Metabolic Mind

Journalist Gary Taubes and Dr. David Ludwig, a pediatric endocrinologist, uncover the shortcomings in nutrition research and the impact on public health. They argue that current funding is misallocated, leading to bias in studies, particularly around low-carb vs. low-fat diets. The duo emphasizes the need for more rigorous, long-term research to tackle the growing chronic disease epidemic. They also critique the focus on ultra-processed foods, encouraging a clearer communication of dietary recommendations to improve overall health outcomes.

In a fascinating discussion, Dr. Karin Huizer, a psychiatry resident from the Netherlands, shares her groundbreaking research on using ketone esters for treating mental health issues. Living with bipolar disorder herself, she bridges personal experience with science. Dr. Huizer explains why exogenous ketones might offer hope for treatment-resistant patients. She details her pilot study's design, the role of wearable tech in tracking biomarkers, and the growing field of metabolic psychiatry. The conversation is rich in insight and compassion, envisioning innovative mental health interventions.

Youth mental illness is on the rise, and treatment options are often limited, especially for kids with bipolar disorder. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting a groundbreaking new real-world data collection funded by the Baszucki Group exploring ketogenic therapy as a promising intervention for children and adolescents living with bipolar disorder.In this interview, Elizabeth Errico, founder of the Children's Mental Health Resource Center (CMHRC), shares how her organization is implementing ketogenic therapy in a real-world setting for kids aged 6 to 17. The year-long study is part of a larger initiative supported by the Baszucki Group to expand mental health care options through metabolic approaches.Families in the program receive education, hands-on support, and guidance to help implement this dietary therapy at home—often with life-changing results.In this video, you’ll learn:Why early diagnosis and support for pediatric bipolar disorder is so criticalHow ketogenic therapy is being applied to youth in a structured, supportive wayWhat families need to implement this therapy successfullyEarly anecdotal outcomes from participating familiesWhy this research could help shift mainstream mental health treatmentThis is about more than data—it's about hope, empowerment, and building a better path forward for families navigating serious mental illness.Expert Featured:Elizabeth Erricohttps://cmhrc.org/Other Resources Mentioned:Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hopehttps://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illnesshttps://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615Follow 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.

Dr. Chris Palmer, a psychiatrist at McLean Hospital and author of "Brain Energy," teams up with research assistant Aaron MacDonald to explore the potential of ketogenic therapy in alleviating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. They delve into inspiring case studies showcasing dramatic symptom relief, sparking hope for treatment-resistant cases. The discussion highlights the intricate relationship between metabolic health and mental illness, stressing the urgent need for further research. Personal anecdotes enrich their insights, emphasizing a promising shift in mental health treatment.

Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a cardiology expert at Mayo Clinic, and Dr. Mark Frye, a psychiatrist with a focus on bipolar disorder, dive into innovative intersections of heart and mental health. They discuss groundbreaking research on ketogenic therapy as a potential treatment for mood disorders and its effects on cardiovascular health. The duo emphasizes the need for precision nutrition, exploring how tailored dietary strategies can address individual metabolic pathways. Their engaging conversation reveals exciting advancements in integrating nutritional interventions into clinical practice.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Lily Mujica-Parodi, a leader in metabolic neuroscience at Stony Brook University, shares insights on midlife brain decline. She highlights how insulin resistance may initiate cognitive issues and discusses a critical age window for metabolic interventions. The power of ketones in restoring brain function takes center stage, along with lifestyle choices like diet and exercise to protect against decline. Discover the importance of understanding brain control circuits and proactive strategies for long-term cognitive health!

Dr. Martin Picard, a leading mitochondrial psychobiologist, dives into the fascinating world of mitochondria and their impact on our mental health. He unveils groundbreaking research revealing how these tiny organelles influence brain energy and networks. Discover the connection between mitochondrial health and psychiatric disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. Plus, learn about innovative brain mapping techniques and the future of measuring brain energy non-invasively. Dr. Picard emphasizes our existence as 'energetic beings' in this enlightening dialogue.

Creatine isn’t just for gym gains, it supports your brain too!Creatine is best known for boosting physical performance, but research has also identified its ability to improve areas of cognitive function like memory and mood.Research suggests that when creatine is used alongside first-line treatments, like antidepressants and CBT, it may enhance therapeutic outcomes, leading to faster and more robust improvements in symptoms.In this interview, Dr. Nick Fabiano, a psychiatry resident and researcher at the University of Ottawa, joins Metabolic Mind to explore the emerging evidence behind creatine as a potential tool for improving mood and supporting mental health.In this episode we dive into:What creatine is and how it works in the body and brainThe growing body of research linking creatine to improvements in depression symptomsHow creatine may enhance energy metabolism in the brain—a key focus of metabolic psychiatryIts synergy with other treatments, including SSRIs and cognitive behavioral therapyPractical considerations around dosing, diet, and safetyThe difference between dietary and supplemental creatineCreatine & sleep deprivationCreatine is a well-studied, widely available supplement, and its low risk profile makes it an intriguing candidate for further exploration in psychiatric care. While more research is needed, this conversation is a hopeful and informed look at a promising metabolic intervention.Expert Featured:Dr. Nick FabianoX: https://x.com/NTFabiano?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^authorResources Mentioned:Dietary creatine intake and depression risk among U.S. adultshttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-020-0741-xA Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Oral Creatine Monohydrate Augmentation for Enhanced Response to a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor in Women With Major Depressive Disorderhttps://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.12010009Efficacy and safety profile of oral creatine monohydrate in add-on to cognitive-behavioural therapy in depression: An 8-week pilot, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled feasibility and exploratory trial in an under-resourced areahttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.10.004CMEs Mentioned:Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hopehttps://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illnesshttps://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615Follow 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.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. David Miklowitz, a leading expert on adolescent bipolar disorder from UCLA and Oxford, shares insights on a groundbreaking trial exploring ketogenic therapy for pediatric bipolar disorder. He discusses the complexities of diagnosing the disorder in young patients and emphasizes the critical role of family involvement in treatment. The conversation highlights potential benefits of ketogenic diets, the challenges teens face in adopting dietary changes, and how this research aims to transform mental health outcomes for youth.

Eline Dekeyster, an Assistant Professor at Leiden University and Head of a vital research group, dives into the groundbreaking potential of ketogenic therapy for autism spectrum disorder and mental health. She shares her personal journey with mood disorders and how ketosis transformed her life. The discussion uncovers early evidence suggesting diet's role in alleviating autism symptoms, the metabolic mechanisms at play, and the challenges of gaining medical recognition for such treatments. Eline advocates for a collaborative, individualized care model to support neurodivergent individuals.