How Intermittent Fasting Affects the Brain: Thomas DeLauer

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How Intermittent Fasting Affects the Brain: Thomas DeLauer…
Synaptic Activity:
The brain responds to nutrient scarcity (which occurs during fasting) by reducing synaptic activity - synapses are the connecting structures that allow chemical signals to be passed between neurons. So fasting blocks the synaptic activity of neurons that normally occurs in the brain, which essentially means that the brain slows down. Although a brain "slowing down" sounds undesirable, it may actually be beneficial for brain health - the brain’s way of conserving energy and giving itself a chance to recharge (1,2)

Neurotransmitters:
Because when nutrients are unavailable, an organism reduces neurotransmitter release and thus saves a good proportion of its overall energy expenditure. By reducing the release of neurotransmitters from synapses in the brain, fasting may also give the nervous system a break.
The process of neurotransmitter release is an energetically costly process, because of this high requirement for energy, it also generates waste including reactive oxygen species - could lead to oxidative damage in cells including neurons. So, tuning synaptic activity as a result of fasting might help limit the unwanted oxidative damage in the nervous system. Overactive synaptic activity is linked with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease (1,2)

Fasting and BDNF:
When the brain is challenged by physical exertion, or extended periods without food, the body produces a protein called BDNF, which not only strengthens neural connections and increases the production of new neurons but can also have an anti-depressive effect. Simply, it helps neurons grow, and when they grow they can branch out towards each other making it easier for the neurons to communicate. BDNF interacts with neurons in the hippocampus, cortex, and basal forebrain (the parts of the brain that regulate memory, learning, and higher cognitive function ) and helps existing neurons survive while stimulating the growth of new neurons and the development of neuro-synaptic connectivity - low levels of BDNF are linked to Alzheimer’s, memory loss, and cognitive impairment (3,4)

Fasting and Ketones:
Fasting is known to increase ketones - beta hydroxybutyrate floats around in your blood and can cross different important barriers to be able to be turned into energy at all times. One of the most important areas where this happens is in the brain - the blood brain barrier is usually a very tightly regulated interface, but since BHB is so hydrophilic, your brain knows to let it in so it can bring energy at any time. It does this by going into the cell, then enters the mitochondria at which stage it cleaves the carboxyl acid group and becomes acetoacetate, which turns into acetoacetyl-CoA, which then is cleaved to acetone and acetyl-CoA. This jumps into what is called the Kreb’s cycle and is churned into ATP - the energy currency of your cells. Mitochondria numbers also increase in nerve cells when an individual fasts, since neurons adapt to stress by producing more mitochondria - means that neurons are better able to form connections between one another, which translates to improved learning and memory ability.
*Called mitochondrial biogenesis – the process by which new mitochondria are formed inside of cells* (5)

[lukeseanpicco]

I've totally had my life change by doing intermittent fasting and I combine that with the ketogenic diet at only 2 meals a day... I have crazy hyper-focus and insane energy every day. I will never go back to my old way of dieting where I'm eating 6 to 10 smaller meals every day. Totally dig your channel Thom, thanks for sharing bro! Peace, ✌

[health-gadgets]

Who else has had their life changed by intermittent fasting?

[stevepatterson]

I'm 57, been doing IF 16/8 for 2 years, lost 20 pounds, back to almost my high school weight, tons of energy! One word of caution - many think you can eat "anything" during your eating window but I would caution against eating much sugar...it will definitely slow down your progress. I also eat more " good fats" which keep you full longer and lots of veggies and water! It works!!

[saiprasad]

I have been on the Intermittent fasting thingy for a month now. And the results are amazing. Lost excess weight, have better focus, saves me time (no need for breakfast) and I have more effective workouts now! Best health practice I've taken up recently. (PS: I combine it with low-carb diet and regular lifting)

[theprouddandelion]

Little summary:

-Slow down the overall energy used in the brain, but increase it in the areas you're actually using.

