative Response: Flow thrives on rapid feedback helping adjust course and evaluating progress towards the goal. This immediate feedback helps maintain focus and engagement, thus keeping one “in the flow.”
5. Sense of Control:
Feeling in Charge: Individuals in flow feel a sense of control over the situation despite the task’s difficulty. They believe they can influence outcomes through their actions.
6. Distorted Perception of Time:
Time Flies: Time perception shifts in flow states. Hours might feel like minutes as immersion deepens.
7. Autotelic Experience:
Intrinsically Rewarding: Flow is its own reward. The activity itself is pleasurable and motivating, regardless of external goals or recognition. The state becomes intrinsically desirable in and of itself, pushing people to want that feeling all the time.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE FLOW STATE:
Individual Variability: While these factors generally promote flow, individual responses can vary. Some people may find it easier to enter flow states during specific activities or under certain conditions than others. This variability can be due to differences in personality, skill sets, and preferences.
Dynamic Nature: Flow is not a constant state; it naturally fluctuates. It’s unrealistic to expect to maintain a flow state indefinitely. Recognizing the ebb and flow of this experience can help manage expectations and avoid frustration when it dissipates.
Reproducibility Challenge: The most significant challenge with flow is its inherent unpredictability. Even when attempting to recreate the same conditions that previously induced flow, it may not always occur. This is a common frustration, highlighting the need for tools and techniques that can help individuals reliably access and sustain flow states.
THE ROLE OF BETA-HYDROXYBUTYRATE (BHB) AS IT RELATES TO FLOW
BHB, a ketone body endogenously produced during fasting or lowcarb diets, can also be supplemented exogenously, even when glucose is present. The brain can efficiently utilize BHB as an alternative energy source to glucose and often preferentially over glucose.
HERE’S WHY BHB MIGHT BE THE KEY TO FLOW:
Enhanced Energy Stability: Compared to glucose, BHB provides a steadier, more sustainable energy supply for the brain. This is due to its efficient metabolism, which generates fewer harmful byproducts (reactive oxygen species) that can disrupt neural activity. BHB also supports mitochondrial function, boosting cellular energy production and minimizing distracting energy fluctuations.
Neurotransmitter Modulation: BHB influences neurotransmitters crucial for focus, relaxation, and cognitive function. It may enhance the production of GABA, the brain’s primary calming neurotransmitter, promoting a state of mental tranquility conducive to flow. Additionally, BHB could optimize glutamate signaling, facilitating the smooth, interconnected thought processes necessary for optimal performance.
Neuroplasticity and Neuroprotection: BHB may support neuronal health, adaptability, and resilience. It could promote the growth and strengthening of connections between neurons (synapses), enabling the fluidity of brain networks that characterize flow experiences. Furthermore, its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties might protect brain cells from stress and damage, preserving the focused state required for flow.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF L-BHB IN INDUCING FLOW
D-BHB, is the enantiomeric form of BHB endogenously produced by the body through ketogenesis when glucose levels are low. D-BHB is the most widely studied and most often referred to as the BHB energy molecule. Although L-BHB can also serve as an enhanced ATP energy source, the emerging research suggests that the less-studied L-BHB potentially holds greater potential for flow induction.
HERE’S WHY:
Astrocyte Preference: Astrocytes, star-shaped glial cells crucial for brain function, exhibit a preference for utilizing BHB as an energy source. This is particularly true of the L-BHB.
Neurotransmitter Modulation: The metabolism of L-BHB by astrocytes can influence the production and release of neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate. Their regulation is crucial for maintaining the focused, relaxed mental state associated with flow.
Steady Energy for Neurons: Constant, reliable feeding of astrocytes by L-BHB could promote a stable energy supply for surrounding neurons. This minimizes the disruptive energy fluctuations commonly seen with glucose metabolism, which can derail flow.
Homeostatic Brain Energy Environment: By optimizing astrocyte function and energy delivery to neurons, L-BHB might promote a highly homeostatic brain energy environment. This steady state could be ideal for the activation and maintenance of brain networks necessary for flow experiences.
THIS ALL LEADS TO:
Potential Superiority for Flow Induction: Preliminary evidence indicates L-BHB may possess unique properties affecting brain energy dynamics and signaling pathways highly relevant to inducing and sustaining flow states.
