On Thu, 21 Mar 2002, Katrina wrote: > > 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). That's correct. Brain PET scans show the increased activity. > 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)? Anecdotal confirmation: The most mentally exhausting part of my job is grading exams and papers. It is at these times that my craving for carbohydrate is greatest. Todd Moody [log in to unmask]