The ultimate supplement for social anxiety, social stress/demands and public speaking
Added 2024-05-16 21:12:40 +0000 UTCExogenous ketones (like beta-hydroxybutyrate) have gained popularity for their potential cognitive and mental health benefits.
It’s a bit odd to me that exogenous ketones don’t receive much attention in the nootropic and ‘smart drug world’ in particular though. while there may not be a lot of data specifically looking at ketones for social anxiety, it’s anecdotally one of the primary things I see them improving (along with general improvements in cognition) with many of my clients. I don’t really think this should be particularly surprising though considering what we know about ketosis itself and it’s impact on brain function
There’s something about supplementing with exogenous ketones that provides a distinct advantage over other nootropics and supplements. I like to compare them to the limitless pill. Ketones aren’t going to jack you up or give you laser focus like adderall. The best way to describe them is that they make you feel almost like a better version of yourself. Words seem to flow effortlessly, ideas come quickly, and there’s no shortage of motivation to get work done.
Ketones make you better at being you. That’s the easiest way to describe them. They put you in an effortless flow state and provide energy without the jitters or tunnel vision that other nootropics and stimulants have
Exogenous ketones basically involved supplementing with what our body produces during a state of dietary ketotais. Ketosis is wheh the body produces ketone bodies as an alternative fuel source to glucose. Ketone bodies, particularly BHB, can cross the blood-brain barrier and serve as efficient energy substrate for the brain. This shift in energy metabolism from glucose to ketones has been associated with enhanced cognitive function, including increased focus, mental clarity, and cognitive performance.
Ketone bodies can also influence neurotransmitter levels in the brain, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, while glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in cognition and memory. Exogenous ketones may modulate the balance between GABA and glutamate, which can promote a calming effect that can help alleviate symptoms of social anxiety without depression energy levels or altertbess like a beta-blocker would
Ketone bodies have been shown to enhance mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Mitochondria are the cellular powerhouses responsible for producing energy. By improving mitochondrial function, exogenous ketones may optimize cellular energy production in neurons, leading to improved brain function and mental clarity.
Ketosis itself has been linked to increased levels of BDNF, a neurotrophic factor that supports the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons. Higher levels of BDNF are associated with improved cognitive function, mood regulation, and resilience to stress. Because exogenous ketones promote BDNF expression, which it’s possicle this could also largely contribute to the enhanced mental clarity and reduced social anxiety we see with ketone supplementation
How to supplement
There’s a few different kind of ketone supplements — ketone salts and ketone esthers. I’ve tried and experimented with both. While many proponents of EK supplements claim that esters are better, I tend to personally get better results with ketone salts. There is a bit of a risk of digestive upset with ketones, particularly the salts. So that’s something to be considerate of. Especially if you’re using ketones before an athletic event or competition (you could shit yourself lol)
Bellow I’ve provided a few different brands (both salt and ester versions) that I’ve tried and had good experiences with
How to use them
Ketones should be taken on an empty stomach ideally. They’re best used only on days when you need an extra boost as it is fairly easy to get used to them quickly. Ketones should not be combined with MCT (unless you want to shit yourself) and they can heighten the effects of caffeine. So it’s best to avoid taking them around the same time as coffee or other stimulants or energy drinks. Ketones are particularly fantastic for high-performance jobs, be it physical or psychological demands. They’re particularly great for introverted individuals or anyone that has a difficult time coping with prolonged social stress/demands.
Always give ketones a test run before using them before an important event. The only thing that could be worse than social anxiety is getting doo doo pants during your job interview…
