Metabolic Mind

Join renowned microbiome scientist Dr. Jack Gilbert as he uncovers the fascinating links between gut health, metabolism, and mental wellness. He reveals how our 40 trillion gut microbes influence everything from inflammation to brain function. Learn why personalized nutrition might be the future of healthcare and the surprising potential of fecal transplants. Gilbert also discusses the intriguing relationship between exercise and microbiota, showcasing how physical activity can enhance gut health and overall well-being.

Dr. Bret Scher interviews Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in tapering and deprescribing psychiatric medications. Dr. Josef combines his expertise in pharmaceutical safety, clinical psychiatry, and metabolic therapies to help patients safely transition off long-term medications. Topics Covered Life-Changing Outcomes Discover how Dr. Josef’s holistic methods have empowered individuals like Trudy, who transitioned from years of debilitating medications to pursuing a career in medical school through targeted dietary and metabolic interventions. Rethinking Psychiatric Medications Dr. Josef discusses the complex nature of antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Learn how their effects can mask symptoms without addressing root causes and the challenges of long-term use, including tolerance, side effects, and withdrawal. The Role of Metabolic Therapies Hear about the surprising success stories of patients who used dietary changes like ketogenic or gluten-free diets to overcome severe mental health conditions, reduce medication reliance, and regain their quality of life. Deprescribing in Practice Dr. Josef shares his patient-led approach to tapering medications, including practical tips on dosage reduction, liquid formulations, and the importance of balancing withdrawal risks with ongoing medication effects. Dr. Josef’s message challenges conventional psychiatry by prioritizing patient-centered care and exploring innovative therapies that focus on the root causes of mental health challenges. This conversation provides hope and practical insights for individuals and clinicians navigating the complexities of psychiatric medication. Experts Featured Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring Taper Clinic https://taperclinic.com/dr-josef-witt-doerring/ X: @taperclinic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taperclinic/ 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 #MetabolicNeuroscience #MetabolicPsychiatry#KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #KetogenicTherapy#KetoForMentalHealth#Keto#TaperingMedications #Deprescribing

In this interview with Dr. Bret Scher, Dr. Corinde Wiers, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, unveils her groundbreaking research on using ketogenic therapy to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). Dr. Wiers dives into how ketones, as an alternative energy source, may alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and transform the landscape of addiction recovery. This conversation covers: The science of brain energy metabolism and how ketones are preferred over glucose in AUD. Results from clinical trials, including reductions in withdrawal severity and the need for benzodiazepines. Neuroimaging data that shows how ketogenic diets affect the brain's reward system and craving mechanisms. The broader implications of metabolic therapies for treating mood disorders, addiction, and brain health. Dr. Wiers shares her journey from studying alcohol use disorders in Europe to leading cutting-edge research in the U.S. She provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating metabolic therapies into mainstream mental health and addiction treatment. Experts Featured Dr. Corinde Wiers X: @CorindeW LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinde-wiers-479a9219/ https://www.med.upenn.edu/csa/corindewiers.html Resources: Ketogenic diet reduces alcohol withdrawal symptoms in humans and alcohol intake in rodents https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33837086/ 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 #MetabolicNeuroscience #KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #NutritionalKetosis #AlternativeTreatment #PsychiatricMedication#KetogenicTherapy #KetoforAlcoholUseDisorder #AlcoholUseDisorder

Join us as we delve into the transformative potential of metabolic psychiatry with Dr. Scott Fears, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer at Amae Health. In this comprehensive interview, Dr. Fears explores how ketogenic therapy, dietary adjustments, and personalized metabolic approaches are reshaping mental health treatment. He discusses ketosis as a therapeutic tool, its impact on mood and cognitive stability, deprescribing medications, and the potential of "food as medicine" to support mental well-being. Whether you're a mental health professional, someone exploring alternative mental health treatments, or simply interested in the intersection of nutrition and mental health, this interview offers valuable insights into metabolic psychiatry's potential to create a new standard for mental health care. Experts Featured Scott Fears, MD, PhD Chief Medical Officer, Amae Health https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-c-fears-99b8b14/ https://amaehealth.com/ 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 #MetabolicNeuroscience #KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #KetogenicTherapy#KetoForMentalHealth #Alzheimers#Dementia#Keto

In this video, we tackle a common misconception: that losing weight alone will make you healthier. Contrary to popular belief, simply reducing the number on the scale may not lead to better health outcomes. Instead, it's crucial to focus on losing fat mass, maintaining or building lean mass like muscle and bone, and improving your overall metabolic health. We dive deep into how medications like Wegovy and Ozempic—while popular for weight loss—don't differentiate between fat and muscle loss, which can be crucial for long-term health. We'll also explore the growing evidence supporting ketogenic diets for their ability to promote fat loss while preserving muscle mass, making them a compelling option for improving body composition. Watch this video to understand how optimizing your body composition, rather than just losing weight, can lead to sustainable health benefits. *Papers Mentioned* _Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity_ https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 _Body Composition Changes After Very-Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet in Obesity Evaluated by 3 Standardized Methods_ https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/102/2/488/2972058?login=false _Long-Term Effects of a Novel Continuous Remote Care Intervention Including Nutritional Ketosis for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A 2-Year Non-randomized Clinical Trial_ https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2019.00348/full *Resources* Metabolic Mind’s Families & Peers page: https://www.metabolicmind.org/families-and-peers Clinician Directory: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/directory 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 #MetabolicNeuroscience #KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #NutritionalKetosis#AlternativeTreatment#Ozempic #BodyRecomposition #KetoWeightLoss

Dr. Lori Calabrese, a board-certified psychiatrist at Innovative Psychiatry, dives deep into the delicate world of psychiatric medication management. She emphasizes personalized tapering strategies, distinguishing between withdrawal and original symptoms. The conversation covers the critical role of patient involvement, especially in relation to lifestyle factors like exercise and the ketogenic diet. Dr. Calabrese also explores managing expectations and risks, ensuring safe and compassionate medication adjustments for better mental health outcomes.

