Safe to say just about everyone over the age of 30 is in the market for more energy. No matter what’s going on in your day-to-day – be it navigating jam-packed workdays, juggling parental duties, working hard on moving-your-body goals, just trying to stay sharp – being able to access a reliable source of energy is absolutely essential.

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For many trying to power through the energy dips, the default is to reach for a momentarily effective but not-very-healthy quick fix, like caffeine or sugary treat. But if it’s a steady and sustainable energy source you’re after, those two aren’t it. But you know what is? Ketones – and truth be told, I’m obsessed with them. You should be too!  

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Long associated with ketogenic diets and ‘fat-burning,’ ketones are actually one of the most underappreciated (power) tools we have, not just for sustained physical energy, but for enhancing brain function and protecting long-term cognitive health. In fact, ketones might just be your brain's favorite fuel (who knew?). They’re the total energy package: a clean, efficient, and highly neuroprotective energy source which your body can make on its own — or you can get more of in supplement form for that extra mental and physical edge. Sounds intriguing, eh? Here’s a quick look at this amazingly helpful stuff and how – and why – to put it to work for you at any age:

Here are your ketones – in a nutshell.

In basic biological terms, ketones are energy molecules produced by the liver when your carbohydrate (glucose) intake is low, like during periods of fasting, starvation, or while following a ‘keto’ diet or very low carb diet. In this carb-deprived state -- there’s not enough glucose circulating to meet the energy demand -- your body breaks down fat into ketones which are released into the bloodstream, and these ketones are then used by the brain, heart, and muscles as fuel. This metabolic shift is known as ketosis. Ketones can also be tapped into with ketone supplements, with ketones from either source providing an excellent energy source for your entire body. But it’s your brain that really thrives on them – both now, and very likely down the road. Emerging research suggests that ketones may help slow cognitive decline and may even cut the risk of multiple life-altering neurological diseases – and that’s an incredibly exciting prospect. 

Ketones vs. glucose is a bit like regular vs. premium fuel.

Not only are ketones a more efficient fuel source than glucose, they’re also “cleaner.’ Here’s the deal: when the brain runs on ketones instead of glucose, it produces fewer free radicals and less oxidative stress – and that’s a big boon for your brain’s current and long-term health (it’s also pretty great for the rest of you too).

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You could liken it to upgrading from regular fuel to premium at the gas pump. The ketones  help enable your neurons to fire more smoothly, which helps sharpen up memory and tame brain fog. For many people, especially those practicing intermittent fasting or low-carb eating, the experience of mental clarity and steady focus while running on ketones is both noticeable and addictive — in the best way.

Ketones may change millions of brain’s futures – including yours.

One more reason to love ketones? They’re not just about short-term brainpower, their benefits may extend a lifetime. Turns out, they’ve been showing real promise in the battle against neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers have found that ketones can help tame inflammation in the brain, support the health of mitochondria (the tiny energy factories inside almost every one of your cells), and may even help slow the progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Why do our brains need a bit of an assist? One theory is that as we age, our brains become less efficient at using glucose for energy and ketones step in to fill the gap, helping to preserve cognitive function at a time when we need it most.

Ketones have been boosting brains and bodies for ages.

Ketones have been part of our biological story for thousands of years but only now are we starting to better understand how to put them to work. Our early human ancestors relied on ketones during periods of food scarcity, when carbohydrate-dense meals were few and far between. Their bodies made do by producing ketones from stored fat, giving our forefathers and mothers the mental and physical stamina they needed to keep moving, thinking, and hunting for their next meal. 

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Today, we can tap into that same fuel, and we don’t have to go on a full keto diet to do it (unless, that is, you want to). Ketones can be made inside the body (known as ‘endogenous ketones’) or taken in supplement form (‘exogenous ketones’). 

Ketones on the shelf – and in your mix.

Not all exogenous ketones are created equal, so when buying ketones, look for ketone esters, essentially Beta Hydroxybutyrate (BHB), linked to a compound called (R)-1,3-butanediol, which is a ketone precursor and metabolized to ketones in the liver. BHB is the most prevalent ketone in the blood and bio-identical to the ketone your body makes when burning fat. Kenetik, a brand of ketones blends D-BHB with (R)-1,3-butanediol, offering the benefits of both in a form that’s often better tasting and easier on the stomach. These are your most potent, fast-acting options as they rapidly rise blood ketone levels, but they are expensive. 

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Ketone salts, on the other hand, are more accessible and usually blended with electrolytes, but they have limited effectiveness and too many side effects, so I don’t recommend them. Then there’s MCT oil — medium chain triglycerides found in coconut oil — which the body converts quickly into ketones, but it is not nearly as potent as the ketone esters. 

Ketone benefits go way beyond your brain.

While the brain may be ketones’ biggest fan, the rest of your body reaps the rewards too. Athletes use ketone supplements to enhance endurance and reduce recovery time, thanks to increased ATP production and lower lactate buildup. People looking to manage their weight find that ketones naturally suppress appetite by lowering ghrelin, the so-called “hunger hormone.” There’s evidence that ketones support heart health, too, by improving blood flow and providing the heart muscle with a clean, efficient fuel source.

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When it comes to metabolism, ketones do some pretty impressive work. They can help keep blood sugar in check, lower triglycerides, and boost insulin sensitivity — all important for preventing diabetes and staying metabolically healthy in the long run. Plus, since ketones help calm inflammation throughout the body, they might also be helpful in managing conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is on the rise these days.

The Takeaway: Brain-First Energy That Lasts

If you're looking for a smarter way to power your day — and help protect your brain in the process — ketones may be just what you’ve been missing. They offer a clean, efficient source of fuel for both mind and body, with the added bonus of neuroprotection and metabolic support. Whether you're fasting, working out, or just navigating life’s daily mental marathon, ketones can help you stay sharp, steady, and energized.

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For most healthy folks, adding ketones to the mix can be a safe, effective, and even enjoyable way to boost brain function and energy without relying on caffeine or sugar. Your brain will thank you—both today and for many years to come.