Brain Affinity of L-BHB: The effects of L-BHB on cognition and mental states, particularly the sectors of the flow model, could be the key to unlocking the reproducibility of inducing the flow state and the type of energy needed to maintain the flow state.
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS ON L-BHB AND FLOW EXPERIENCES
While rigorous scientific investigation is on-going, preliminary observations linking L-BHB administration to the induction of flow states has strong preliminary evidence.
Study Description: In informal, self-reported studies, we administered 10g-15g doses of L-BHB to over 25 individuals. Participants were asked to characterize their experiences following L-BHB ingestion.
Reported Effects: All individuals reported subjective experiences consistent with flow states. Common descriptions included: – Enhanced ability to multitask and manage multiple cognitive processes simultaneously. – Increased perceptual clarity and heightened senses. – Simplified perception of tasks, making activities feel more effortless. – A sense of mental euphoria while engaged in activities. – Complete lack of fear, stress and anxiety when they resumed their activities, believing there was nothing stopping them from being successful.
Implications These preliminary observations, while not clinical in nature, require further scientific investigation to provide validation that L-BHB administered to promote mental conditions conducive to entering a flow state are noted as obvious and repeatable. Further research is being conducted to elevate the knowledge of these effects and determine the exact mechanisms involved for reproducing the flow state through administering L-BHB.
GAMERS AND THE PROPENSITY FOR FLOW – USING L-BHB TO ENHANCE GAME FLOW
Gamers may be particularly prone to experiencing flow states due to the inherent nature of well-designed games. Here’s why:
Skill-Challenge Alignment: Many games offer a carefully calibrated progression of difficulty, constantly matching challenges to the player’s developing skills.
Clear Goals and Feedback: Games provide well-defined objectives and immediate feedback systems, informing players of their progress and guiding their actions.
Immersive Environments: Games create captivating worlds and narratives that promote focused attention and a sense of merging with the activity.
Sense of Control: Well-designed games give players a sense of agency, allowing them to influence outcomes and to feel empowered within the virtual environment.
THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF L-BHB FOR FLOW INDUCTION WERE PARTICULARLY PRONOUNCED FOR GAMERS. OUR PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS SUGGEST:
Easier Flow Access: Gamers who ingested L-BHB reported entering the flow state within the game much more readily.
Enhanced Game Performance: Participants described feeling a heightened sense of control, reduced fear of failure, and an increased ability to take calculated risks, leading to improved gaming performance.
Hypothesized Mechanisms: The brain energy stability, neurotransmitter modulation, and neuroplasticity effects of L-BHB could all contribute to enhanced focus, reaction times, and the mental state conducive to flow within the gaming context.
CONCLUSION: L-BHB AND A NEW ERA IN REPEATABLE FLOW STATE INDUCTION
Imagine a world where students learn effortlessly, artists and creators experience boundless artistic expression, and athletes shatter performance barriers. L-BHB might be the catalyst for this new era transformation.
The evidence presented, while preliminary, illuminates a compelling potential for L-BHB to rewire the brain for flow. L-BHB’s macronutrient ATP energy producing capacity to optimize energy stability, power and regulate neurotransmitters could be the key to unlocking brain network configurations necessary for inducing and sustaining flow providing a state of sustained focus, effortless immersion, and rewarding experiences.
The preliminary findings among both diverse individuals and in particular gamers, signal an exciting possibility that L-BHB could be an accessible daily tool for cultivating flow states across various activities. Its potential benefits extend far beyond the gaming realm, promising applications for boosting productivity, enhancing creativity, and promoting overall well-being.
Our continued quest to understand and harness the power of flow represents a new frontier in neuroscience. As we unravel the complexities of how L-BHB interacts with the brain, developing optimal usage protocols for L-BHB in inducing flow, we may also discover fundamental insights into human consciousness and the boundless potential of the mind.
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Obesity and type 2 diabetes have reached epidemic proportions, posing a significant health burden globally. As the prevalence continues to rise, there is a pressing need for effective strategies to manage these conditions. One promising approach involves the use of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a naturally occurring molecule produced by the body during periods of low glucose availability. This paper aims to explore the potential benefits of BHB in weight loss and the management of type 2 diabetes.
HERE ARE THE FACTS:
Obesity and overweightness have grown at alarming rates globally over the past few decades. The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided some key statistics:
Global Overweight and Obesity: In 2021, more than 2 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Of these, over 1 billion were obese.
