Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body produced from fat by the liver for energy when glucose isn’t available. It ultimately becomes the body and brain’s primary source of energy. Even though it has a strange-sounding name, BHB is a naturally occurring molecule produced by your body during ketosis.
You may hear BHB referred to as “exogenous ketones”. These are BHB salts. BHB salts are supplemental ketone bodies that you can take to reach a state of ketosis more quickly.
Because it takes some time for your body to adapt to using fat for fuel instead of glucose (carbs), you may feel some adaptation pains, like fatigue, hunger (cravings for sugar, a faster energy source), and mental cloudiness. These are the symptoms that define what keto-ers call the “keto flu”.
Supplementing BHB on a keto diet can have a profound positive impact to new keto-ers sticking to the diet. When you’re looking for your BHB supplement, be sure to choose one with adequate levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Be aware though that because of the levels of these minerals, many BHB products can have a chemical aftertaste.
