The Contribution of Ketogenic Diets Combined with Physical Activity to the Increase of BDNF and GH in Neuroplasticity in Animals

This article reviews the contribution of ketogenic diets combined with physical activity in increasing levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Growth Hormone (GH) in neuroplasticity in animals. Neuroplasticity is crucial for the adaptation and functional recovery of the nervous system, and nutritional approaches have shown promise in this context. The ketogenic diet, characterized by high lipid intake and low carbohydrates, induces the production of ketone bodies, which act as epigenetic modulators and neuroprotectors. Studies demonstrate that this diet, combined with physical exercise, can increase levels of BDNF and GH, promoting neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, as well as improving cognition and emotional well-being in animals, particularly in the elderly and epileptic populations. The review also highlights the inadequacy of commercial pet foods, which often contain high levels of carbohydrates, negatively impacting animal health. Scientific literature suggests the need for reformulating these diets to better meet the nutritional needs of dogs and cats. The combination of ketogenic diet and physical activity offers significant potential for clinical interventions in veterinary medicine, promoting neurological health and quality of life in animals. This article emphasizes the importance of further research to validate these findings and establish practical guidelines for implementing these nutritional strategies in veterinary practice.