Carbs Needed for Brain Power?

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Replies

  • Wecandothis
    Wecandothis Posts: 1,083 Member
    This study is not very reliable for the reasons Loathesome stated. Also they were allowing participants to choose their own food - and I'm assuming that there is no way that they can guarantee that they weren't cheating.

    I'd throw this one right out.

    Thank you all! and Loathesome, you are a researcher extraordinaire! What are you studying?
  • sibetsimo
    sibetsimo Posts: 39
    Whether or not this is indeed a reliable study, it is a fact that the brain uses glucose to function. PET scans, for example, provide a visual display of brain activity by detecting the consumption of a radioactive form of glucose in different areas of the brain.

    So I have no clue how much carbohydrates we should be consuming for proper brain function, but it definately is not zero. :tongue: Just my bit of input!
  • foxyforce
    foxyforce Posts: 3,078 Member
    Whether or not this is indeed a reliable study, it is a fact that the brain uses glucose to function. PET scans, for example, provide a visual display of brain activity by detecting the consumption of a radioactive form of glucose in different areas of the brain.

    So I have no clue how much carbohydrates we should be consuming for proper brain function, but it definately is not zero. :tongue: Just my bit of input!

    yeah, it definitly discussed that in the research findings, but it was too detailed for my knowledge, so i didn't bother to post it, if you are interested i will for you, let me know
  • foxyforce
    foxyforce Posts: 3,078 Member
    This study is not very reliable for the reasons Loathesome stated. Also they were allowing participants to choose their own food - and I'm assuming that there is no way that they can guarantee that they weren't cheating.

    I'd throw this one right out.

    Thank you all! and Loathesome, you are a researcher extraordinaire! What are you studying?

    psychology! :)
  • KatWood
    KatWood Posts: 1,135 Member
    Is my faith in the Canadian Food Guide misplaced? :noway:
    Although there will always be exceptions, it seems to be the most agreed apon dietary guide in existence.

    Does it work for you Kat? As I said in my previous post. I have lost 72 lbs since mid January....that works for me.

    I think so. Not quite as impressive as 72lbs in 8 months! That's awesome! I have lost a total of approx 75lbs over the span of about 2 yrs. Most of it was in the first year. The first year I hired a trainer who developed a nutrition plan for me as well as a workout schedule. I still have a bit left to lose but I am concentrating on toning and just enjoying my new lifestyle. Since this is a lifestyle I want to be sure it is something I can sustain, for me that means a balanced diet.

    But maybe I'm just being stubborn because I think life without pasta isn't worth living :laugh:
  • stormieweather
    stormieweather Posts: 2,549 Member
    I think that you can find a study and/or theory to support just about anything. I think the bottom line is, if it works for you, then go for it.
  • foxyforce
    foxyforce Posts: 3,078 Member
    I think that you can find a study and/or theory to support just about anything. I think the bottom line is, if it works for you, then go for it.

    theories you can find for anything

    however, studies are tangible results, and they can't be produced for every theory. studies result in facts and new information, where theories can produce research but never be true

    even though this study doesn't seem like it would produce the same results with different populations or even an increased sample, it still builds on information, and adds to the research field, because now people know what areas to focus in on more, it puts the word out
  • havingitall
    havingitall Posts: 3,728 Member
    Is my faith in the Canadian Food Guide misplaced? :noway:
    Although there will always be exceptions, it seems to be the most agreed apon dietary guide in existence.

    Does it work for you Kat? As I said in my previous post. I have lost 72 lbs since mid January....that works for me.

    I think so. Not quite as impressive as 72lbs in 8 months! That's awesome! I have lost a total of approx 75lbs over the span of about 2 yrs. Most of it was in the first year. The first year I hired a trainer who developed a nutrition plan for me as well as a workout schedule. I still have a bit left to lose but I am concentrating on toning and just enjoying my new lifestyle. Since this is a lifestyle I want to be sure it is something I can sustain, for me that means a balanced diet.

