Oxford’s Keto for ADHD & Depression Randomized Controlled Trial - with Ally Houston
May 21, 2024
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Ally Houston, a pioneer in ketogenic therapy for ADHD and depression, shares his remarkable journey from a career in physics to mental health advocacy. He discusses a groundbreaking trial at Oxford testing the ketogenic diet's effects on ADHD and depression, emphasizing the importance of scientific validation. Ally explores the relationship between gut health and neurological well-being, while addressing the dual challenges and creativity associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. He also highlights a crowdfunding campaign to support this innovative study.
Ally Houston's personal success with the ketogenic diet has motivated him to lead a scientific trial validating its effectiveness for ADHD and depression.
The upcoming Oxford study aims to rigorously compare ketogenic diets against conventional dietary guidelines, emphasizing the need for innovative mental health treatments.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Metabolic and Mental Health
Research indicates a significant link between metabolic health and mental health, with a focus on how ketogenic therapy could serve as a treatment for conditions like ADHD and depression. This connection is highlighted by the increase in studies exploring dietary interventions for mental health issues, reflecting a growing recognition of their potential benefits. The discussion emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of mental health conditions rather than solely relying on traditional pharmacological approaches, which may have limitations and side effects. There is a sense of urgency in pursuing research that validates these interventions, as the incidence of ADHD and depression diagnoses continues to rise, necessitating innovative treatment options.
Personal Experience Drives Research Motivation
The speaker shares a personal journey that led them to explore ketogenic diets as a viable treatment for mental health struggles, including chronic anxiety and ADHD. After experiencing significant improvements in their mental health through dietary changes, there was a strong desire to help others by conducting scientific research in this area. The motivation stems not only from personal success but also from the realization that many individuals face similar challenges without effective treatment options. This shared understanding fosters a commitment to developing a rigorous study that provides evidence of the effectiveness of ketogenic interventions for ADHD and depression.
Study Structure and Future Research Initiatives
The planned study aims to involve participants with diagnosed ADHD and depression, utilizing a ketogenic diet intervention over a specified period, with coaching support provided through a dedicated platform. Participants will be grouped into an intervention arm and a control group, ensuring a balanced and rigorous trial design. Additionally, there is an intention to leverage technology, such as continuous glucose monitors, to gather data that could potentially inform future studies on metabolic health's impact on mental well-being. This research approach seeks not only to validate the ketogenic therapy's effectiveness but also to integrate a real-time analysis method that could aid in optimizing treatments for mental health issues.
A new randomized controlled trial (RCT) at University of Oxford will examine the ketogenic diet for ADHD and depression. Ally Houston, who began treating his ADHD, seasonal depression, and chronic anxiety with ketogenic therapy in 2016, is spearheading the trial. Within weeks of starting the medical keto diet, Ally’s life completely transformed. He ultimately reversed his conditions, which inspired him to leave a career in physics to help others with metabolic interventions. He co-founded MetPsy, an app and coaching platform that supports individuals implementing ketogenic therapies for mental illness. Ally is currently conducting a crowdfunding campaign to support the study, and Baszucki Group is matching every donation dollar for dollar.
In this interview with Dr. Bret Scher, Ally shares his perspective that rigorous scientific research gives patients evidence that medical keto is a legitimate treatment option, perhaps helping them garner more support from their community when implementing ketogenic therapy. The 16-week study at Oxford will test a ketogenic diet against a control diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that follows the NHS Eat Well Guide.
Ally Houston:
X: @AllyTransforms
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ally-houston-726b4614/
Support this study:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/ketofeel-oxford-study
Study in Holland:
https://www.steunleiden.nl/project/onderzoek-is-een-ketogeen-dieet-goed-voor-je-hersenen?locale=en
Related Resources:
https://metpsy.com/
Dr. Rachel Brown:
https://rootcausepsych.com/
X:@DrRSBrown
Dr. Phil Burnett:
https://www.psych.ox.ac.uk/team/phil-burnet-1
Dr. Mike Browning:
https://www.psych.ox.ac.uk/team/michael-browning
NHS Eat Well Guide:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide/
Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.
Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/
About us:
Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.
Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
#MetabolicMind
#KetoForMentalHealth
#MetabolicPsychiatry
#KetogenicMetabolicTherapy
#NutritionalKetosis#MentalIllness#MedicalKeto#KetogenicTherapy
#KetoDiet#KetoforADHD#ADHDTreatment
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