The Keto Psychiatrist: What Keto Is Really Doing To Your Body! Can It Cure 43% Of Mental Illness?

Name: The Keto Psychiatrist: What Keto Is Really Doing To Your Body! Can It Cure 43% Of Mental Illness?
Uploaded: 2025-01-16T08:00:16.000Z
Duration: 3 h 34 min 4 s

The Impact of a Ketogenic Diet on Mental Health

Introduction to the Ketogenic Diet and Mental Health

A ketogenic diet can lead to significant reductions in anxiety within 3 days to 3 weeks, with studies showing that 43% of patients with severe mental illnesses achieved clinical remission.

Dr. Georgia E., a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, emphasizes the importance of nutrition in mental health, advocating for food-based approaches over traditional psychiatric medications.

Personal Experience and Nutritional Insights

Dr. E shares her personal health struggles in her early 40s, including chronic fatigue and anxiety, which prompted her to experiment with her diet.

She discovered that a diet contrary to conventional wisdom alleviated her symptoms and led her to study the nutritional needs of the brain extensively.

The Role of Metabolic Psychiatry

Dr. E defines metabolic psychiatry as understanding how food affects brain metabolism and mental health, highlighting its novelty as a field.

This emerging discipline allows exploration into root causes of mental health issues beyond just chemical imbalances typically addressed by medication.

Understanding Root Causes of Mental Health Conditions

Key drivers identified include brain inflammation, oxidative stress (hence the recommendation for antioxidants), and insulin resistance affecting over 90% of Americans.

The Benefits of a Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet alters how the brain receives energy by switching from high carbohydrate intake to low carbohydrate intake, fundamentally changing cellular energy pathways.

Prolonged adherence to a ketogenic diet promotes healing in brain cells, enhancing their functionality over time.

Academic Background and Career Path

Dr. E's academic journey includes an undergraduate degree in biology followed by medical school at the University of Vermont and residency training at Harvard.

Practice in Psychiatry

Understanding the Role of Nutrition in Mental Health

The Intersection of Psychiatry and Nutrition

Psychiatrists typically combine medications with psychotherapy, but nutrition's role is often overlooked in traditional training.

Medical education provides minimal focus on nutrition; only a few hours are dedicated to it during medical school and residency.

Despite years of practice, many psychiatrists find that patients do not significantly improve with conventional treatments alone.

Mental illnesses are often viewed as chronic and incurable, leading to a reliance on medication and therapy without addressing underlying factors like nutrition.

The brain responds to various life aspects, including diet, light exposure, relationships, and physical activity.

Misconceptions About Food's Impact on Mental Health

Many people believe food has little impact on mental health due to outdated information about nutrition.

Incorrect nutritional advice leads individuals to feel their dietary changes are ineffective for improving mental health.

Common strategies like increasing whole foods or specific superfoods may not yield expected results because they lack proper guidance.

Proper nutritional interventions can lead to significant improvements in mood, memory, concentration, and overall mental stability within weeks.

Personal Journey Towards Nutritional Awareness

The speaker emphasizes the need for accurate information regarding dietary changes that can positively affect mental health outcomes.

There was no singular "Eureka" moment; rather, the speaker’s journey into nutritional psychiatry stemmed from personal health challenges faced in their 40s.

Many physicians discover the importance of nutrition through patient experiences or their own health struggles when conventional methods fail them.

The speaker experienced declining health despite following standard dietary guidelines (low-fat, high-fiber), prompting exploration into alternative diets.

After experimenting with diet changes over six months, the speaker found an unconventional approach that resolved both physical symptoms and improved mental well-being.

Conclusion: A Shift in Perspective Needed

Traditional views on healthy eating may not align with what actually benefits individual health; personalized approaches are crucial.

Understanding Mental Health and Nutrition

The Impact of Diet on Mental Health

The speaker reflects on personal experiences with mental fatigue, anxiety, and depression, particularly noting feelings of exhaustion after work and anxiety before the workweek begins.

There is a societal expectation of poor mental health as normal; however, the speaker argues that proper nutrition can significantly enhance brain function and overall well-being.

