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Date: | Thu, 21 Mar 2002 10:27:38 -0700 |
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>I wrote:
>Does anyone know of a proven link between demanding mental work
>and increased consumption of carbohydrates? Protein doesn't give me what I
>need, only carbs seem to help the mental load. I also remember reading
>somewhere that 60% of all energy consumption is in the brain, but I don't
>have a reference for it.
>
>----------------------------------
Then Mary quoted later on:
> Ketosis is caused by
>the metabolism of dietary fat when carbohydrate is unavailable or during
>starvation. Ketosis elevates blood levels of two ketone bodies
>(D-beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate) which provide the brain with a
>non-glucose substrate, thereby sparing muscle from metabolic destruction
>for glucose synthesis -- remember, except for ketones, the brain can only
>use glucose as a fuel.
This seems to confirm my hypothesis that the brain does indeed require a
substantial amount of glucose during periods of high work load (i.e., every
day, except weekends).
Can I ask if there is anybody here who has a mentally exhausting job, and
is able to stick to a strict lo-carb paleo diet (i.e., only one piece of
fruit and no complex carbs)?
Kat.
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