Increase Over Time: The prevalence of obesity nearly tripled between 1975 and 2021.
Childhood Obesity: In 2021 39 million children were overweight or obese. Once considered a high-income country problem, overweight and obesity are now on the rise in low and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings.
Adolescent Overweight and Obesity: In 2021, over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight or obese.
Consequences: Obesity is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
A study published in The Lancet in 2016 analyzed data from nearly 4 million individuals worldwide, finding that for those overweight, every 5 units of BMI above 25 kg/m² was associated with about a 30% higher overall mortality rate.
AS TO TYPE 2 DIABETES:
Global Prevalence: According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in 2019, approximately 463 million adults (20-79 years) were living with diabetes; by 2045 this number is expected to rise to 700 million. The majority of these cases are of type 2 diabetes.
Growth in Prevalence: The global prevalence of diabetes has nearly doubled since 1980, rising from 4.7% to 8.5% in the adult population, largely due to increases in type 2 diabetes.
Geographical Differences: In 2019, the Western Pacific had the highest number of people with diabetes (approximately 163 million), followed by the Southeast Asia region (approximately 88 million). However, the prevalence rate was highest in the Middle East and North Africa, where more than 12% of the adult population had diabetes.
Age Differences: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes increases with age, with the most significant number of people with diabetes being between the ages of 40 and 59.
Impact: Diabetes was the ninth leading cause of death in 2019, causing an estimated 4.2 million deaths globally. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing several serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and certain types of cancer.
WHY IS LOSING WEIGHT SO CRITICAL TO ONE’S HEALTH?
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: High body fat, particularly when it’s concentrated around the abdomen, is associated with an increased risk of various chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and liver disease.
Improved Metabolic Health: Excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Losing fat can improve insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic function, which can help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Better Cardiovascular Health: High body fat, especially visceral fat around the organs, is linked to increased blood pressure and higher levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, both of which can contribute to heart disease. Reducing fat mass can improve these indicators of cardiovascular health.
Improved Mobility and Physical Function: Excess weight can put strain on the body, leading to joint pain and reduced mobility. Losing fat can alleviate these issues and improve overall physical function and quality of life.
Enhanced Mental Health: Body weight can impact mental health as well. Studies have linked obesity to a higher risk of depression and lower self-esteem. Weight loss, when done in a healthy manner, can potentially improve mental wellbeing.
Better Sleep: Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can contribute to sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Losing fat can lead to better sleep quality and reduce the risk of these disorders.
IN PARTICULAR, WHY IS LOSING WEIGHT SO IMPORTANT TO THOSE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES?
Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Excess body weight, particularly fat stored around the abdomen, can lead to insulin resistance. Losing weight can improve insulin sensitivity, enabling the body to use insulin more effectively to lower blood sugar levels.
Better Blood Sugar Control: Weight loss can help regulate blood sugar levels, making it easier for people with type 2 diabetes to manage their condition. Improved blood sugar control can reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems.
Reduced Need for Medications: When blood sugar levels are better controlled through weight loss and lifestyle changes, people with type 2 diabetes may require fewer medications or lower doses of their current medications, under the guidance of their healthcare provider.
There is no doubt that weight loss improves general health and especially for those suffering from type 2 diabetes.
THE MECHANICS OF ACHIEVING WEIGHT LOSS
Weight loss doesn’t happen unless you are successful at creating a calorie deficit. But creating a calorie deficit puts strain on the body to find fuel to keep it running outside of the fuel you consume. There are two choices, use fat mass for fuel or use muscle mass for fuel, both will cause weight loss, but only diets that preserve muscle and burn fat will be successful in the long term and reduce the effects of recidivism, the regaining of weight after the conclusion of a calorie restricted diet.
Science has proven a ketogenic or low carb diet outperforms a high carbohydrate diet in loosing fat mass versus muscle mass. This is because when the body does not have glucose to burn, nor the ability to convert muscle into glucose via a process called gluconeogenesis, it enters a state of ketosis when the body mobilizes its fat stores to provide triglycerides to the liver that converts the triglycerides into a high energy molecule called a ketone that can then fuel the body. It’s during this type of calorie restriction that the body loses fat, not muscle.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF A CALORIE RESTRICTIVE DIET TO LOSE WEIGHT?
