goBHB reduces Normal Stress and Anxiety
Normal stress and anxiety are common experiences that can have very negative effects on physical and mental health.
There are many triggers that can lead to disproportionate stress and anxiety, and they can vary greatly depending on the individual. Some common triggers include:
- Social factors
- Physical health conditions
- Lifestyle Factors
- Trauma
- Situational stress
- Genetics
- Substance use
HOW DOES goBHB HELP REDUCE NORMAL STRESS AND ANXIETY?
- goBHB reduces inflammation
- goBHB increases GABA levels
- goBHB improves brain function
- goBHB increases resilience to stress
- goBHB improves sleep quality
Reducing Normal Stress and Anxiety Using goBHB
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 stress- related 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 post- traumatic 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 anxiety related behavior, 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