If you've been following a keto diet or even just considering trying keto, you've probably heard of the term "BHB".
So you might be wondering...
What is Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (also known as BHB)? And probably more importantly, what does BHB do?
Aogubio will take you to learn more about Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB)!
What Is Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB)?
When eating an ultra-low carbohydrate diet, the body switches from burning glucose to fat. As the liver breaks down fatty acids, it generates ketone bodies that serve as fuel for the brain, heart, and muscles in times when carbohydrates are in short supply.
In addition to eating low carb, the body also switches to running on ketones during periods of fasting, such as overnight while we sleep. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is the most abundant of the three ketone bodies created by the liver, accounting 78% of the total ketones in the blood.
Acetoacetate (AcAc) is second most prevalent ketone body, accounting for ~20% of total ketones in the blood. And last, but not least, is acetone, which accounts for a mere 2% of blood ketones. Interestingly, both BHB and acetone are derived from acetoacetate, but it’s BHB that’s primarily used for energy production while AcAc is typically excreted via sweat and respiring (breathing).
How does it work?
Beta-hydroxybutyrate is a chemical that is used as energy by some cells of the body when sugar levels are low. Beta-hydroxybutyrate seems to help nerves and the brain to work better. Beta-hydroxybutyrate might be used as energy by muscles in the body to improve exercise ability.
How long does it take for keto BHB to start working?
On average, it can take 2-4 days but depending on varying factors such as a person's activity level, metabolism, age, carb/fat/protein intake it may take a little longer. The quicker you can get into ketosis, the sooner you can start reaping the benefits such as weight loss.
Can you take BHB and MCT oil together?
MCTs are excellent for the ketogenic diet as they are converted to ketones immediately, bypassing the digestive system. But for keto beginners or those who are controlling for calories, starting slow with MCTs is a good bet, because they can initially lead to digestive discomfort.
Whether you're taking MCTs or not, BHB supplementation can be a good idea. It rapidly raises blood ketone levels without digestive issues because it bypasses digestion. BHB sodium has been used in the clinic for decades where it has been shown to:
- l Fuel brain and muscle
- l Increase blood, muscle, and brain ketone levels
- l Decrease and normalize blood glucose
- l Increase muscle protein synthesis
- l Decrease fatty acids in the blood
- l Reduce physical and hormonal effects of low blood sugar
- l Decrease respiratory exchange ratio - VO2 Max.
Side Effects & Safety
When taken by mouth: A chemical that turns into beta-hydroxybutyrate in the body, called 3-hydroxybutyl-3-hydoxybutyrate, is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken daily for up to 5 days. Some people might have stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. These side effects are more likely to happen when very high doses are used.
When applied into the eye: Beta-hydroxybutyrate is POSSIBLY SAFE. An eye drop containing 1% beta-hydroxybutyrate has been used without side effects for up to 4 weeks.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if beta-hydroxybutyrate is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
How To Use BHB Exogenous Ketones?
Most beta-hydroxybutyrate comes in a powdered form as it can be too strong to put enough in a soft gel pill form.
BHB powder can be mixed into drinks like water and coffee depending on the flavor. Aogubio Keto BHB comes in delicious fruity flavors that mix well into water (sparkling or still) and smoothies. You can:
- l Shake a scoop of your favorite flavor into 10oz of still water for a refreshing sports drink alternative
- l Mix it into sparkling water to kick your soda craving
- l Mix into water and pop into a popsicle mold
Some BHB products taste terrible (it's the "salts") so you may prefer to take them with minimal water to "get it over with".
The BHB formulation is a proprietary blend of BHB sodium, calcium, and magnesium, balanced with potassium. Provided as a dry powder for reconstitution, the resulting drink is intended to fuel exercise as well as mental performance, such as avoiding afternoon brain fog.
Post time: Feb-09-2023
