Does the Brain Need Carbs? Debunking 4 Myths About a Ketogenic Diet

The body doesn't require dietary carbs: Keto diets usually include some carbs, the body can make glucose from fats and proteins, and the brain effectively uses ketones.

Bret Scher, MD, FAAC

Ketogenic therapy has emerged as a cutting-edge, effective treatment for various psychiatric conditions, including severe depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. It also has demonstrated efficacy in treating and reversing type 2 diabetes. Despite these benefits, some experts, such as the American Diabetes Association (ADA), argue that the brain and body require carbohydrates, thus advising against a ketogenic diet for achieving optimal health. However, this assertion is fundamentally incorrect. Let’s take a deeper look at four misconceptions about ketogenic diets.

A Keto Diet Can Include Some Carbohydrates

Not a No-Carb Diet: Keto diets can include high-fiber vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, and small amounts of strawberries and raspberries.
Carb Content: Keto can include 20-50 grams of carbs, depending on the individual.

The Brain and Glucose

Glucose Needs: The brain needs some glucose, similar to red blood cells.
Gluconeogenesis: The body can produce glucose from fats and proteins, even on a no-carb diet.
Ketone Adaptation: The brain can use 70% ketones and 30% glucose for energy, beneficial for insulin-resistant brains.

Whole Grains vs. Ketogenic Diets for Blood Sugar Control

Comparison with Whole Grains: While whole grains may be healthier than refined grains, ketogenic diets show better results for blood sugar control.
Quality of Studies: Studies promoting carbohydrates and whole grains often suffer from low-quality design, healthy user bias, confounding variables, and inaccurate data collection.

Assumptions and Adherence

Assumption of Carb Consumption: The belief that people will inevitably eat carbs shouldn't deter recommending ketogenic diets.
Adherence: Many people find it challenging but worthwhile due to significant health benefits from ketogenic therapy after years or decades of other less effective treatments.

If you found this information helpful, watch a full video covering this topic on our YouTube channel.

A Keto Diet Can Include Some Carbohydrates

Not a No-Carb Diet: Keto diets can include high-fiber vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, and small amounts of strawberries and raspberries.
Carb Content: Keto can include 20-50 grams of carbs, depending on the individual.

The Brain and Glucose

Glucose Needs: The brain needs some glucose, similar to red blood cells.
Gluconeogenesis: The body can produce glucose from fats and proteins, even on a no-carb diet.
Ketone Adaptation: The brain can use 70% ketones and 30% glucose for energy, beneficial for insulin-resistant brains.

Whole Grains vs. Ketogenic Diets for Blood Sugar Control

Comparison with Whole Grains: While whole grains may be healthier than refined grains, ketogenic diets show better results for blood sugar control.
Quality of Studies: Studies promoting carbohydrates and whole grains often suffer from low-quality design, healthy user bias, confounding variables, and inaccurate data collection.

Assumptions and Adherence

Assumption of Carb Consumption: The belief that people will inevitably eat carbs shouldn't deter recommending ketogenic diets.
Adherence: Many people find it challenging but worthwhile due to significant health benefits from ketogenic therapy after years or decades of other less effective treatments.

If you found this information helpful, watch a full video covering this topic on our YouTube channel.

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