The Brain Energy Crisis: Why High Insulin is the Hidden Cause of Brain Fog & Dementia

“The trash doesn't get taken out until the insulin gets lower... most people have been making buckets of insulin without knowing it.” — Dr. Annette Bosworth (Dr. Boz)

If you’ve ever felt like your brain is "sluggish" or full of static, you might not be tired. You might be toxic.

Dr. Annette Bosworth (Dr. Boz) frames brain health through a powerful metaphor: "Taking out the trash." Every day, your brain cells create metabolic waste. In a healthy brain, a process called autophagy (literally "self-eating") sweeps this trash away.

But there is a gatekeeper to this process: Insulin.

When insulin is high—which happens chronically in a diet high in processed carbs—it signals "growth" and "storage." It effectively locks the doors to the trash room. The waste accumulates. Over years, this "trash" manifests first as brain fog and anxiety, and eventually as the neurodegeneration seen in Alzheimer’s (often called Type 3 Diabetes) and Parkinson’s.

The solution isn't just "eating better." It's switching fuel systems entirely to perform a deep clean.

1. The Metric: The "Dr. Boz Ratio" (GKI)

A standard glucose test is insufficient; it only tells you half the story. You can have "normal" blood sugar but be pumping out massive amounts of insulin to keep it there.

To see the truth, Dr. Boz uses the Glucose Ketone Index (GKI), a metric originally developed by cancer researchers to track metabolic health. It measures the relationship between your fuel (glucose) and your repair signal (ketones).

How to Calculate It

Most U.S. glucose meters measure in mg/dL, but the scientific ratio requires mmol/L. You must convert the glucose first.

The Formula: (Glucose ÷ 18) ÷ Ketones = Your Ratio

Example: If your Glucose is 86 and Ketones are 0.9: (86 ÷ 18) = 4.7 4.7 ÷ 0.9 = 5.2 (Your GKI) (Moderate Ketosis)

The Targets

• > 9: High Insulin / Storage Mode.
• 6 – 9: Low-Level Ketosis (Weight maintenance).
• 3 – 6: Moderate Ketosis (Reversing Type 2 Diabetes/Obesity).
• < 3: High Therapeutic Ketosis (The target for managing cancer or neurodegeneration).

2. The Protocol: The "Sardine Challenge"

If your numbers are stuck, Dr. Boz recommends a "system reset" known as the Sardine Challenge. It is designed to force the body into ketosis rapidly (usually within 72 hours) by removing all glucose triggers.

The Rules (72 Hours):

• Menu: Sardines only. (Packed in oil recommended for higher fat).
• Quantity: Unlimited. Eat until you are full to ensure satiety.
• Window: No fasting window required. If you are hungry, eat sardines.
• Liquids: Water, black coffee, or tea only.

Why Sardines? They are the ultimate "brain food." They provide a massive dose of Omega-3s (DHA/EPA) for rebuilding cell membranes, while having zero carbohydrates. This forces the liver to deplete glycogen and begin producing ketones (BHB), which act not just as fuel, but as signaling molecules that turn on repair genes.

3. The "Weird" Symptoms: Reading Your Body

You don't always need a blood test to see insulin resistance. Dr. Boz points to three specific physical signs that "the trash isn't being taken out."

1. Skin Tags: These aren't random. Studies link skin tags (acrochordons) directly to metabolic syndrome. They are a sign that insulin is acting as a "growth factor" in your skin.
2. "Dirty Neck" (Acanthosis Nigricans): A velvety, dark patch of skin on the back of the neck or armpits. This is a clinically validated sign of high circulating insulin stimulating skin cell proliferation.
3. Hair Loss on Toes: If your toes are smooth/hairless, it may be a sign of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Chronic high blood sugar damages blood vessels, starving the extremities of the nutrients needed to grow hair.

4. Advanced Support: Magnesium & Methylene Blue

Once the fuel source is switched, Dr. Boz suggests supporting the "engine" with specific tools:

• The Magnesium Float: Magnesium is the "spark plug" for ATP (energy) production. To bypass digestive issues, she suggests soaking in high-salinity baths (Epsom salts) to encourage relaxation and potential transdermal absorption.
• Methylene Blue: A historic dye that acts as an electron cycler, helping mitochondria move fuel more efficiently.

CRITICAL SAFETY ALERT: Methylene Blue is a potent Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). The FDA has issued strict warnings that it must not be combined with SSRIs (antidepressants) or other psychiatric medications. This combination can lead to Serotonin Syndrome, a life-threatening condition. Always consult a physician.

Conclusion

"Brain fog" is often a warning light. It’s a signal that your brain is struggling to clear debris faster than it creates it. By lowering insulin—whether through the Ratio, the Sardine Challenge, or simply cutting processed carbs—you aren't just losing weight. You are unlocking the cleaning crew and letting your brain finally take out the trash.