Did you know that your brain has a back up fuel?

Your brain has a backup fuel, which most of us don't realise.

Your brain is an energy-hungry organ. It makes up about 2% of your body weight but uses around 20% of your energy, and it runs mainly on glucose.

But it’s a dual-fuel organ. When glucose is in short supply, for example during fasting or on a very low-carb diet, the liver makes ketones, which the brain can use as an alternative fuel.

During the menopause transition, many women find their bodies handle carbohydrates less well and become more prone to insulin resistance. Losing muscle mass and carrying more fat around the middle can add to this.

Insulin resistance means your cells respond less well to insulin, so blood sugar and insulin levels stay higher than they should. Over time, this raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, which is in turn associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

That’s not a prediction, and it’s not inevitable. It’s a reason to pay attention early.

The good news: the things that improve insulin sensitivity (muscle, movement, sleep, food quality) are the same things that support your brain.

Did you know that your brain could run on ketones?