Hunger and Cravings: Cutting back on calories often means eating less than you’re used to, which can lead to feelings of physical hunger and cravings for high-calorie foods, making it difficult to stick to the diet.
Lack of Satiety: Not all calories are created equal in terms of satiety. Diets that are low in protein and fiber, but high in refined carbohydrates, can leave you feeling unsatisfied, even if you’re consuming an adequate number of calories.
Social and Cultural Factors: Social gatherings, holidays, and cultural norms often revolve around food, which can make it challenging to stick to a calorie-restricted diet. There can be pressure to eat in social situations, or you might not have control over the food that’s available.
Sustainability: Long-term adherence to a calorie-restricted diet can be challenging. It requires consistent effort, planning, and willpower, and it’s not always compatible with a busy lifestyle. Many people find it hard to maintain this kind of diet over the long term.
Psychological Factors: Emotions, stress, and habits can all impact our eating behaviors. Emotional eating, for example, is a common struggle for many people on calorie-restricted diets. Moreover, old habits can be hard to break, and new ones can be hard to form.
These challenges are both physiological and psychological and both challenges must be met to make any weight loss diet successful.
USING goBHB FOR LOSING FAT AND SPARING MUSCLE IN CALORIE RESTRICTIVE DIETS
One proven strategy is the supplementation of BetaHydroxybutyrate (BHB), a ketone body naturally produced during periods of low carbohydrate and calorie intake that essentially help the body mimic ketosis, the fat burning state, regardless of the calories restrictive diet selected.
BHB supplements are exogenous sources of the ketone body BHB. They can mimic the physiological state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. While naturally occurring during fasting or a ketogenic diet, BHB supplements can significantly elevate ketone body levels in the body regardless of dietary intake, potentially offering unique metabolic and psychological advantages.
BHB supplementation aids fat loss by promoting a metabolic shift from glucose to fat utilization, enhancing fat breakdown. It attacks the physiological diet challenges through appetite suppression by influencing hunger-related hormones, significant increase in energy levels, especially in the brain, spares muscle and lowers glucose and insulin levels.
Studies show a correlation between elevated BHB levels from supplements and weight loss in:
Promoting Fat Metabolism: BHB supplements can provide the body with an external source of ketones, potentially signaling the body to continue using fat as its primary fuel source, even in the presence of dietary carbohydrates. One study in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology showed that daily intake of BHB caused the average waist circumference to decrease of 9cm amongst healthy adults over a 9 week period and this was achieved without dietary restriction or exercise intervention.
Suppressing Lipogenesis: There is some evidence that BHB may in fact suppress the creation of new fat cells (a process known as lipogenesis), further promoting a state of fat burning in the body. One such study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health showed that a state of ketosis suppressed lipogenesis and increased weight loss amongst obese human patients.
Suppressing Ghrelin and Lowering Appetite A study published in Obesity found that a cohort of healthy adults experienced decreased hunger, desire to eat and increased fullness after injesting exogenous ketones.
Psychologically BHB supplementation has been shown to improve mood and relieve normal stress and anxiety. These psychological benefits help people make better food choices, reduce emotional and social eating issues, and maintain their discipline in sustaining their diet.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS OF goBHB ON WEIGHT LOSS AND TYPE 2 DIABETES SUPPORT
Here is the bottom line of why BHB Supplementation is so powerful in promoting weight loss and supporting Type 2 diabetes on any diet:
Appetite Suppression: Some research suggests that BHB can help suppress appetite, potentially helping individuals maintain a calorie deficit, which is necessary for weight loss. This appetite suppression is due to BHB’s superior effect on hunger hormones, such as ghrelin.
Metabolic Shift: BHB is a ketone body, and taking BHB supplements can mimic the state of ketosis, where the body uses fat, rather than glucose, for fuel. This metabolic shift can help promote fat loss, especially when combined with a low carbohydrate diet.
Energy Levels: BHB provides a superior energy source for the brain and muscles. This can be especially beneficial during the early stages of any calorie restricted diet in preventing fatigue and support physical activity levels, thus maintaining high metabolic rates.
Muscle Preservation: During normal calorie restricted weight loss, the body can lose muscle as well as fat, sometimes more muscle than fat. BHB supplementation helps preserve muscle mass during calorie restrictive weight loss, due to its protein sparing effects.
Blood Sugar Control: BHB can help control blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which can be beneficial for weight management and overall metabolic health.
