Can a Ketogenic Diet Treat Bipolar Disorder? | Dr. Iain Campbell

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Iain Campbell, a metabolic psychiatry researcher at the University of Edinburgh, to explore the emerging science behind using ketogenic diets as a potential treatment for bipolar disorder and other serious mental health conditions.

With both scientific expertise and lived experience of bipolar type II, Iain shares how nutritional ketosis may be more than just a physical health tool — it might be a game-changer for mental health too. We dive into the connection between metabolism, brain energy, glutamate, circadian rhythms, and psychiatric medications — and what happens when these systems go off balance.

Whether you're dealing with bipolar disorder, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the future of psychiatry, this episode offers deep insights and real hope.

00:00 Introduction & Why Metabolic Psychiatry Matters

01:57 Ketogenic Diet & Bipolar Disorder – Where It All Began

03:21 Iain’s Personal Battle with Bipolar & Path to Discovery

05:10 The Link Between Ketosis and Mood Stabilization

08:11 Ketone Levels – What’s Optimal for Mental Health?

12:20 Exogenous Ketones & MCT Oil for Rapid Relief

13:35 Evolution, Ketosis & Our Modern Diet

14:44 Ketosis, Mania, and Glutamate Explained

17:00 Fixing the “Engine” – Root-Cause Mental Health Solutions

18:18 The Spring Equinox & Seasonal Triggers in Bipolar

21:06 Evolutionary Advantage of Bipolar Genes?

22:25 Managing Mood Swings Through Diet

24:01 Insulin Resistance as a Driver of Psychiatric Disorders

26:37 Who Else Could Benefit from This Approach?

28:05 A Breakthrough Moment in Psychiatry’s Acceptance

31:00 How a Tweet Changed Everything

33:18 The Future of Metabolic Psychiatry Research

34:34 Diet + Medication – Why Integration Matters

36:38 The Power of a Patient-Driven Movement

39:02 Rethinking Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications

42:09 Can We Prevent Mental Illness with Early Intervention?

43:29 Hope for Young People Facing a Diagnosis 44:15 Upcoming Research & What’s Next

▬▬ Links ▬▬▬▬▬

Follow Dr. Iain Campbell: @iaincampbellphd

Learn more at: https://www.ketoforbipolar.com

Watch his patient interview series: Keto for Bipolar on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SaWFpW2U8o&list=PLzWI83-NWCL5wLVxPUIjg9fP92sl7bdhP

Dr. Chris Palmer’s work: https://www.brainenergy.com

Big thanks to the guys at https://octopod.productions for their fantastic audio and video editing!

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