Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership
Can the Keto Diet Revolutionize Mental Health Treatment?
Emerging research suggests that metabolic treatments like the ketogenic diet could be groundbreaking for mental health. Traditionally used to manage epilepsy, the keto diet—a high-fat, low-carb, moderate-protein approach—induces ketosis, a state where the body uses fat as its primary energy source. This metabolic shi...
Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership
Can the Keto Diet Revolutionize Mental Health Treatment?
Emerging research suggests that metabolic treatments like the ketogenic diet could be groundbreaking for mental health. Traditionally used to manage epilepsy, the keto diet—a high-fat, low-carb, moderate-protein approach—induces ketosis, a state where the body uses fat as its primary energy source. This metabolic shift may improve brain function by stabilizing neuronal activity, reducing inflammation, and enhancing mitochondrial health. These benefits are now being explored for severe mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression.
One study found that 43% of patients with severe psychiatric disorders achieved remission on a medical ketogenic diet, and all participants experienced symptom improvement. Stories like Lauren Kennedy West’s—who used keto to manage her schizoaffective disorder and eventually stopped psychiatric medications—highlight its transformative potential.
Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Chris Palmer theorizes that mental illnesses are rooted in metabolic dysfunction. By addressing underlying metabolic issues, interventions like keto, intermittent fasting, and exercise could revolutionize treatment. However, while the results are promising, challenges remain. Adherence to keto can be difficult, and long-term effects on gut health and nutrient balance require further research.
Metabolic treatments offer hope and a fresh perspective for those seeking alternatives to traditional mental health approaches. Always consult a professional before trying such interventions.
Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell
Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com
Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell
Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com
Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books
Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.
And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe
If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.
Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