Mood Enhancement: There is scientific evidence showing that BHB reduces normal stress and anxiety and promotes better mood. This psychological boost during a calorie restrictive diet goes a long way in helping to maintain the attitude and discipline to sustain the diet and reject behaviors that sabotage results.
CONCLUSION
By inducing a state of ketosis, even without a strictly low carb or ketogenic diet, BHB can help the body utilize stored fat for energy, promoting fat loss over muscle loss. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals on a calorie-restrictive diet, aiding in the preservation of lean muscle mass while promoting fat reduction. Moreover, the potential of BHB to reduce feelings of hunger and cravings can help individuals adhere to their calorie-restrictive diets more effectively, addressing one of the significant challenges of such diet protocols.
Beyond weight loss, BHB’s role in improving cognitive function, reducing inflammation, and potentially improving insulin sensitivity may offer additional health benefits, contributing to an overall improvement in metabolic health.
In conclusion, the use of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) supplementation can serve as the perfect strategy to capture the benefits of a calorie-restrictive diet. Its potential to stimulate the body’s natural fat-burning processes, curb hunger pangs, and offer a high-powered energy source can enhance the weight loss journey, by reducing fat, sparing muscle, and improving mood. goBHB makes any calorie restrictive diet more efficient and sustainable.
REFERENCES
“Daily intake of D-B-Hydroxybutyrate Acid (D-BHB) Reduces Body Fat in Japanese Adult Participant: A Randomized, Double-Blnid, PlaceboControlled Study.” Kastsuya et al. The Journal of Nutrional Science and Vitaminology 2023
“Ketogenic Diet for Obesity: Friend or Foe?” 2013 https://www.mdpi. com/1660-4601/11/2/2092
“A Ketone Ester Drink Lowers Human Ghrelin and Appetite” Stubbs et al. Obesity Journal 2017 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29105987
“Impact of ketosis on appetite regulation—a review” Deemer et al. Nutrition Research Journal 2020 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ article/abs/pii/S0271531719309376?via%3Dihub
“Ketogenic diets and Ketone suplementation: A strategy for therapeutic intervention”. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2022 Sarris et al. https://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9705794/
“Metabolism of Exogenous D-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, an Energy Substrate Avidly Consumed by the Heart and Kidney” https://www.frontiersin.org/ articles/10.3389/fnut.2020.00013/full, Frontiers in Nutrition 2020
“Effect of beta-hydroxybutyrate on whole-body leucine kinetics and fractional mixed skeletal muscle protein synthesis in humans.” Nair et al. The Journal of Clinical Investigation 1988 https://www.jci.org/articles/ view/113570/pdf
Effects of Exogenous Ketone Supplementation on Blood Glucose: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Advanced Nutrition Journal. 2022 Falkenhain et al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35380602/
“Ketogenic Diet and Inflammation: Implications for Mood and Anxiety Disorders” Karkafi et al. Neuroinflammation, Gut-Brain Axis and Immunity in Neuropsychiatric Disorders 2023
The World’s Most Powerful Science Backed Ingredient.
Shattering the Performance Plateau
Today, there isn’t an integrated approach to performance workout nutrition. Almost all performance products focus on isolated moments of a workout, leaving you with energy spikes and crashes, incomplete recovery, and a constant struggle to reach your full potential.
The truth is your body needs a continuous flow of optimized fuel and nutrients to power through each stage of your workout – and beyond
The Dual Fuel Performance Stack is a revolutionary 3-phase system that works in harmony with your body’s natural workout rhythms, delivering the precise combination of energy (BHB + Glucose) and other key ingredients your muscles and mind crave pre, during and post workout.
Dual Fuel. It’s time to experience a new level of performance, where your body and brain are in perfect sync, pushing your limits further than you ever thought possible.
Energy Synergy: Glucose provides rapid fast twitch energy while BHB offers sustained fuel and extreme cognitive benefits to keep you pushing hard.
Enhanced Performance: Improved endurance and clarity providing power output of exactly what and when you need it.
Optimized Recovery: Getting you ready for the next day through faster muscle repair, reduced soreness, and improved sleep quality.
