Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind: Ketogenic Therapy for Mental Health with Dr. Georgia Ede | The Metabolic Link Ep. 34
Feb 14, 2024
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Dr. Georgia Ede, Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in nutrition science and brain metabolism, discusses implementing a therapeutic ketogenic diet, the critical role of ketones in brain health, the lack of nutrition education in medical training, and Alzheimer's disease as a metabolic disorder.
Incorporating ketogenic diets into mental health treatment can have unique therapeutic benefits for attention, memory, mood, concentration, and sleep.
Excellent metabolic health is crucial for optimal mental health, as the brain relies on properly functioning cells for energy production and overall brain health.
Deep dives
Ketogenic diets for mental health
The podcast discusses the potential benefits of incorporating ketogenic diets into mental health treatment. The speaker shares their personal journey of exploring the relationship between metabolic health and mental health, starting with the use of ketogenic diets for epilepsy. They discovered similarities between epilepsy and bipolar disorder and wondered if a ketogenic diet could stabilize brain chemistry in people with mood disorders. Through their clinical work, they found that a ketogenic diet had unique therapeutic benefits for a variety of mental health issues, including attention, memory, mood, concentration, and sleep. The ability of ketones to easily cross into the brain, even in people with insulin resistance, helps bridge the energy gap and improves brain function.
The importance of metabolic health
The podcast emphasizes the link between metabolic health and mental health. Metabolic health refers to how our cells function on a daily basis, including energy production, waste removal, and overall cell maintenance. The speaker emphasizes that excellent mental health cannot exist without excellent metabolic health, as the brain relies on properly functioning cells. By shifting to a well-formulated ketogenic diet, the brain's energy production systems operate more efficiently, resulting in improved overall brain health and alleviation of symptoms in various mental health conditions.
Reevaluating traditional nutrition guidelines
The podcast challenges traditional nutrition guidelines and provides insights into a brain-healthy diet. The speaker highlights the misconception that consuming more plant-based foods, rich in antioxidants, is the solution for brain health. In reality, the brain already has its own internal antioxidant systems, and excessive oxidative stress is often caused by the foods we eat. By removing refined carbohydrates and following a properly constructed ketogenic diet, the intake of harmful ingredients that promote oxidative stress, such as sugar and alcohol, is reduced. This dietary approach becomes a powerful antioxidant strategy, protecting and nourishing the brain more effectively.
This week’s episode of The Metabolic Link features an illuminating sit-down interview with Dr. Georgia Ede, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in nutrition science and brain metabolism. With over 25 years of clinical experience, including 12 years as a college psychiatrist and nutrition consultant at Smith College and Harvard University Health Services, Dr. Ede was the first to offer students nutrition-based approaches as an alternative to psychiatric medications. She speaks internationally about using dietary therapies for psychiatric disorders, co-authored the first inpatient study of the ketogenic diet for treatment-resistant mental illness, and developed the first accredited course on ketogenic diets for mental health practitioners. Her new book Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind was published in January 2024.
In this wide-ranging interview, we cover:
Implementing a therapeutic ketogenic diet in Dr. Ede’s clinical practice and the mental health benefits observed
The critical role of ketones in alleviating cerebral glucose hypometabolism
Why metabolic health forms the foundation for optimal mental health
The lack of practical nutrition education in medical training and why it matters
Alzheimer’s disease as a metabolic disorder
The importance of insulin levels, not just glucose, for gauging metabolic health
Watch the full episode on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel and be sure to catch Dr. Ede on The Metabolic Psychiatry Panel featuring Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Iain Campbell, and Matt Baszucki. On-Demand access closes on Friday, February 16th so don't wait! Get your virtual pass at metabolichealthsummit.com.
Also be sure to catch Dr. Ede on March 6th where she'll be joining us for a live Q&A on The Metabolic Initiative. We’ll be exploring ketogenic therapy for mental health. Register to join us here.
In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!
Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.
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