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#845: How to Use Ketosis for Enhanced Mood, Cognition, and Long-Term Brain Protection — A Practical and Tactical Guide with Dr. Dominic D'Agostino (Plus: Deconstructing Tim’s Latest Keto Experiment)

Tim Ferriss delves into the science and personal application of ketosis with Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, exploring how metabolic therapy can influence brain health, physical performance, and disease prevention. Their conversation moves beyond diet fads, focusing on measurable outcomes, biomarkers, and the evolving understanding of how fueling the body differently can reshape long-term health trajectories.
The discussion reveals ketosis as a powerful metabolic state with wide-ranging benefits, from resolving cognitive symptoms in tick-borne illnesses to supporting cancer therapy and neuroprotection. The concept of metabolic flexibility—achieved through periodic ketosis, fasting, and mindful macronutrient timing—is emphasized over lifelong strict adherence. Key tools like the Glucose Ketone Index (GKI) help quantify metabolic health, though limitations in current monitoring technology require cautious interpretation. While endogenous ketosis is celebrated, concerns emerge around exogenous ketones, particularly those derived from 1,3-butanediol, due to liver stress, insulin disruption, and potential dependence. Safer alternatives and whole-food keto approaches are gaining traction. Fiber-rich vegetables and strategic carb inclusion allow sustainable ketosis, while stories of supplement contamination underscore the risks of unregulated products. Innovations in convenient, clinical-grade ketogenic foods aim to bridge the gap between therapeutic rigor and real-world usability.
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06:14
Ketosis elevates GABA and reduces glutamate, quieting the mind.
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Dozens of tick-borne disease patients have seen positive results with ketosis.
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The more one stays in ketosis, the easier it becomes due to metabolic memory.
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High ketone utilization in a caloric deficit can cause false-negative blood ketone readings
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46:09
Stretching the stomach from a big meal triggers the liver to produce more glucose
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1:00:50
Rapid ketone rebound occurs after returning to ketosis following protein veggie days.
1:09:20
1:09:20
Discontinuing letrozole led to immediate cognitive recovery in a patient with ApoE3-4 and metabolic dysfunction.
1:20:43
1:20:43
Aim for a glucose ketone index (GKI) of 1–2 for three days per week to trigger autophagy.
1:29:38
1:29:38
L-beta-hydroxybutyrate improves blood flow to the brain and reduces peripheral vascular resistance.
1:35:48
1:35:48
Extended ketosis improves task completion speed and visual processing performance
1:38:40
1:38:40
1,3-butanediol can deplete NAD and ATP in the liver, posing risks for chronic use
1:55:15
1:55:15
1,3-butanediol or its based ketone esters may have an anti-endogenous ketosis effect and spike insulin
1:57:57
1:57:57
1,3-Butanediol produces narcotic-like intoxication similar to alcohol and can cause dependence.
2:07:59
2:07:59
Daily carb intake of 60–70 grams with one-third fiber can maintain ketosis when combined with MCTs.
2:12:30
2:12:30
Suspect fentanyl derivative contamination in over-the-counter gummies caused severe health effects.