The Dual Fuel Performance Stack isn’t just another group of supplements – it’s a complete reimagining of how to fuel your workouts. It’s a 3-phase system leveraging BHB (BetaHydroxybutyrate) and glucose, for the first time ever, to maximize performance and recovery throughout your training:
Anyone seeking sustained energy and peak performance
A New Paradigm in Workout Performance
The Dual Fuel Performance Stack isn’t just another set of supplements; it’s a paradigm shift in how you fuel your workouts and unleash your full potential. By seamlessly integrating BHB and Glucose with other key nutrients, this revolutionary 3-phase system empowers you to ignite your energy, sustain your power, and accelerate your recovery like never before.
This provides the experience of unparalleled focus, endurance, and strength as you shatter plateaus and redefine your limits. The Dual Fuel Performance Stack is the future of performance in unlocking a level of physical and mental dominance never thought possible.
The World’s Most Powerful Science Backed Ingredient.
Normal stress and anxiety are common experiences that can have negative effects on physical and mental health. Understanding the size of the problem, the populations most affected, the causes, and ways to reduce stress and anxiety is important for reducing potential debilitation from stress and anxiety.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), stress levels in the United States have been steadily increasing in recent years. In the APA’s 2021 Stress in America survey, 84% of adults reported experiencing at least one emotion associated with prolonged stress in the past two weeks, such as anxiety, sadness, or anger. Additionally, 54% of adults reported that their stress levels had increased in the past year.
Stress and anxiety can affect people of all ages, races, and ethnicities. However, some populations may be more affected than others. Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety disorders, while men are more likely to experience stressrelated disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some racial and ethnic groups may be more likely to experience anxiety disorders, although the reasons for this are complex and not fully understood. Certain professions, such as those that involve high levels of stress or trauma, may also be more affected by stress and anxiety.
Normal stress and anxiety can be defined as our natural responses to challenging or threatening situations and can help us to cope with difficult circumstances. Stress and anxiety are considered normal when they are proportional to the situation that is causing them, and they do not significantly interfere with daily activities or overall quality of life.
But there are stressors or triggers that distort what might be considered proportional to a situation and in these cases normal stress and anxiety becomes excessive and can have negative effects on physical and mental health and lessen one’s ability to act towards stress and anxiety appropriately.
There are many triggers that can lead to disproportionate stress and anxiety, and they can vary greatly depending on the individual. However, some common triggers include:
Social factors: Social factors, such as discrimination or social isolation, may contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.
Physical health conditions: Certain physical health conditions, such as chronic pain or heart disease, may increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders.
Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and sleep, can also play a role in the development of stress and anxiety.
Trauma: Traumatic events such as abuse, violence, or accidents can have a lasting impact on mental health and may lead to the development of anxiety disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Situational stress: Situational stress can result from ongoing challenges in personal or professional life, such as financial difficulties, relationship problems, or a demanding job. If left unaddressed, it can turn into chronic stress and can lead to anxiety disorders.
Genetics: Anxiety disorders may run in families, and there may be a genetic component to their development. Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders.
Substance use: Substance use, including alcohol and drugs, can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.
HOW DOES goBHB HELP REDUCE NORMAL STRESS AND ANXIETY?
BHB reduces inflammation: Chronic inflammation can contribute to stress and anxiety. BHB has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to reduce inflammation and the associated stress and anxiety.
One possible mechanism by which BHB works to reduce inflammation is through the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a protein complex that plays a key role in the inflammatory response, and its activation can lead to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In a study done at Yale University, BHB has been shown to inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which can help to reduce inflammation and the associated stress and anxiety.
Additionally, BHB has been shown to have antioxidant effects, which can help to reduce oxidative stress (ROS) and inflammation. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of ROS and the body’s antioxidant defenses. ROS can damage cells and contribute to the development of stress and anxiety. BHB has been shown to increase the production of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), which can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
BHB increases GABA levels: GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and reduce anxiety. BHB has been shown to increase GABA levels in the brain, which may help to reduce anxiety and promote feelings of calmness. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating anxiety and promoting feelings of calmness. Low levels of GABA have been linked to the development of anxiety disorders. BHB has been shown to increase GABA levels in the brain, which can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
One possible mechanism by which BHB works to increase GABA levels is through the inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs). HDACs are enzymes that play a key role in regulating gene expression, and they have been shown to decrease the expression of genes that encode GABAergic neurotransmitters. BHB has been shown to inhibit HDACs, which can increase the expression of GABAergic genes and lead to an increase in GABA levels in the brain.