Dietary Changes for Improved Well-being

The diet discussed is primarily meat-based, low in carbohydrates and fiber, high in fats from whole foods, with minimal plant foods. This includes seafood, poultry, non-starchy vegetables.

The speaker emphasizes that this dietary approach resolved both physical and mental health issues previously unrecognized.

Journey into Nutrition Science

Initially hesitant to recommend this diet due to lack of knowledge about nutrition, the speaker undertook extensive independent study including a graduate course at Harvard School of Public Health.

Curiosity drove the exploration into why certain foods are deemed healthy or harmful (e.g., differences between red meat and white meat).

Understanding Food's Role in Brain Health

The speaker shares insights about food that many people may not know—specifically how certain nutrients affect brain health positively or negatively.

Emphasizes that true dietary change comes from removing harmful ingredients rather than just adding beneficial ones.

Principles of Personalizing Diet

Introduces the concept of "power of subtraction" in dietary choices—focusing on eliminating harmful elements rather than merely adding supplements or superfoods.

Highlights the importance of personal experimentation with diets since what works for one individual may not be suitable for another.

Fundamental Nutritional Principles

Discusses two levels of dietary knowledge: fundamental principles applicable to all humans versus personalized approaches based on individual needs and tolerances.

What Does a Brain Healthy Diet Look Like?

Key Principles of a Brain Healthy Diet

A brain healthy diet is essential for all organs, not just the brain. It should nourish, protect, and energize every cell in the body.

To nourish effectively, the diet must deliver all essential nutrients safely to cells without relying on supplements or processed foods. Including some animal foods is necessary for meeting these nutritional needs.

Protecting the brain involves eliminating damaging ingredients that cause inflammation and oxidative stress. Many people experience brain inflammation without realizing it, which can lead to depression and other conditions.

The focus on protection emphasizes subtraction rather than addition; it's crucial to remove inflammatory foods from the diet instead of merely adding antioxidants.

Energizing the brain requires a constant supply of high-quality energy. Maintaining healthy glucose and insulin levels is vital for optimal brain function over time.

Personalization in Dietary Choices

Understanding glucose and insulin levels is key to personalizing dietary choices. This knowledge empowers individuals to optimize their energy generation in the brain.

Personalization begins with assessing metabolic health; those with significant metabolic damage may need stricter carbohydrate control compared to those with better metabolic health.

Excluding refined carbohydrates and vegetable oils from diets aligns with protecting overall health, particularly against common Western dietary patterns that contribute to chronic diseases.

Metabolic personalization allows individuals to determine how much carbohydrate they can tolerate based on their unique health status, including factors like age and activity level.

Recognizing where one stands on the insulin resistance spectrum provides insight into managing emotional, intellectual, and physical health risks associated with chronic diseases.

Environmental Impact on Health

The immune system's robustness affects food tolerance; many people struggle with tolerating various foods due to environmental toxins impacting gut function and barriers.

Common environmental stressors include plastics, pesticides, antibiotics, and ultra-processed foods that compromise bodily defenses over time.

Personalized approaches often involve trial-and-error methods; however, providing specific lists of problematic foods can streamline this process for individuals seeking dietary adjustments.

Understanding Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is often misunderstood as merely a weight loss strategy but serves broader purposes related to mental health management as well.

The Origins and Benefits of the Ketogenic Diet

Historical Context of the Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet was created in 1921 to stabilize brain chemistry in children with severe seizures, predating effective seizure medications.

It aimed to mimic fasting without starving children, as fasting had been observed to improve epilepsy symptoms for centuries.

Mechanism and Effects on Brain Health

Over 50% of children and adults experienced significant improvements in seizure control when following a strict ketogenic diet.

The diet reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, which are linked to mental health issues.

It helps balance brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA that are often implicated in mental illnesses.

Individual Responses to Dietary Changes

Different individuals may develop various conditions (e.g., Alzheimer's, bipolar disorder) based on their unique metabolic responses to poor diets.

Metabolic malfunction at the cellular level can lead to both physical and mental diseases; individual risk varies based on genetics and lifestyle.

