Is keto a danger to creativity?

[hynox.rain]

Hi, i'm not too well informed on Keto but i'm reading up on it now and considering going on a CKD quite seriously, however I was wanting to know if it has any drawbacks in regards to brain function and things like creativity?
I'm not willing to sacrifice any form of brain function, even if it is just a couple of kooky ideas every now and then, for the sake of less body fat. This doesn't seem like it would be the case, but I just want to make sure.
Thanks in advance.

[grapemaster]

you could get a foggy effect the first couple days if you have never done it before, but soon as your body adapts and gets used to running on ketones you'll be good to go as far as i know.

[klootzak]

I feel less than 100% mentally when on keto unless I'm taking a stim (in which case I feel as though I'm functioning somewhere around 110% )

I've tested different approaches such as increasing fat, increasing calories etc but that less than 100% feeling still remains

a good example would be spontanious thought... when in keto, it's difficult for me to just flow. I feel cluttered and inhibited when trying to process thought. Particularly when speaking or writing things down. (I'm worried about this as well because I see numerous very bizarre spelling mistakes from the keto people on here)

I'm not sure if I'm getting the physical results I want on keto either to be quite honest. I think I'll give it 1 more month, and perhaps switch to something else if I don't like the results. My waist seems to be getting smaller, but my face appears to be getting fatter etc. 4 weeks in and there isn't really anything telling me that this diet is fantastic, working great, feeling great etc. My emotions have been fluctuating like crazy as well.

[CelticDeath]

For a few days after carb up, my mind is foggy and I forget things really easily. After that short period of a few days, my mind appears to actually be sharper. My work is more efficient, and I notice no lack of creative ability.

[DagmA]

I was told by my relative, who is a medical doctor, that the brain functions on sugar, what that means is that food must be converted to sugar to power up the brain. On keto this process is harder, so i think it would have a slight effect on brain power.

So the science backs up the idea that keto slightly effects brain power.

[Eileen]

I would argue with that. The official medical line is that brains NEED glucose to function, but now that so many studies are showing that brains do just fine using ketones (and epileptics do better) the line now is that they do better on glucose. I don't know of any research to back that up.

My own experience is that I have no mental problems on keto. I feel calmer and more organised. If I need an idea or an answer, my brain just seems to produce it for me without having to struggle for it.

It may be as simple as what you expect to happen, happens. If you think you'll go foggy on keto, you will, and if you think you'll be a genius, then watch out Mensa.

[johnnyironboard]

I've never seen anyone famous thank wonderbread for a wonderful idea.

[slyfox115]

I've never seen anyone famous thank wonderbread for a wonderful idea.

lol! Yeah exaclty. Many people react differently to ketones. The only way you will find out is by doing it. I have a job that requires me to be metally sharp all the time and I have had no problems. The main thing I like was that I had consisten energy throughout the day, vs/ the up and down evergy with carbs.

[chimponarope]

My programing at work is much better on keto IMO.

[rotlex]

Another vote here for the "I function better" while in ketosis group. I have never experienced the "brain fog" anyone speaks of when eating this way, and in general, can think more clearly, have far better concentration and a general better overall "feel". Personally, I think that if you THINK these things are going to happen to you when removing carbs from your diet, they will. Most have had it so drilled into there heads over the past 50 years that carbohydrates are necessary for this and that, that they will force themselves into believing it.

Oh, and as far as medical doctors thinking they know anything about nutrition....IMO, most don't, including my own, who still doesn't understand how I've gotten off blood pressure meds, completely fixed any cholesterol problems I've ever had, and am now, accoriding to him, "the picture of health". It blows his mind that I can eat eggs, bacon and sausage for breakfast, and not be falling over dead, LOL. (He is a good guy in general though).

[Tuxd]

The brain consumes alot of blood glucose and/or ketones. More than any single muscle in your body and it functions constantly and you are not aware of its patterns unlike other muscles.

For instance, if you just ran a mile, it makes sense if you couldn't run another one because you were sore or out of energy.

What might not make as much sense is if you suddenly start getting foggy in the middle of the day. You have to back track up and figure out what happened as far as energy goes. Ketones work fine to help the brain operate but fat gets oxidized at a very slow level. If you have been excercising extensively, calorie deficit, and concentrating or putting stress on yourself mentally, you will notice fogginess. Your brain isn't like a muscle, which can cramp and just plain give up on you. Your brain doesn't have that option so it will slow down a bit to start conserving. That's the fogginess. Simultaneously with slowing it will ask your system to up it's emergency flow of emergency glucose, glycogen/glucose NOT fat/ketones, in order to help it get a boost.

