The brain’s fuel comes from one sweet commodity: sugar. Also known as glucose, sugar acts as the primary energy source for the nervous system’s intricate workings once inside the body. Without its steady supply, our remarkably complex brains would grind to a halt, leaving cognition and neurological function vulnerable to the ravages of degeneration.
Research has demonstrated the immediate positive impact of glucose on memory. I have witnessed instances where Alzheimer’s patients experienced temporary memory improvement after consuming glucose, illustrating the direct correlation between glucose levels and cognitive performance. However, this improvement was short-lived, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining stable glucose levels to sustain cognitive function over time.
The brain’s disproportionate consumption of glucose underscores its metabolic significance. Despite its relatively small size compared to other organs, the brain uses over 20 percent of the body’s glucose, highlighting its constant demand for the essential fuel. This high metabolic activity underscores the brain’s dependence on a steady supply of glucose to support its complex functions.
When glucose levels in the brain drop, it triggers the secretion of excessive amounts of glutamate. This overabundance of glutamate is linked to the development of depression, as it causes an excessive reaction in the brain regions associated with depressive states. This imbalance of glutamate levels may also con.
