brain energy

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Our brain has huge energy needs. It weighs a mere 2% of our total body weight but utilises 20% of our energy.

Dysfunctional brain metabolism is known to occur in mental disorders and underlying mitochondrial dysfunction is a key component of this. 

If you can remember back to school biology you might recall that mitochondria are considered to be the energy powerhouses of our cells. When they are failing to function well the energy available for our cells to function will be in a deficit. This can affect many body systems but when it comes to the brain what are the potential outward symptoms? Brain fog? Poor concentration? Depressed mood? Anxiety? Psychosis? 

The answer is ALL OF THE ABOVE! 

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key mechanism that results in neuronal death and has been noted to occur in many neurodegenerative diseases. 

What is a powerful metabolic intervention that has been shown to improve the health and functioning of the mitochondria? The ketogenic diet. 

Other helpful strategies can include photobiomodulation and fasting.