Clinical Study Insights on Ketogenic Diet Efficacy

Overview of Dr. Alber Dena's Study

Dr. Alber Dena conducted a study involving 31 treatment-resistant patients with chronic mental illnesses who adopted a mildly ketogenic Whole Foods diet under supervision.

Participants had an average illness duration of 10 years and were taking multiple psychiatric medications upon entering the study.

Results of the Intervention

Remarkably, 28 out of 31 participants adhered to the diet for over two weeks; all showed improvement in their conditions.

Notably, 43% achieved clinical remission from their primary psychiatric disorders while 64% left without psychiatric medication.

Considerations Regarding Study Conditions

Understanding the Impact of a Ketogenic Diet

Transitioning to a Ketogenic Diet

The transition to a ketogenic diet can cause significant changes in brain chemistry, which may initially be stressful and lead to feelings of discomfort before improvement is felt.

Monitoring medications is crucial during this transition as blood sugar and blood pressure levels can drop significantly, especially for those on diabetes or blood pressure medications.

Risks Associated with Medication and Diet

Physicians often need to reduce diabetes medication by half when starting patients on a ketogenic diet due to its effectiveness in lowering blood sugar, preventing dangerously low levels.

The combination of a ketogenic diet with certain medications poses risks; thus, understanding how these interact is essential for safety.

Defining the Ketogenic Diet

A ketogenic diet is defined not just by low carbohydrates but by its ability to lower insulin levels sufficiently for fat burning.

Many individuals have persistently high insulin levels due to frequent consumption of inappropriate foods, making it difficult to enter ketosis without dietary changes.

Comparing Dietary Approaches

If participants had followed a Mediterranean or standard American diet instead of transitioning directly into ketosis, they might have experienced some benefits simply from reducing processed food intake.

Changing from a poor modern diet to whole foods through keto alters many variables, complicating the assessment of ketones' specific effects.

Strategies for Lowering Insulin Levels

There are multiple methods available for lowering insulin levels: fasting, intermittent fasting, exercise, and calorie restriction can all induce ketosis.

While other strategies can initiate ketosis temporarily, only the ketogenic diet allows for sustainable long-term maintenance of this state.

Sustainability Challenges with Keto

Adhering strictly to a ketogenic diet can be challenging over time; even short studies show dropout rates among participants attempting it.

Despite challenges in maintaining the diet long-term due to environmental and social pressures (like sugar addiction), many find keto easier than other diets based on personal experiences.

Personal Experiences with Keto

Individuals report profound impacts from following keto intermittently—improvements in focus and body composition are common observations after short periods on the diet.

Understanding Ketosis and Appetite Regulation

The Role of Ketosis in Appetite Control

Ketosis stabilizes appetite hormones, preventing spikes and crashes in glucose levels that can lead to fluctuations in satiety and stress hormones.

Being in ketosis is likened to wearing a suit of armor against food temptations; it provides a fighting chance against cravings but does not offer complete protection.

Many individuals experience improved adherence to healthy eating plans after being on a ketogenic diet for 6 to 12 weeks due to better appetite control.

Experiences with Ketogenic Diet Transition

People often realize they are in ketosis when they can go long periods without thinking about food, contrasting with the constant hunger experienced on typical diets.

The modern eating pattern, characterized by frequent meals (up to six times a day), is not conducive to nourishment and leads to increased hunger rather than satisfaction.

Personal Reflections on Ketosis Challenges

Individuals may feel like they are on a roller coaster of cravings when not in ketosis, but this sensation diminishes once they adapt to the state of ketosis.

A momentary lapse from ketosis can lead to feelings of defeat, as individuals anticipate the discomfort associated with re-entering ketosis after consuming carbohydrates.

Physiological Adjustments During Dietary Changes

Transitioning from carbohydrate burning to fat burning can be uncomfortable due to physiological adjustments; many experience symptoms commonly referred to as "keto flu."

The body operates as a hybrid engine, utilizing both fat and carbohydrates. Shifting fuel sources requires time for adaptation.

Strategies for Easing into Ketosis

To mitigate discomfort during the transition, electrolyte supplementation is recommended alongside gradually reducing carbohydrate intake over one or two weeks.

