King Ketone – Dominic D'Agostino, PhD, Associate Professor, University of South Florida – The Impressive Power of Ketones and How Our Diets Hold the Key to Improved Cognition, Increased Energy, Weight Control, and Disease Treatment

Dominic D'Agostino, PhD, is an associate professor at the University of South Florida's Morsani College of Medicine, as well as the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology. D'Agostino's focus of teaching is quite diverse as he educates in the areas of physiology, neuropharmacology, biochemistry (medical), cell metabolism, and signaling. D'Agostino's laboratory tests metabolic-based strategies for battling multiple human health problems such as seizures, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and more.

The associate professor leads a discussion on various metabolic therapies including ketogenic diets, and the benefits of ketone supplements. Remarkably, one's level of ketosis can be assessed and measured in blood and urine samples. Ketosis is a metabolic state; essentially, when an individual removes carbohydrates from their diet they in turn force their body to deplete its stores of glycogen and seek out a new fuel source. As this takes place, ketosis is initiated when the body begins converting fat into ketones as its new, powerful fuel. While the shift may be a major adjustment for the body, and for individuals attempting to make the push toward a ketogenic diet, the results are obvious for most, with many people reporting a general feeling of well-being with more energy also. As D'Agostino explains, those who suffer from age-related cognitive decline, inflammation, or weight problems, all stand to benefit greatly from the shift to a ketogenic diet and the stimulation of ketosis.

The physiology and cell metabolism professor explains how exogenous ketone supplementation can enhance the metabolic efficiency of the body, which can increase cognition and workflow activity. While many seek to get fully into a state of ketosis, this may not be the ultimate goal, for the goal is simply to feel better, and approximating the state may offer some benefits. Many are aware that ketosis can help with weight loss and appetite control, but as health seekers come for the weight loss they will more than likely also benefit from an advanced mental focus, more energy, and increased levels of HDL cholesterol. Additionally, ketosis can help to lower blood pressure and aid in the fight against type II diabetes. D'Agostino digs deep into the scientific workings behind variations on ketone supplementation. He discusses MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides, and ketone salt combinations that can be delivered before low carbohydrate meals that can buffer the rise in glucose. The professor explains how the ketone benefit works within the body for suppression of appetite and increased cognitive function, and further, he relates how individuals can see improvements across the line with exogenous ketones even without adhering to an absolute ketogenic diet. D'Agostino provides some insight into ketone salts and ketone esters and their affect on the osmotic load in the gut. Ultimately, as D'Agostino explains, the scientific study of ketones is proving that many health issues can be improved by controlling the diet.