
Metabolic Mind
Why Keto for Mental Health May Not Be Working for You - with Dr. Bret Scher
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Achieving optimal ketone levels between 1.5 and 3 millimoles per liter is crucial for effective mental health benefits from ketogenic therapy.
- A commitment of 3 to 4 months is often necessary to properly evaluate the clinical effects of ketogenic therapy on mental health.
Deep dives
The Importance of Ketone Levels
Optimal ketone levels are crucial for achieving the desired mental health benefits from ketogenic therapy. Experts suggest aiming for blood ketone levels between 1.5 and 3 millimoles per liter for effective results, which is often higher than levels typically reached during standard keto diets aimed at weight loss. Individual variations require an experienced clinician to tailor the approach, including possible dietary adjustments to macronutrient ratios and incorporating additional strategies like MCT oil or intermittent fasting. Achieving optimal ketone levels is essential, as simply starting a keto diet and registering levels around 0.5 may not be sufficient for many individuals to experience the full mental health advantages of ketosis.