Metabolic Mind

Join Dr. Susan Masino, a neuroscience and psychology professor at Trinity College, as she unpacks her groundbreaking research on adenosine and its potential in treating addiction. She discusses how adenosine balances dopamine activity and its link to cravings. The conversation explores how ketogenic diets might enhance adenosine levels, aiding in recovery from substance and food addictions. Additionally, Masino touches on the connections between metabolic health, mental well-being, and emerging therapies that could revolutionize addiction treatment.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Anders Sørensen, a Danish psychologist with a PhD in psychiatry, shares his expertise on tapering off psychiatric medications. He emphasizes the importance of tailored strategies and the psychological challenges of withdrawal. Listeners will learn how withdrawal can mimic relapse, the critical role of psychotherapy during the process, and why current clinical guidelines often overlook the nuanced experiences of long-term patients. Dr. Sørensen advocates for a holistic approach that includes lifestyle interventions to support emotional well-being.

In this engaging discussion, psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede, who advocates for metabolic therapies in mental health, delves into the complexities of treatment-resistant depression. She questions the traditional use of antipsychotics and highlights surprising links to suicide risk. Ede shares insights from new studies on the metabolic side effects of these medications and promotes alternative approaches like ketogenic therapy. This thought-provoking conversation challenges conventional treatments and underscores the potential of dietary interventions for better mental health outcomes.

Beth Zupec-Kania, a registered dietitian with over 30 years of experience specializing in ketogenic therapies, joins to debunk common myths about ketogenic diets. She addresses concerns like nutrient deficiencies, digestive health, and the truth about keto flu. Beth shares tips for managing bone health, sleep disturbances, and emotional challenges during keto transitions. Plus, she highlights how the ketogenic approach can be tailored for different lifestyles and health conditions, making it accessible for everyone looking to improve their metabolic and mental health.

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!