Exogenous ketones? What are they and how do i use them?

​Have you been wondering what exogenous ketones are? If so, you’re not the only one. The keto-dieting world has been buzzing with information about developments on exogenous ketones for awhile now, with many brands producing exogenous ketones that are used by Keto lifestylers around the world.

But the majority of Keto dieters don’t completely understand what exogenous ketones are or how they can benefit their diet (or dieting options).

In this post, we’ll provide you with easy to read information about exogenous ketones. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to utilize exogenous ketones in your diet, and teach others about their value.

Let’s start with the label!

The Definition of Exogenous Ketones
Two words: exogenous and ketones.

The word exogenous describes something that is developed from external factors; something outside of the usual production. So in terms of ketones, this means that exogenous ketones are synthetic: created outside of your body by scientists and then ingested for accelerated ketosis.

We assume that you already know what ketones are, but just in case, we’ll give you a brief description of this term as well.

What Are Ketones?

Ketones, are organic compounds produced by in your body when your system experiences starvation, or when you restrict carbohydrates and increase fats, which inhibits a starvation-like state that produces ketone bodies.

These ketones are an ideal fuel source for your body and your brain. Studies have suggested that when your body is in a ketogenic state, it utilizes oxygen more efficiently in the generation of energy.

In short, ketones are secret weapons for anyone looking to take their body’s fueling system to the next level!

To restate the point: Exogenous Ketones are ketone supplements. They’re created outside of your body and ingested by you, instead of being produced in your body.

Why should I take Exogenous Ketones?

Exogenous Ketones can increase flexibility in what you can eat, decreasing the burden of a strict Ketogenic Diet. They can also help you get back into Ketosis faster than nutritional Ketosis.

But that’s not all they can do! There are multiple reason to utilize exogenous ketones. Here are some other ways to leverage Exogenous Ketones:

Athletic Performance

Curiosity has grown about the effects ketosis and ketone bodies have on athletic performance. From diving performance of Navy Seals, to the Tour De France, exogenous ketones have been the at the center of breakthroughs, and controversies.

Dr. Dominic D’Agostino proposed that Navy SEALs who use oxygen respirators while training underwater, could benefit from exogenous ketones while underwater. This is because the respirators used by the divers can cause oxygen toxicity to the brain, which can cause seizures. To read that article click here

Dr. D’Agostino discovered that exogenous ketones can maintain the brain’s metabolic integrity, which in turn can prevent the formation of free radicals in the brain that can form from mitochondria and cause neurological failure.

Another study by Dr. Peter Attia discovered that exogenous ketones can actually improve output and stamina for prolonged athletic activity. The advantage of exogenous ketones was further displayed at the Tour De France, when rumors of leading riders using supplementing them raised concerns over fairness for those who weren’t.

The Big Idea Behind Exogenous Ketones and Athletic Performance:

Exogenous Ketones have been shown in performance studies of both humans and animals to improve metabolic efficiency, which in essence means that your body is using better fuel that burns more efficiently over longer periods of time, and decreases the amount of fuel you need while performing. Where glucose fails (glycogen depletion), ketones pick up the slack!

Wiggle room while you’re dieting

Sometimes you’re in the mood to be a hardcore dieter, and other times – not so much. Exogenous ketones are an asset to anyone struggling to stay in nutritional ketosis. This is because they allow you to decrease the ratios of fat to carbs to a less strict number.

A “classic” ketogenic diet macronutrient (fat, protein, and carbohydrate) ratio would be 4 grams of fat to every 1 gram of protein or carbs. However, if you’re utilizing exogenous ketones, you could drop this ratio as low as 1:1!

This means that you can get all the benefits of the state of Ketosis without the discipline required for nutritional ketosis.

Ease the stress of a medically enforced Ketogenic Diet
The burden that comes with medically forced low-carb diets can be psychologically taxing on individuals who’ve never lived without carbs. Many people don’t choose the Keto Diet – it chooses them.

Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, or neurological issues like epilepsy often cause physicians to suggest the Ketogenic Diet as one of the only options for survival. Patients who need a “mental break,” will find exogenous ketones a godsend.

Dieting is hard. Exogenous ketones make it less hard.

Taking Exogenous Ketones

Like many supplements, exogenous ketones come in different forms. Liquid, powder, and pill forms are all available depending on what suits you best.

A word of warning – exogenous ketones do not have the best taste! Peter Attia quipped that “The world’s worst scotch tastes like spring water compared to these things.”

The powder form is said to be the most tolerable of all the forms. Powder exogenous ketones are also easier to travel with. So if you’ll be moving around a lot from work, to gym, to home, powdered should be your first choice.

Powdered forms of exogenous ketone allow you to mix the supplement with other ingredients, making them ideal for breakfast keto shakes, or any other sort of meal replacement.

Why Exogenous Ketones?

Exogenous ketones are a great addition to anyone attempting to achieve the benefits of ketosis. But before you start purchasing exogenous ketones, it’s important to know what you’re buying.

Use exogenous ketones to get back into ketosis after a weekend of not-so-low-carb eating, or if you want the benefits of nutritional ketosis without the strict diet.

Whether you’re using them for increased athletic performance, cognitive ability, or weight loss, exogenous ketones should be a part of your ketogenic regimen. These supplements will become more popular as dietary science proves the value of ketosis for the human body.

Don’t miss out.