What Fasting & Keto Does to The Brain | Key Nutrients to Stimulate Neurogenesis & BDNF – Ben Azadi: KKP 32

On this episode of The Keto Kamp podcast we discuss the relationship between fasting, keto, and brain function. You will be amazed when you discover how ketones and fasting super charge your brain top perform at a top level. This episode is sponsored by my favorite olive oil, the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club. Try them for $1.00 www.ketokampolive.com The 4 key foods to stimulate neurogenesis: 1) Blueberries. I have blueberries just about every single day, and I recommend it to my clients. Not only is it low in sugar compared to other fruits, it is also packed full of antioxidants. Blueberries act in so many ways to promote neurogenesis and protect the brain from cognitive decline. Numerous studies show adding blueberries to the daily diet of mice increases neurogenesis significantly. Casadesus, G., Shukitt-Hale, B., Stellwagen, H.M., et al. (Oct 2004). “Modulation of hippocampal plasticity and cognitive behavior by short-term blueberry supplementation in aged rats.” Nutritional Neuroscience. 7(5-6):309-16. Acosta, S., Jernberg, J., Sanberg, C.D., Sanberg, P.R., Small, B.J., Gemma, C., Bickford, P.C. (Oct 2010). Rejuvenation Res. 13 (5):581-8. doi 10.1089/rej.1011. Epub 29 Jun 2010. Joseph, J.A., Shukitt-Hale, B., Lau, F. C. “Fruit polyphenols and their effects on neuronal signaling and behavior in senescence.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Consuming about 1 cup per day is the equivalent human portion that animal studies have suggested. Here’s a bonus tip, buy wild organic frozen blueberries. New research from South Dakota State University [https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/1 722124810.htm] suggests that frozen blueberries deliver a bigger dose of disease-fighting antioxidants than fresh. These antioxidants come from compounds called anthocyanins, which give blueberries their purple hue. The ice crystals that form when the berries are frozen disrupt the structure of the plant tissue and make anthocyanins more available. The anthocyanin dye, which causes the dark blue color, crosses the blood-brain barrier to stimulate neurogenesis. [Page 61] Humans with cognitive decline showed improvements after consuming blueberries daily. Devore. E. E., Kang, J.H., Bretellen, M. M., Grodstein, F. A. (July 2012). “Dietary intakes of berries and flavonoids in relation to cognitive decline.” Neurology. 72(1):135-43. Doi: 10.1002/ana.23594. Epub 26 Apr 2012. Joseph, J.A., Shukitt-Hale, B., Willis, L. M. (Sep 2009). “Grape juice, berries, and walnuts affect brain aging and behavior.” Journal of Nutrition. 139(9):1813S-7S. Doi: 10.3945/jn.109.108266. Epub 29 Jul 2099. Review. Aside from increasing neurogenesis, blueberries allow better communication among neurons, something called signal transduction. [Page 62] Studies have shown that blueberry extracts are as effective as fresh blueberries.[page 62] In most animal studies it’s the extract that is used. This makes daily blueberry intake possible for those who don’t have access to fresh blueberries. Life Extension makes a great blueberry extract product. 2) Omega 3s. Another neurogenesis superstar is the complex of omega-3 fatty acids, found in abundance in cold water fish, including wild Alaskin salmon, coho and sockeye salmon, black cod, sablefish, sardines, and herrings. Omega-3s have been shown to dramatically increase neurogenesis and BDNF Levels. [Page 62] Neuroscience researcher Sandrine Thuret, Ph.D., of London’s Kings College, reported a 40% increase in neurogenesis by adding omega-3’s in Science Daily in 2007. Other studies have shown impressive results in neurogenesis, elevated BDNF levels, increased in brain size, and neuroprotective benefits from omega-3s. Conklin, S.M., Gianaros, P.J., Brown, S.M., et al. (29 June 2007). “Long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake is associated positively with corticolimbic gray matter volume in healthy adults.” Neuroscience Letters. 421(3):209-12 Beltz, B. S., Tlusty, M. F., Benton, J. L., Sandeman, D. C. (2007). “Omega-3 fatty acids up regulate adult neurogenesis.” Neurogenesis Letters. Zainuddin, M. S. A., & Thuret, S. (2012). “Nutrition, adult and hippocampal neurogenesis and mental health.” British Medical Bulletien. 103, 1, p.89-114. DOI:10.1093/bmb/Ids021. Our brains are made up of about 60% fat; this is where the term “fathead” came from. The next time someone calls you a fathead, say thank you. DHA, one of the most important of the omega-3s, constitutes about 30% of the brains cerebral cortex. Jockers. D. (2012). “Is your brain getting enough of this nutrient?” NaturalNews.com. (11/05/2012). When you consume high quality fats you are continuously rebuilding your brains’ cellular structure. Omega-3s are the highest quality fats for brain development. 3) Green Tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, the most powerful of which is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin. Green tea’s polyphenols have been shown to increase neurogenesis, BDNF levels, and to have strong health benefits ranging from can