A moderate carbohydrate plan can help ease individuals into ketosis more comfortably by lowering glucose and insulin levels progressively.

Understanding Metabolic Flexibility

Many people have lost metabolic flexibility due to prolonged poor dietary habits, making it harder for them to switch between fuel sources effectively.

Understanding Ketosis and Insulin Management

The Role of Insulin in Fat Burning

Lowering insulin levels is crucial for initiating fat burning and generating ketones in the blood, emphasizing that it's not merely about food types but understanding insulin regulation.

Dietary Patterns and Ketosis

Various dietary patterns—vegan, vegetarian, omnivore, or carnivore—can achieve the brain healing benefits associated with ketosis; it’s more about managing insulin than specific foods.

Factors Influencing Insulin Levels

Key factors that raise or lower insulin include refined carbohydrates, whole food carbohydrates, refined proteins (like protein powders), while fats have minimal impact on insulin levels.

Understanding Ketosis Measurement

Experts agree that being "in ketosis" is determined by measuring beta-hydroxybutyrate levels via a blood ketone meter; a reading of 0.5 mmol/L or higher indicates ketosis.

Conditions for Achieving Ketosis

To reach at least 0.5 mmol/L of ketones:

Glucose levels must decrease.

Insulin levels must drop.

A certain amount of stored starch in the liver needs to be utilized.

The Body's Energy Storage Mechanisms

Carbohydrate vs. Fat Storage

The liver has limited capacity to store carbohydrates (less than a day's worth), while fat storage is virtually unlimited; this influences energy utilization during fasting states.

Transitioning to Fat Burning

When carbohydrate stores are low, the body shifts from using glucose to burning fat for energy, leading to increased production of ketones from both body fat and dietary fat sources.

Metabolic Benefits of Being in Ketosis

Importance of Ketone Levels

Most people on typical diets have low or undetectable ketone levels; achieving above 0.5 mmol/L activates numerous metabolic pathways essential for recovery and maintenance within the body.

Long-term Health Implications

Individuals with mental health issues may require long-term ketosis for wellness; however, intermittent periods in ketosis can benefit everyone by promoting healing processes.

Achieving Ketosis Through Diet

Evolutionary Perspective on Diet

Our ancestors likely consumed fewer refined carbohydrates and relied on whole foods like fruits and starchy vegetables which naturally allowed their insulin levels to decrease overnight.

Balanced Eating Habits

Understanding the Impact of Diet on ADHD

The Role of Carbohydrates and Ketosis in Children

Children can enter ketosis overnight even on a regular diet, indicating greater metabolic flexibility compared to adults who may take days to achieve ketosis.

Most adults require 2 to 3 days of fasting to reach ketosis, with some needing up to a week, highlighting differences in metabolic responses between children and adults.

Dietary Influences on ADHD

There is growing concern regarding the rise in ADHD diagnoses among children, prompting investigations into dietary factors that may contribute to these neurodivergent disorders.

Research from the 80s through early 2000s explored dietary interventions for children with severe ADHD using an oligoantigenic (low allergen) diet focused on whole foods.

Efficacy of Dietary Changes

Studies showed a significant response rate (62% - 82%) among children with ADHD when placed on a few foods diet consisting mainly of chicken, lamb, fruits, and vegetables.

Some studies reported up to a 70% cure rate within weeks after dietary changes, suggesting that food can significantly impact symptoms of ADHD.

Current Medical Recommendations

Despite evidence supporting dietary modifications for managing ADHD symptoms, major health organizations do not recommend them as standard treatment due to perceived insufficient evidence.

A review indicated that elimination diets might offer minor benefits for certain subsets of children but are not widely advocated for general use in ADHD management.

Medication vs. Nutritional Interventions

Many families resort to medication for managing ADHD symptoms despite potential risks associated with stimulant medications such as growth stunting and anxiety.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes through nutritional interventions rather than solely relying on medications which often mask underlying issues.

Personal Experiences with ADHD Treatment

The discussion highlights personal choices regarding medication; some individuals find it unnecessary while others experience significant improvements from stimulant treatments.