    But maybe I'm just being stubborn because I think life without pasta isn't worth living :laugh:

    I have to agree. If I am eating like this for the rest of my life...which I plan on...there better be room for all kinds of foods.
  • stormieweather
    stormieweather Posts: 2,549 Member
    I think that you can find a study and/or theory to support just about anything. I think the bottom line is, if it works for you, then go for it.

    theories you can find for anything

    however, studies are tangible results, and they can't be produced for every theory. studies result in facts and new information, where theories can produce research but never be true

    even though this study doesn't seem like it would produce the same results with different populations or even an increased sample, it still builds on information, and adds to the research field, because now people know what areas to focus in on more, it puts the word out

    But studies can flawed, biased, misrepresented, and even faked. Some examples:

    http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Manipulating+medical+study+data:+studies+on+new+drugs+and+medical...-a0135888139

    http://www.injuryboard.com/national-news/pfizer-accused-of-manipulating-neurontin-studies.aspx?googleid=249088

    http://janneinosaka.blogspot.com/2009/05/elsevier-and-merck-fakes-medical.html
  • foxyforce
    foxyforce Posts: 3,078 Member
    I think that you can find a study and/or theory to support just about anything. I think the bottom line is, if it works for you, then go for it.

    theories you can find for anything

    however, studies are tangible results, and they can't be produced for every theory. studies result in facts and new information, where theories can produce research but never be true

    even though this study doesn't seem like it would produce the same results with different populations or even an increased sample, it still builds on information, and adds to the research field, because now people know what areas to focus in on more, it puts the word out

    But studies can flawed, biased, misrepresented, and even faked. Some examples:

    http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Manipulating+medical+study+data:+studies+on+new+drugs+and+medical...-a0135888139

    http://www.injuryboard.com/national-news/pfizer-accused-of-manipulating-neurontin-studies.aspx?googleid=249088

    http://janneinosaka.blogspot.com/2009/05/elsevier-and-merck-fakes-medical.html

    i understand that entirely, but even those studies which produce either type I or type II errors in science contribute...because other scientists have to correct their errors coming out with information or look in other areas in which case they come out with more information

    research is always good, even the bad ones sadly enough
  • Saken
    Saken Posts: 476
    if i remember right the most important thing for brain power isnt the carbs, but some vitamins and proteins..
    will check that tomorow and will either post here or PM you with what i've found.
  • Fausttt
    Fausttt Posts: 101
    You body does indeed produce its own glucose when carbohydrates are low. Low carb also causes ketone bodies to be released which are used by pretty much every other part of your body as an energy source, reserving ALL of the glucose made for brain function. I would have liked to have seen a 3 month study, most low carb diets recommend a couple of weeks to convert your metabolism over to ketosis. During that time, I could understand people not performing as well if their processes haven't switched.


    Also, none of the popular low carb diets restrict carbs to 0, Atkins allows for 20g durin the first 2 weeks and additional carbs in the following weeks. Some lifetime atkins people are consuming 50-60g easily.

    I personally have remained under 20g for the last 3 months. I ALSO take a Nootropic that causes my brain to consume MORE glucose and choline than normal. I do take a choline supplement, but I have not had to increase my carb intake at all and my mental prowess has increased. I no longer have a mental fog and my moods have also stabilized. It was noticable to my wife even though i did not tell her I was changing my diet. It took me a week before i noticed an improvement.
  • July24Lioness
    July24Lioness Posts: 2,399 Member
    Yes, your are correct in that. Humans actually do not need carbs for proper brain function.

    I have been low carb off and on for the past 6 years. My hubby notices big differences in my mental abilities when I am low carbing (no brain fog - mental clarity, better memory, sleep better, not near as moody)

    In another thread, I posted the scientific evidence of how ketones are converted over to glucose, however it was quite a long read. I can post the link to the article if anyone would like to read it.

    In addition, if proper quality protein intake is eaten, we do not need carbs at all. We can get every single nutrient (vitamin and mineral) from eating a pure protein eating plan.

    Since last December, I have kept my carb intake between 5 and 12% of my daily food intake and I feel great.
    You body does indeed produce its own glucose when carbohydrates are low. Low carb also causes ketone bodies to be released which are used by pretty much every other part of your body as an energy source, reserving ALL of the glucose made for brain function. I would have liked to have seen a 3 month study, most low carb diets recommend a couple of weeks to convert your metabolism over to ketosis. During that time, I could understand people not performing as well if their processes haven't switched.


    Also, none of the popular low carb diets restrict carbs to 0, Atkins allows for 20g durin the first 2 weeks and additional carbs in the following weeks. Some lifetime atkins people are consuming 50-60g easily.

    I personally have remained under 20g for the last 3 months. I ALSO take a Nootropic that causes my brain to consume MORE glucose and choline than normal. I do take a choline supplement, but I have not had to increase my carb intake at all and my mental prowess has increased. I no longer have a mental fog and my moods have also stabilized. It was noticable to my wife even though i did not tell her I was changing my diet. It took me a week before i noticed an improvement.
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