Ketogenic Diet: A New Hope for Mental Health
Episode Overview
The ketogenic diet can support brain health by providing an alternative fuel source. Insulin resistance in the brain can lead to energy deprivation despite high glucose levels. Improving mitochondrial function is crucial for better brain performance. Practical steps include intermittent fasting and reducing refined carbohydrates. Nutritional psychiatry offers new hope for treating severe mental illnesses.
The brain needs glucose, but if it's insulin resistant, it can be bathed in glucose and still starve for energy
Ready to rethink your approach to mental health? In this episode of Brain Shaman, Michael Waite chats with Dr. Matt Bernstein, CEO of Accord Mental Health and Chief Medical Officer at Ellenhorn, about the ketogenic diet's potential to improve or even reverse conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. Dr. Bernstein shares his personal journey, detailing how his own children's severe OCD and depression led him to explore alternative treatments when traditional methods failed.
This eye-opening discussion dives into the science behind how ketones support brain health and the practical steps you can take to incorporate this metabolic approach into your life. From managing insulin resistance to enhancing mitochondrial function, the ketogenic diet offers a promising path for those seeking new solutions for mental health challenges. If you're curious about how nutrition can play a role in mental well-being, this episode is a must-listen.