The variability in individual experiences underscores the complexity of treating ADHD and suggests that treatment should be personalized based on symptom severity and individual needs.

Professional Insights into Treatment Approaches

Understanding ADHD: A Complex Condition

The Serious Nature of ADHD

ADHD is often underestimated, perceived as a minor issue related to concentration or daydreaming, but it can be a serious condition that exists on a spectrum from mild to severe.

Individuals with ADHD face significantly higher risks for suicidal ideation, substance abuse, accidents, depression, anxiety, and divorce compared to those without the condition.

Severe cases of ADHD can lead to debilitating effects on personal and professional life; individuals may struggle to maintain relationships or employment due to their symptoms.

The Discrepancy in Abilities

Many intelligent individuals with ADHD work much harder than their peers yet still feel inadequate due to the gap between their capabilities and actual performance.

This discrepancy leads to feelings of frustration and low self-esteem among those affected by ADHD.

Treatment Considerations

Treatment for ADHD involves careful risk-benefit analysis regarding medication options and lifestyle changes tailored to individual strengths.

Emphasizing lifestyle adjustments that align with personal strengths can help individuals leverage their unique talents rather than struggle against weaknesses.

Research on Diet and ADHD

Current studies are being initiated at Oxford University and the University of Michigan in 2025 exploring the ketogenic diet's impact on adults with ADHD.

There is no existing data linking ketogenic diets directly with ADHD; however, there are indications that metabolic health issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes correlate with higher rates of ADHD.

Challenges in Establishing Links

Establishing cause-and-effect relationships between diet and mental health conditions like ADHD is complex due to confounding factors such as stress levels affecting obesity rates.

Clinical observations suggest that when dietary changes positively affect symptoms, they do so independently of external life circumstances.

Observations from Clinical Practice

In clinical practice, if patients cannot perceive medication effectiveness, it likely indicates it's not working. Similarly, dietary adherence shows immediate impacts on symptoms regardless of other life factors.

Understanding the Impact of Ketogenic Diet on Mental Health

The Initial Observations at Oxford University

At Oxford University, early signals regarding the ketogenic diet's effects on mental health are being observed, but official studies have yet to launch.

Case Study: Bipolar Disorder Type 2

A patient with bipolar disorder type 2 sought help for his condition and was interested in trying a ketogenic diet after hearing it might be beneficial.

This patient experienced severe suicidal ideation during marital conflicts, which he initially associated with his relationship rather than his metabolic state.

Effects of Ketogenic Diet on Mental State

Each time the patient followed a ketogenic diet, his suicidal thoughts diminished, indicating a shift in how he coped with stress.

Many individuals report that the ketogenic diet provides them with a buffer or space to process situations more effectively without immediate emotional reactions.

Behavioral Control and Emotional Regulation

The ketogenic diet appears to enhance control over emotions and behaviors, allowing individuals to respond more thoughtfully to challenging situations.

The Role of Insulin in Metabolism

The ketogenic diet stabilizes glucose and insulin levels, which is crucial as insulin regulates various hormones beyond just blood sugar.

Insulin acts as a master metabolic hormone affecting every cell in the body; its fluctuations can lead to instability within hormonal systems.

Stress Response and Eating Behavior

Fluctuating insulin levels can trigger stress responses (e.g., increased adrenaline), leading to unhealthy eating patterns driven by anxiety or irritability.

A study showed that consuming sugary drinks significantly raised stress hormone levels compared to sugar-free alternatives, highlighting food's role in emotional regulation.

Understanding Food Addiction Dynamics

Processed foods are engineered for overconsumption; they often lack satisfaction compared to whole foods like meat and vegetables that promote satiety.

Understanding the Impact of Processed Carbohydrates on Mental Health

The Role of Ultraprocessed Carbohydrates

Ultraprocessed carbohydrates can lead to overeating, as they bypass hormonal signals that regulate hunger and satiety.

Recognizing this phenomenon is crucial for individuals seeking to regain control over their eating habits.

Case Study: Carl's Journey with Mental Health

Carl, a man in his mid-60s, struggled with lifelong depression and anxiety without seeking treatment until he underwent extensive evaluations at a psychiatric clinic.

