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Integration of brain metabolism with neural signaling, highlighting how core metabolites regulate energy use and protect neurons.

Topics Discussed:

Brain energy efficiency: Brains are much more energy-efficient than computers for similar processing, relying on adaptive metabolic strategies evolved under energy scarcity.
Metabolism vs. information processing: Core metabolites like glutamate bridge basic cellular energy production and neural signaling.
Lactate as a signal: Produced during exercise, lactate diffuses from muscles to brain, modulating neuronal excitability and providing neuroprotection.
BHB in ketosis: During fasting or ketogenic diets, beta-hydroxybutyrate displaces glucose as fuel, enhances antioxidant defenses, and activates protective potassium channels in neurons.
Adenosine and sleep: Accumulates from ATP breakdown during wakefulness, triggering sleep and locally inhibiting overactive neural networks for energy conservation.
Glial cells’ role: Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes handle sophisticated metabolism, release signaling molecules like lactate, and modulate synapses, and influence diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Practical Takeaways:

Regular exercise elevates lactate, which signals the brain to adapt metabolism and may enhance neuroprotection against stress.
Intermittent fasting or ketogenic diets can induce ketosis with BHB, potentially boosting brain antioxidant defenses and preconditioning against metabolic stress.
Prioritizing sleep helps clear adenosine buildup, restoring energy balance and supporting long-term neural health.

About the guest: Dr. Luis Felipe Barros, MD, PhD is a Chilean neurobiologist and professor at the Universidad de Valparaíso, where he leads a lab studying brain metabolism from glucose transport to mitochondrial function.

Related Episode:

M&M 255 | Unlocking Energy: How Nutrition & Drugs Impact Your Mitochondria | Chris Masterjohn

*Not medical advice.

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Energy Metabolism & Information Processing in the Brain | Luis Felipe Barros | 264

Mind & Matter