The keto diet has been praised left and right as the ultimate brain-boosting lifestyle. Clearer focus, sharper thinking, endless energy, it sounds like the dream, doesn’t it? But here’s the catch: not every brain thrives on keto. Mine certainly doesn’t. In fact, pairing my brain type with keto turns into… well, a bit of a mental disaster.
Let me explain.
According to research from brain imaging clinics like the Amen Clinics, there are five primary brain types. And no, this isn’t woo-woo, it’s grounded in neuroscience. While you don’t need a brain scan to figure it out, understanding your brain type can change the way you see food, focus, and even your energy levels.
I’ve come to accept that my brain is the persistent type. Think: super organized, laser-focused, list-maker extraordinaire. Persistent brains are hardworking, detail-oriented, and driven. But the flip side? We can also be stubborn, perfectionistic, overthinking worriers who never quite switch off. (Sound familiar, mums?)
Now here’s the problem: keto is a focus-enhancing diet. When you fuel your brain with ketones instead of carbs, you get this sharp, crystal-clear energy. For many people, that’s life-changing. But for a brain like mine, which already runs at 110%, keto feels like throwing fuel on an already blazing fire.
The result? I’m buzzing all day long, troubleshooting work problems while cooking dinner, wide awake in bed when I should be winding down. My brain keeps throwing me solutions at 11 p.m. when all I want is sleep. And yes, sometimes I overeat in the evening just trying to calm that inner buzz.
I’ve even noticed that my typical eating style, one meal a day, sometimes two on weekends, plus brain-boosting supplements like ginkgo biloba make things even sharper. Great for productivity, not so great for peace of mind.
So what’s the solution? For me, it’s about dialing things down. I’ve already cut morning caffeine, which helps a little. And I remind myself that no two brains are alike. Even if keto is the “perfect” brain diet on paper, what matters most is how it makes you feel.
If you thrive on it, wonderful, keto can naturally support your brain in powerful ways. But if, like me, it keeps you wired and restless, it may not be the best fit. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to brain health.
At the end of the day, remember this: your brain is amazing, exactly as it is. The key is learning how to support it, not fight against it.
-Written by Hala Ali, founder of Dietapplements
