Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is the most abundant of the three ketones produced in the liver. When the body is in a fasting state, such as sleep, it produces ketones to serve as an energy source as carbs aren’t coming in to fuel bodily functions. For individuals eating ultra-low-carb diets, beta-hydroxybutyrate serves as their primary fuel source and puts them in a high-fat burning state known as ketosis. What is Sodium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB Salt)? As a dietary supplement, beta-hydroxybutyrate needs to bind to a mineral such as sodium prior to consumption. Mineral bonds improve BHB absorption and facilitate its transport across the gut-blood barrier. Once ingested, the body separates the sodium from the beta-hydroxybutyrate. While the body can produce beta-hydroxybutyrate on its own, the initial phase of ketogenic diets often creates a deficit. The body often struggles to catch up with the sudden demand for ketones. By giving the body an abundant supply of ketones while it adjusts, individuals may experience several health benefits. Potential Benefits of Sodium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Keto Supplement Sodium BHB has the potential to provide numerous benefits. Some of the most popular uses include: Beta-hydroxybutyrate as a keto supplement. When people begin a ketogenic diet, they may experience low energy, brain fog, cramping, and more as their body adjusts to the sudden and dramatic decrease in carbs. The body produces ketones like beta-hydroxybutyrate to serve as an alternate energy source during this period, but it takes it a while to create the amount the body now needs with a keto diet. Supplementing with sodium BHB may help reduce these initial keto side effects. BHB salt and weight loss. Achieving ketosis is the ultimate goal for keto dieters, and BHB sodium supplements can help keto dieters get over the initial slump of starting the diet. When in ketosis, the body burns fat for fuel rather than carbs for much more rapid weight loss. Sodium BHB may also improve weight loss by suppressing hunger hormones. Sodium beta-hydroxybutyrate and cognition. Brain fog is a common complaint among those new to the keto diet. The brain requires a lot of energy, but the body is low on fuel sources after starting a ketogenic diet. By providing more fuel, sodium beta-hydroxybutyrate ketone supplements may improve cognitive functions. BHB may also provide neuroprotective benefits. Sodium BHB and inflammation. Naturally occurring beta-hydroxybutyrate improves the body’s resistance to oxidative stress and inflammation. It does so by increasing the production of proteins that defend against oxidative stress and impeding the production of biomarkers that cause inflammation. Supplementing with sodium BHB may provide these same benefits. Other BHB Keto Supplements Calcium beta-hydroxybutyrate Magnesium beta-hydroxybutyrate Potassium beta-hydroxybutyrate Potential Side Effects of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Sodium Powder Most individuals can take sodium beta-hydroxybutyrate ketone supplements without any notable side effects. However, some individuals may experience nausea, diarrhea, or an upset stomach. How to Take Sodium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Supplement Individuals should thoroughly mix 8g of sodium BHB in 8oz of water or flavored beverage of their choice. Using a milligram scale can help achieve accurate measurements. Sources https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8000900/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10634967 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5813183/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21489321 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28249154 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3826507/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19400750 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18282589 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18175736