This is a problem though if you have naturally low glycogen/glucose levels from keto.

My best advice is to termporarily drink caffeine, which will jitter you up a bit - notice I didn't say energize you up, it's the same concept as feeding caffeine to a drunk - you just get a very awake drunk, and at the same time start feeding yourself. Short of simple carbs there is no way to feed your brain in time to not feel the effects of the fog but then you get a sugar crash, so you're going to feel something either way. Feeding will prevent the sluggishness you will feel after the fog after your body has diverted enough nutrients to your brain but your muscles will likely not be in a state to perform. It's a restless feeling. So caffeine to get you by and some feeding of the body for recovery.

So to wrap it up you will feel fog if you push your body to the brink and this is typical during your initial changeover to processing ketones. From then on just monitor your activities and if you get fog then it is your brain sending you the equivalent message of starvation. As you get more acclimated to a ketogenic diet your body will have a larger stockpile of ketones and you will, subconsciously, start adapting also.

Just treat keto fog the equivalent of hunger pang. The only difference is you can satisfy a hunger pang immediately, for keto fog you have it give it digestion and circulation time.

My foggiest days was going from carb -> keto and also from keto -> carb, this gets hazy though since you are also insulin spiking during this time. To give you an idea of what brings about fogginess so you can notice it within your own behavior (1) on depletion day I have usually pushed myself to the limit, about 36g of carbs (11 simple) before my depletion workout makes me insulin crash before my depletion workout, that's how drained I am (2) I further do my depletion workout 2-3 hours later, it usually drains about 1000 calories from me (3) I spike and start carbs that same day, note my body is still on ketones but I pretty much yanked fats to 0 (4) I get to stare at my monitor for 8 hours (5) and I get in my car and drive to my Russian class where I have to concentrate like that for about 3 hours... I'm pretty zonked and bitchy at this point... I blew my caffeine tolerance at this point too so there is no helping me... also watch out for when you don't give you brain enough sleep time, this is important to helping the battery recharge for tomorrow. Not getting enough sleep will only more likely bring about this situation.

You will get fog if you push yourself just like you would feel hunger or muscle pangs. Don't worry it's normal and proper balance of nutrient intake and rest, it won't happen.

[dirtpool]

For a few days after carb up, my mind is foggy and I forget things really easily. After that short period of a few days, my mind appears to actually be sharper. My work is more efficient, and I notice no lack of creative ability.

I agree, my ability to focus on the task at hand actually seems to have improved since I started the ckd about 1.5 months ago. Btw CelticDeath my USCF is 1900, didn't renew this year though.

[skelooth]

My programing at work is much better on keto IMO.

Agreed. I have much better concentration in keto. Carbs absolutely destroy me...

[hynox.rain]

Cool, thanks for everyone's help, I think i'll definitely consider this, but to make sure, i'll do it after my exams are over. Also i'm going to have to really see if this is doable on a vegetarian diet. It will be tough , damn tough.

[slyfox115]

Hey man if it ws easy, everyone would be walking around with a ripped physique, now that wouldnt be any fun would it ?

[chimponarope]

Cool, thanks for everyone's help, I think i'll definitely consider this, but to make sure, i'll do it after my exams are over. Also i'm going to have to really see if this is doable on a vegetarian diet. It will be tough , damn tough.

It is doable I set one up a few years ago for a friend. Not easy though. Hope you still eat eggs!

[CelticDeath]

Btw CelticDeath my USCF is 1900, didn't renew this year though.

Awesome! My hat's off to you on the rating. Mine is only 1647. I won't renew next year, when my membership expires either. I only have limited time for hobbies, and that time's currently being occupied by the bodybuilding and a new-found love for VBA programming.

[chimponarope]

a new-found love for VBA programming.

You're a sick individual bro

[dirtpool]

Awesome! My hat's off to you on the rating. Mine is only 1647. I won't renew next year, when my membership expires either. I only have limited time for hobbies, and that time's currently being occupied by the bodybuilding and a new-found love for VBA programming.

I feel ya' on limited time, more like limited energy in my case. Between working construction (electrician) and working out 4 days a week I don't have the energy to have a "hobby".