Biological Software

Ketones

Molecules produced from fat when glucose is low — beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and others. A "cleaner" fuel for the brain.

Ketones (ketone bodies) are molecules produced by the liver when the body burns fat for fuel. The main ketone used by the brain is beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Ketones are a "cleaner" fuel—producing fewer reactive oxygen species than glucose.

Key Properties

  • Fat-derived — produced when glucose is low and insulin is low
  • Brain fuel — the brain can use ketones when glucose is scarce
  • Stable energy — fewer spikes and crashes than glucose
  • Metabolic flexibility — ketones indicate your system has accessed fat storage

In ONDA Life

Accessing ketones is like switching your CPU to a more stable power supply. The Fasted Window and Zone 2 protocols support ketone production. See the Metabolic Flexibility article for full protocols.