Another possible mechanism by which BHB works to increase GABA levels is through the activation of G-protein coupled receptors. BHB has been shown to activate the G-protein coupled receptor GPR109A, which is expressed on the surface of certain cells in the brain. Activation of GPR109A can lead to an increase in the production of GABA and the release of GABA from neurons.
BHB improves brain function: BHB has been shown to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that is important for brain function and cognitive health. Improving brain function may help to reduce stress and anxiety by improving the body’s ability to cope with stressors. BHB is the body’s preferred energy source for the brain that can provide more ATP energy than glucose. By providing a higher level and purer source of energy, BHB has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory in animal studies. This may be due to its ability to increase energy supply to the brain and improve neuroprotection and antioxidant activity. BHB can help to improve overall brain function and performance. This allows the brain to more easily and quickly deal with issues and situations such that they do not become disproportionate to the issue or situation improving coping and solution alternatives.
BHB increases resilience to stress: BHB has been shown to increase the body’s ability to cope with stress by activating stress response pathways. This increased resilience to stress may help to reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. BHB has been shown to increase resilience and improve the body’s ability to cope with stress. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing stress and anxiety, as it can help to reduce the negative effects of stress on brain function and cognitive performance.
BHB improves sleep quality: Poor sleep quality can contribute to stress and anxiety. BHB has been shown to improve sleep quality by increasing levels of the hormone melatonin, which is important for regulating sleep-wake cycles. BHB has been shown to increase the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. By increasing melatonin production, BHB can help to promote a more regular sleep-wake cycle and improve sleep quality.
BHB is a high energy fuel source for the brain that can provide more energy than glucose, which is particularly beneficial during sleep. BHB has been shown to reduce sleep disturbances, allowing for deeper sleep, with reduced wakefulness and restlessness. This may be due to its ability to promote relaxation and improved energy metabolism.
STUDIES SHOWING HOW BHB CAN HELP REDUCE NORMAL STRESS AND ANXIETY
A study published in the Frontiers of Psychiatry journal investigated the effects of a bhb supplement, which raises BHB levels, on anxiety in adult individuals. The study found that the ketone drink significantly alleviated anxiety levels.
Another study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry investigated the effects of a ketogenic diet, which increases BHB levels, as a mood stabilizer for patients with anxiety disorders. The study found that the ketogenic diet significantly improved perceived mood and reduced anxiety amongst human patients.
A study published in the journal Molecular Neuroscience investigated the effects of BHB on anxiety-like behaviors in mice. The study found that BHB administration reduced anxiety-like behaviors in the mice.
Another study published in the Scientific Reports Journal investigated the effects of BHB on stress levels amongst rodents with PTSD. The study found that BHB improved reduced anciety related behaviour, an anti-depressant effect and lessened stress responses in the rodents.
Another study entitled “Blind Comparison of Two Different Compositions of Exogenous Ketones and Their Impact on Anxiety, Weight, Lean Muscle Mass and Cognitive Function” found a reduction of 39% in normal stress and anxiety in a group of 56 adults.
CONCLUSION
BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate) has several powerful benefits for reducing normal stress and anxiety. While the exact mechanisms by which BHB works to reduce stress and anxiety are not fully understood, there is significant evidence to suggest that it may involve several different mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory effects, increased GABA levels, and improved brain function.
Overall, the available study evidence suggests that BHB may be one of most significant supplements in addressing the issue of normal stress and anxiety. It may be particularly beneficial for individuals who are looking for natural and non-pharmacological way to manage stress and anxiety daily.
REFERENCES
“Therapeutic Potential of Exogenous Ketone Supplement Induced Ketosis in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: Review of Current Literature” Frontiers of Psychiatry 2019 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC6543248/
“Ketogenic Diet and Inflammation: Implications for Mood and Anxiety Disorders” Karkafi et al. Neuroinflammation, Gut-Brain Axis and Immunity in Neuropsychiatric Disorders 2023
“Exogenous Ketone Supplements Reduce Anxiety-Related Behavior in Sprague-Dawley and Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk Rats” Molecular Neuroscience Journal. Ari et al. https://www.frontiersin.org/ articles/10.3389/fnmol.2016.00137/full
“Beta-hydroxybutyrate, an endogenous NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, attenuates anxiety-related behavior in a rodent post-traumatic stress disorder model” Scientific Reports 2020 Ymanashi et al. https://www. nature.com/articles/s41598-020-78410-2