-Likewise, intermittent fasting diminish the overall amount of neurotransmitters produced for a more efficient use and repartition of it. (+ neuroprotective effect on the long term)

-Promote production of BDNF : "brain fertilizer" that increase the creations of new nerve cells and new synapses (nerve connections) in the brain areas involved in memory, concentration, and sense of well-being. (also trigger by exercise)

-β-hydroxybutyrate (the main ketone body produced during a fast) can pass the blood brain barrier and go directly into the mitochondria to be used as energy. Also, βHB stimulates new mitochondria leading to more energy, produced more efficiently.

[LexesOHara]

I love intermittent fasting! I personally feel better during my workouts fasted and I'm much more focused when working! I don't know if that's due to my previous experience with binge eating, but its definitely made a difference for me

[zerothehero]

I'm at hour 22 now and will go for 36 hours. This is my first 24+ hour fast where I skip a whole day of eating. I've got to say that what people say about the mental benefits is 100% true. Seriously I feel sort of high. In a good way though. It's truly euphoric. I will be doing this more often beside normal intermittent fasting!

[crischansan]

This is true, this is the science, explanation behind it. I did a 4-day and 5-day water fasting. Clarity of mind, enhanced memory (about 2x) and focus. I wanted to make fasting my lifestyle just for the focus, I need it.

[danielporter]

So glad that you made this video, as I was afraid that the sharpening of my mental faculties during fasting, was...all in my head.As somebody whose (doctor) Dad put me on ADHD meds growing up, I am left wishing that he would’ve checked his professional ego at the door, and just sent me to my room without meals once or twice a week, or that I had this info thirty years ago.

[robyngoulette]

oh the baby!!! haha. best - part - of - the video- love this family connection. Go Thomas Delauer! LOVE THE INTERMITTENT FASTING - as a dancer this has been FANTASTIC!! perfect for my schedule, focus, over all health, curbing cravings and weight stability.

[HEADBANGRR]

Interesting information. I've been intermittently fasting daily & transformed to a vegetarian for over a month. Feels Awesome! :-)

[parvinmustafayev]

Very valuable insights You do share here! Please keep it up! It is all science-based, and experience-based.Please, if You'll get a chance create a video, about, How to increase testosterone sensitivity and receptors in the male organism, preferably, a long video will be a good understanding for me! Blessings!!!!

[rachelrandant]

FYI, you can look this up if you don't believe me, but scientists found that the blood/brain barrier diminishes slightly while you are sleeping to allow your brain to shuttle out waste while you sleep. Sleep is so very important! Make sure you are getting enough rest every night!

[matybyers]

Hi Thomas. I'd like to see a video in regards to benefits or detriments to carb loading with a ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting. I'm mainly interested in building muscle mass while maintaining low body fat as efficiently and effectively as possible. With your help I've made incredible progress! I've been eating a ketogenic diet with your nutritional recommendations and timing, while intermittent fasting 2-3 days a week (18-20 hour fast). Also, every few months or so doing a long - term fast of 3 or more days (on my 2nd one now). My question to you is there a benefit to carb loading for increasing muscle mass? If so, how to do it properly as to timing (before or after fast, before workouts, or all day?), and to which type of foods? Thank you for all that you do. You're one of the good ones!

[lambda]

Glad to hear this. I have always felt better when I skipped breakfast and lunch, but everyone would say don’t skip meals. Breakfasts is the most important meal, they would say. Every time I eat breakfast I am hungry the rest of the day.

[shresthapuja]

Can you please make videos for crossfitters? I'd like to know what to drink, supplement and eat pre and post workouts. Thanks.

[pershae]

Very descriptive. Fasting is the best way to reset. I have so much mental clarity.

[spinnettdesigns]

I love that you used the word cruddy. For real, I adore the science and I sincerely appreciate your videos. When I need a pep up, I think of you. Thanks a million

[ishtar]

You explain everything in great way, am able to understand what is happening better

[rodneycox]

There was a small study that tested intermittent fasting while in ketosis for 10 alzimer's patients . The result was 9 out of 10 patients improved, some returned to work, the one that didn't improve didn't complete the study. Dr Sarah Myhill has the study listed on her site. Sorry cant find the link.