After receiving multiple diagnoses (depression, anxiety, ADHD), he began medication but developed manic symptoms and a marijuana addiction as side effects.

Transitioning from Medication to Exercise

Frustrated by the new issues caused by medications, Carl decided to manage his mood through rigorous exercise instead.

He engaged in cycling over 100 miles weekly, which helped reduce his symptoms but did not completely resolve them.

Dietary Changes and Their Effects

As Carl entered his 60s, stressors at work exacerbated his anxiety; he sought alternative solutions online and discovered carnivore diets.

Opting for a carnivore diet consisting of fatty meats led him to experience significant improvements in mental health within weeks.

Long-term Outcomes and Adjustments

By week six on the carnivore diet, Carl reported zero symptoms of depression or anxiety—an unprecedented improvement in his life.

Understanding Dietary Adjustments and the Carnivore Diet

Personal Dietary Adjustments

The speaker discusses a case where they advised an individual to incorporate carbohydrates into their diet to help regain weight, specifically recommending starchy root vegetables and plain yogurt.

The individual tailored their carbohydrate intake based on exercise levels, consuming about 100 grams on workout days and reducing it on rest days.

Principles of Nutrition

The importance of understanding nutritional principles is emphasized; this knowledge allows individuals to make informed dietary adjustments while maintaining health.

A common concern regarding the carnivore diet is potential nutritional deficiencies due to the elimination of certain food groups, such as fibers and essential vitamins.

Nutritional Content of Animal Foods

Animal foods are stated to provide all essential nutrients necessary for human health, unlike plant foods which do not offer a complete nutrient profile.

While meat, seafood, and poultry contain most nutrients needed, dairy products may lack some essential elements.

Fiber Myths in Diet

The speaker addresses misconceptions about fiber's role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. They argue that glucose spikes can be managed without relying solely on fiber.

It is noted that while fiber can help with glucose spikes in high-carbohydrate diets, managing overall carbohydrate intake may be more effective.

Digestive Health and Fiber

There is skepticism about the belief that fiber cleanses the colon; no scientific evidence supports this claim. The intestines have natural mechanisms for self-cleaning.

Fiber is described as indigestible by humans; its supposed benefits for gut bacteria are questioned since butyrate can also be derived from ketones in a ketogenic diet.

Long-term Viability of Carnivore Diet

Concerns about long-term adherence to extreme dietary patterns like the carnivore diet are discussed. There's a lack of comprehensive data on its sustainability over time.

Health Improvements Through Diet

Personal Health Journey

The speaker shares their personal health transformation, having lost 50 pounds and normalized various health markers, including coronary artery calcium scores and triglycerides.

They attribute significant improvements in both physical and mental health to a ketogenic diet, claiming it has cured their seizures and bipolar disorder.

Long-term Dietary Studies

The speaker discusses the challenges of conducting long-term studies on diets like ketogenic, Mediterranean, carnivore, or vegan diets due to practical limitations.

They highlight the dangers of an unsupplemented vegan diet while questioning why similar scrutiny isn't applied to it compared to other diets.

Nutritional Choices and Open-mindedness

The speaker emphasizes that a carnivore diet may not be suitable for everyone but advocates for open-mindedness regarding dietary choices.

They describe themselves as "nutritionally pro-choice," supporting individuals in optimizing their chosen diets for better mental health outcomes.

Understanding Nutrition Science

A call is made to explore the biology of food rather than relying solely on nutrition epidemiology studies, which often involve untested theories about dietary recommendations.

The speaker critiques common beliefs about nutrition as largely based on guesswork rather than solid scientific evidence.

Mechanisms of Weight Loss

Insulin levels are identified as crucial for fat burning; high insulin prevents effective fat loss regardless of calorie intake.

A ketogenic diet is explained as necessary for producing ketones, which indicate fat burning; ketosis is essential for utilizing stored body fat effectively.

Practical Insights on Ketosis

The brain's energy utilization is discussed; if not in ketosis, it will seek carbohydrates despite having ample stored fat available.

