Low-Carb Diets Cause Euphoria
The early phases of low-carbohydrate diets are accompanied by feelings of well-being and euphoria. Scientists have linked these sensations to ketones (ketosis) – chemicals formed by incomplete breakdown of fats.
One of the ketones is β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a chemical similar to the date rape drug gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). GHB is an anesthetic that causes euphoria, unconsciousness and loss of memory; BHB has similar effects.
Dr. Andrew Brown from the University of New South Wales speculated that BHB is responsible for the pleasant feelings people feel during the early phases of low-carbohydrate dieting.
He suggested that scientists conduct research to determine if GHB and BHB have similar effects on the brain. [sources: Medical Hypotheses, Fitness Rx for Men]
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