Mood + Mindfulness | Journal Club | The Metabolic Link Ep. 27

Nov 6, 2023

Discussions on the potential of low-carb and ketogenic diets for treating mood and anxiety disorders. Exploration of mindfulness-based interventions for psychiatric disorders and their efficacy. Emphasis on the need for more research and lifestyle approaches to positively impact mental health. Highlight of the emerging science linking metabolic function to brain health and psychiatric wellbeing.

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INSIGHT

Field Lacks Standardization

Research on ketogenic diets for psychiatric disorders is nascent and highly heterogeneous across studies.
Standardizing definitions and measurements (e.g., blood ketones) is essential to compare outcomes and design rigorous trials.

ANECDOTE

Migraines Worsened Then Improved

Victoria Field described severe migraine worsening when she initially adopted ketogenic dieting.
Electrolyte correction later resolved her migraines and improved tolerance.

ADVICE

Slowly Induct To Improve Success

Transition patients slowly onto ketogenic diets over 4–6 weeks to reduce adverse effects and improve adherence.
Provide an initiation kit with electrolytes, MCTs or exogenous ketones, and remote support tools to coach patients during transition.

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In this episode, our co-hosts Victoria Field, Dr. Dominic D'Agostino, and Dr. Angela Poff discuss two recent scientific papers on the potential metabolic connections to psychiatric disorders and mindfulness-based interventions.

The first paper is a systematic review on the efficacy of low-carb and ketogenic diets for treating mood and anxiety disorders. They discuss the importance in defining what constitutes a low-carb or ketogenic diet in research studies. Our hosts also discuss the limited data available, with only 12 studies meeting the criteria for inclusion. However, the review indicates some positive preliminary findings for the use of these diets for conditions like bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia.

The second paper is a meta-analysis examining mindfulness-based interventions for psychiatric disorders. It found mindfulness approaches were superior to non-evidence based treatments and comparable to standard therapies for conditions like anxiety and depression. Our hosts discuss the need for more research, but note the promising potential for simple lifestyle approaches like mindfulness, breathwork and nutrition to positively impact mental health.

Overall, the episode highlights emerging science linking metabolic function to brain health and psychiatric wellbeing. Our hosts emphasize the need to continue conducting rigorous clinical trials in this nascent field of metabolic psychiatry and share their perspectives on implementing lifestyle interventions for optimal mental health.

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!

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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.