The Keto Diet: Can It Supercharge Your Brain and Body?

Performance

The ketogenic diet's impact on athletic performance has been a subject of debate. Louise Burke, who works with elite athletes, conducted a study on race walkers to assess the diet's effects. Her findings were surprising: the ketogenic diet actually hindered performance, as athletes on keto were slower compared to those consuming carbohydrates. This was attributed to the higher oxygen demand when burning fat instead of carbs, which can be crucial in endurance sports 1. Burke noted, "It's only about a 5% difference, but a 5% difference is really important for an athlete who's working at their limits."

In elite sport, I imagine that 5% is, you know, could be the difference between gold and silver.

--- Louise Burke

Additionally, the diet's potential risks include menstrual health issues, as some individuals reported changes in their menstrual cycle while on keto 2.

   

Expert Views

Experts have mixed opinions on the ketogenic diet's effectiveness in sports and brain health. Dom D’Agostino, a neuroscientist, was initially skeptical about keto's ability to treat epilepsy but found compelling evidence supporting its benefits for seizure control. He was surprised to learn that the brain could use ketones as fuel, which might explain why some people experience fewer seizures on the diet 3. However, D’Agostino advises caution, noting that dietary changes can significantly impact bodily systems.

I guess I would just tell people to sort of like, be careful.

--- Dom D’Agostino

While some claim keto boosts brainpower, the evidence remains inconclusive, and experts urge individuals to be mindful of potential side effects 4.