The importance of teaching the body to burn fat through dietary adjustments over time is emphasized with a personal anecdote about the speaker's mother losing weight at age 91.

Monitoring Health Metrics

Continuous glucose monitors are recommended for tracking glucose levels in relation to lifestyle choices; however, they do not measure insulin levels directly.

A ketone meter is suggested as a useful tool for determining whether one is burning fat effectively while following a ketogenic diet.

Understanding Ketogenic Foods

Understanding the Ketogenic Diet and Its Psychological Implications

Importance of Consistent Ketosis

The ketogenic diet's effectiveness hinges on achieving consistent daily ketosis for at least six weeks, signaling to cells that fat is being burned.

This process requires time for the body and brain to adapt to burning fat efficiently, as various enzyme systems and pathways need to ramp up.

Matcha and Energy Levels

The speaker expresses enthusiasm for matcha, highlighting its benefits and mentioning an investment in a leading UK matcha company.

A specific product from this company is introduced, showcasing its variety of flavors and promoting a discount code for potential buyers.

Integrating Psychology with Dietary Changes

The discussion shifts towards the intersection of psychology and dietary changes, particularly when patients present with anxiety or depression.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding a patient's psychological background before discussing dietary interventions.

Addressing Complex Relationships with Food

Many individuals have complicated relationships with food influenced by personal history, culture, spirituality, and addiction.

Effective dietary change involves more than just providing scientific information; it requires addressing these complex emotional connections.

Comprehensive Patient Assessment

Initial consultations can last 90 minutes to two hours to gather comprehensive insights into a patient’s life beyond their eating habits.

Understanding challenges related to exercise, sleep, relationships, and support systems is crucial for effective dietary guidance.

Team Approach in Dietary Management

Implementing a ketogenic diet effectively often necessitates collaboration among professionals: dieticians/nutrition therapists for personalized plans, prescribing doctors for medication management, and coaches/therapists for motivation.

The Impact of Ketogenic Diet on Mental Health

The Turning Point in Adapting to a Ketogenic Diet

Around week three of adopting a ketogenic diet, individuals often experience a significant shift in their body's and brain's functioning, marking a turning point for many.

Research Insights on Keto and Anxiety

Practitioners using ketogenic diets report two main benefits: reduced anxiety and improved mental clarity. These effects can manifest within three days to three weeks after starting the diet.

Stress Hormones and Their Effects

Life stressors and dietary choices both influence stress hormone levels, particularly cortisol. High cortisol is linked to various mental health issues and can damage brain structures like the hippocampus over time.

Studies Supporting Ketogenic Diet Efficacy

A 2023 systematic review highlighted potential benefits of low carbohydrate ketogenic diets for mood and anxiety disorders but called for more randomized control trials for conclusive evidence.

A 2024 pilot study from Stanford Medicine found that participants with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder reported improvements in energy, sleep, mood, and quality of life when following a ketogenic diet.

Personal Reflections on Mental Health Benefits

The speaker shares personal motivations for following a ketogenic diet—primarily focus and body composition—but acknowledges newfound awareness of its potential mental health benefits.

Addressing Regrets at Life's End

When reflecting on what one might regret at the end of life, the importance of cultivating healthy relationships is emphasized over professional achievements like writing books.

Importance of Understanding Metabolic Psychiatry

The discussion highlights how understanding the link between nutrition (what we eat) and mental health is crucial yet often overlooked.

Book Recommendations

The speaker praises a recently published book that makes complex topics accessible to non-scientists, emphasizing its relevance for those struggling with mental health conditions.

Encouragement for Those Seeking Change

1% Mindset and the 1% Diary

The Concept of Small Improvements

Actions that are easy to do are also easy not to do; for example, saving a dollar is simple, but so is choosing not to save it.

Making one small improvement each day can lead to significant progress over time, embodying the essence of the 1% mindset.

The 1% diary was created as a tool to help individuals stay consistent by focusing on small wins and making real progress over a 90-day period.

Community and Accountability

Joining the 1% community provides access to a supportive space where members can stay accountable, motivated, and inspired alongside others on similar journeys.