How Exercise Can Boost Ketones 

Exercise can boost your brain power, even when you feel low on energy. Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered this important benefit of physical activity. Their study, published in the journal Physiology, looked at what happens in the brains of people who do not produce enough ketones in their liver.

When the body runs low on glucose, its main source of energy, the liver makes ketones. These ketones help provide energy for the brain and support memory, learning, and overall brain health.

The researchers found that even if the liver cannot produce enough ketones, exercise can help. This is important for older adults who are at a higher risk for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. The findings also give hope to those with liver conditions that affect ketone production.

R. Scott Rector, Ph.D., a lead researcher and professor, said ketones are vital for brain health. He noted that exercise can still help maintain memory and learning capabilities, even if ketone production is low. It also supports the health of mitochondria, which are the brain's energy providers.

Rector and his team were surprised to learn that exercise can protect the brain despite low ketone production. They found that exercise activates other pathways that support brain health. Another researcher, Taylor Kelty, mentioned that past studies show a link between severe liver problems and a higher risk of dementia.

These findings highlight how important exercise is for keeping our minds sharp as we age. Rector added that exercise can also engage other pathways in the liver that may benefit the brain.

Scientists are increasingly finding that liver health affects brain diseases like Alzheimer’s. Rector stressed that caring for the liver and understanding how ketones work may help prevent or slow brain diseases.