How does the food we eat impact the way our bodies absorb and metabolize medications? What do we have to be aware of if we are eating a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet, and how it’s going to impact so many of the medications people with mental illness are taking? In this engaging interview with psychopharmacology expert Dr. Deanna Kelly, you’ll learn how the food you eat can influence the effectiveness of mental health medications such as Cobenfy and the extended-release form of Quetiapine, where absorption rates are affected by high-fat meals. Dr. Kelly shares valuable insights on optimizing psychiatric care with individualized approaches, revealing practical tips for patients and practitioners alike. This conversation is essential viewing for those interested in the latest strategies in metabolic psychiatry and the powerful role of nutrition in mental health care. *Experts featured* Deanna L. Kelly, PharmD, BCPP https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/profiles/kelly-deanna/ X: @ProfDeannaK https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-l-kelly-pharmd-bcpp-3a8b299b/ *Related Publications* _Dietary Influence on Drug Efficacy: A Comprehensive Review of Ketogenic Diet–Pharmacotherapy Interactions_ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11054576/ *Related Videos* https://youtu.be/tzPlQ6dJwe8 *Sign Dr. Christopher Palmer’s Petition to Reinstate the Study* https://bit.ly/3Ap8Oe4 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 #KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #NutritionalKetosis#KetogenicTherapy#Depression#Schizophrenia#Keto#PsychMeds

Are you using a ketogenic diet for therapy and need to know the ideal ketone levels for success? In this video, we explain how to measure ketone levels to optimize your ketogenic diet for managing psychiatric disorders, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and other metabolic conditions. One of the unique benefits of a ketogenic diet is the ability to precisely track your body's response. But what should your target ketone level be? We tackle the most common questions and provide insights on how to set and achieve your optimal ketone level for the best therapeutic outcomes. Whether you're new to ketogenic therapy or looking to fine-tune your approach, this video offers valuable guidance to help you make the most of your ketogenic journey. *Related Videos* https://youtu.be/Hja4VURshKA?si=Pb3oRkz346PIQIrg https://youtu.be/4iMXUpLYLkk?si=cflmb65ApVjVXmzw https://youtu.be/l5j4YMkPUU8?si=X5yLzia5izONBZv9 *Studies Mentioned* _Effectiveness and Safety of a Novel Care Model for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes at 1 Year: An Open-Label, Non-Randomized, Controlled Study_ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13300-018-0373-9 _Long-Term Effects of a Novel Continuous Remote Care Intervention Including Nutritional Ketosis for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A 2-Year Non-randomized Clinical Trial_ https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2019.00348/full _Ketogenic Diet Intervention on Metabolic and Psychiatric Health in Bipolar and Schizophrenia: A Pilot Trial_ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178124001513?via%3Dihub *Note* - Publication of the following study is pending. The link below is to a pre-print. _A Pilot Study of a Ketogenic Diet in Bipolar Disorder: Clinical, Metabolic and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Findings_ https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.23.23297391v2 *Resources* Metabolic Mind’s Familes & Peers page: https://www.metabolicmind.org/families-and-peers Clinician Directory: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/directory 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 #MetabolicNeuroscience #KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #NutritionalKetosis#AlternativeTreatment#MedicalKeto#KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicHealth#KetoneLevels#KetoForMentalHealth#Ketosis

In this insightful interview, Dr. Marty Makary speaks candidly about pressing issues within the U.S. healthcare system. He addresses how current debates often divert attention from core challenges, framing healthcare as a divisive landscape when the real focus should be on patient-centered care and meaningful provider support. Dr. Makary calls on policymakers and leaders to look past polarizing discussions and work toward reforms that prioritize quality, accessibility, and integrity in practice. Watch as he delves into the testimony of healthcare professionals and advocates who, for the first time, shared their insights directly with national leaders in a recent Senate hearing. This is a powerful moment for those committed to bridging the gap between healthcare policies and the actual needs of patients and providers. Join us for a closer look at what meaningful change could look like in our healthcare system. *Expert Featured* Martin Makary, MD, MPH X: @MartyMakary https://www.linkedin.com/in/martymakary/ _Blind Spots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong, and What It Means for Our Health_ : https://a.co/d/eQafyeh 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 #KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #NutritionalKetosis#HealthReform#HealthPolicy

In this powerful and insightful interview, Lisa La Nasa, the founder of diaVerge Diabetes, shares her personal journey of living with type 1 diabetes for over 14 years. Despite following her doctor's advice, Lisa struggled to control her blood sugar levels—until she discovered the benefits of a low-carb, ketogenic diet. This dietary change, along with lifestyle adjustments, gave her the control and confidence she never thought possible. Lisa reflects on the life-changing impact of adopting a ketogenic diet, which empowered her to take charge of her health, and finally find an approach that managed her diabetes. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don't forget to like and subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights on ketogenic therapy. *Featured* Lisa La Nasa Founder and CEO, diaVerge https://www.diaverge.com/ *Resources* Metabolic Mind’s Families & Peers page: https://www.metabolicmind.org/families-and-peers Clinician Directory: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/directory 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 #KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #NutritionalKetosis#AlternativeTreatment#Diabetes#LowCarbDiet#DiabetesManagement