Keto High: Is It Real and Why Does It Happen?

Some Reddit users who started a ketogenic diet report experiencing a "keto high," defined as improved thinking and the feeling of euphoria. Experts say there may be several explanations, but a keto diet is not healthy long-term.

A ketogenic or keto diet is an increasingly popular eating pattern, followed by about 7% of Americans, according to 2022 data.

In the keto diet, 70–80% of calorie intake comes from fat, 10–20% from protein, and 5–10%. The diet focuses on animal products like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, as well as leafy greens, cucumber, and celery. Low-carbohydrate and non-starchy vegetables are also allowed.

People on a keto diet normally experience ketosis, the process in which the body burns stored fat for energy instead of blood sugar. Ketosis can be accompanied by weight loss and so-called keto flu, which includes symptoms like constipation, headache, fatigue, and brain fog.

However, some Reddit users report opposite experiences after going into ketosis, which they dubbed "keto high." One Redditor even compared the experience to feeling like a "god."

"I remember realizing my brain was working properly for the first time in my life, my ADHD symptoms went away. I was energetic, no brain fog, I had better memory. I wouldn't freeze in conversations anymore, words would come out of my brain faster," the user explained.

Another user remembered the urge to run back to the office after lunch despite wearing business attire at the beginning of going into ketosis.

One Redditor said they felt "absolutely amazing" during the first few months on a diet and had some of the best performances in years. However, the alleged "keto high" seemed to fade after the first few months.

In fact, most Redditors reporting "keto high" said it eventually went away and didn't return.

What causes the keto high?

Destini Moody, a registered nutritionist at Top Nutrition Coaching says that there is no solid scientific evidence on the cause of a "keto high."

However, a common hypothesis suggests that in ketosis, the energy is provided by one of the ketones called BHB, which is closely related to GHB, also known as the prescription drug Xyrem.

The drug is commonly used to treat narcolepsy by providing a boost of energy and can also be used for the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence. Due to its ability to produce intense euphoria, Xyrem is also used as a party drug known as liquid ecstasy.

Moody tells Healthnews, "Some researchers believe that the similar properties of the compound GHB and the ketone body BHB may produce similar feelings of happiness."

She adds, "This sudden shift to a more nutrient-rich diet could give an individual more energy and less brain fog."

Is the keto diet safe?

Moody says there has been no research that has shown that the keto diet is inherently more effective for weight loss or health improvement than a traditional, balanced diet that includes all food groups.

The keto diet is often praised for weight loss, which is attributed to accelerated calorie burning. However, a recent study suggests that the actual reason why people on a keto diet lose weight is because it normally involves reduced caloric intake.

According to a 2021 review article, the benefits of a keto diet may include lowered blood glucose, although its efficacy typically wanes within the first few months.

At the same time, the diet may raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Women who follow a ketogenic diet during pregnancy are more likely to have a child with a neural tube defect.

Some people on a keto diet may indeed experience increased energy and improved focus. However, a traditional diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provide more substantial health benefits long-term.