Metabolic Mind

Is psychiatry stuck in the 19th century? For decades, psychiatry has relied on trial and error but is there a better way to provide precise, personalized, and preventative treatment?Dr. Alexander Niculescu, professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona and CEO of MindX Sciences, is at the cutting edge of transforming psychiatry into an objective, data-driven field. With blood tests evaluating specific biomarkers, doctors may now be able to measure mental health, better understand symptoms, and predict which treatments will work best.In this conversation, Dr. Niculescu explains how his research is helping reshape how we diagnose and treat mental illness allowing for a more personalized approach and potentially better outcomes. He shares research demonstrating how utilizing biomarkers can allow practitioners to better understand the current state of a patient’s mental health to assist in prevention and tailor both medications and lifestyle interventions for better outcomes.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why psychiatry is still practiced like 19th-century medicine and how to modernize itHow blood tests can pinpoint the right treatment for a patient including lifestyle interventions, medication choice, and dosingHow blood tests can identify the nuanced difference between mental illnesses like depression and bipolar disorder at a biological levelWhy these tests could be more reliable than genetic testingHow early screening could help prevent serious mental illnessThe future of personalized lifestyle recommendations for mental healthAt Metabolic Mind, we believe mental health care must evolve to incorporate metabolic interventions alongside innovative diagnostic tools. Our vision is a future where the metabolic health of every individual is assessed and addressed with evidence-based interventions, leading to improved mental health for all.Expert Featured:Dr. Alexander Niculescuhttps://mindxsciences.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-niculescu-md-phd-b460a75/Studies Mentioned:Special Report: Precise, Personalized, and Preventive Psychiatryhttps://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2024.12.12.27CMEs MentionedManaging 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.

Is it possible for ketogenic therapy to significantly reduce schizoaffective symptoms in 2 weeks? What about putting symptoms into complete remission in 6 weeks?Licensed Mental Health Counselor Nicole Laurent joins Dr. Bret Scher to discuss her newly published case series showcasing the dramatic improvements in individuals with schizoaffective disorder using ketogenic metabolic therapy.In this interview, Nicole shares:The life-changing stories from the patients and their familiesHow she collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure better outcomesHow she determines the right type of ketogenic diet for each patientThe role of nutrient deficiencies and supplementation in treatmentHow medications were handled and her perspective on medication changes with ketogenic therapyThe profound transformations in her patients’ lives, including returning to school and regaining independenceThese stories offer hope and add to the growing evidence that ketogenic therapy can help individuals struggling with mental illness.Want to hear more real-life experiences of people reclaiming their mental health through metabolic therapy? Hear from our community of experts by experience, including their challenges, setbacks, and successes on the path to recovery at metabolicmind.org/think-smart.Expert Featured:Nicole Laurent, LMHChttps://mentalhealthketo.com/Founder and Medical Director of Mental Health KetoX: @KetoCounselorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nlaurent/Instagram: mentalhealthketo/Studies MentionedKetogenic metabolic therapy for schizoaffective disorder: a retrospective case series of psychotic symptom remission and mood recoveryhttps://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1506304CMEs MentionedManaging 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. Iain Campbell, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh, discusses his groundbreaking pilot study on ketogenic therapy for bipolar disorder with Dr. Bret Scher. Having personally experienced the benefits of ketosis for his own bipolar type II depression, Dr. Campbell delves into the link between metabolic health and mental well-being.Dr. Campbell shares how his recent study reveals a correlation between higher ketone levels and improvements in mood, energy, impulsivity, and anxiety in patients with bipolar disorder. He also highlights the intriguing brain imaging results that indicate reductions in brain glutamate, hinting at one of the potential mechanisms behind ketogenic therapy's effectiveness.Key Topics Covered:The correlation between ketone levels and mood stabilizationDr. Campbell’s personal journey using ketogenic therapy for bipolar disorderHow ketosis impacts brain glutamate levelsThe role of metabolic psychiatry in treating mental illnessThe future of metabolic treatments at the newly established UK Metabolic Psychiatry HubDr. Campbell's pioneering work at the Metabolic Psychiatry Hub is advancing the field of metabolic psychiatry by integrating research and treatment, demonstrating how ketogenic therapy can be a powerful tool for addressing both metabolic and mental health in the treatment of bipolar disorder.New Study:A Pilot Study of a Ketogenic Diet in Bipolar Disorder: Clinical, Metabolic and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Findingshttps://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2024.841Experts Featured:Dr. Iain CampbellX: @IainCampbellPhDwww.metabolicpsychiatryhub.comFollow 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.

Do psychiatric medications alter brain energy and metabolic health?Dr. Stephen Cunnane, a professor and researcher at the University of Sherbrooke, has been at the forefront of studying glucose and ketone metabolism in the aging brain, pioneering advanced imaging techniques to measure how the brain utilizes these critical energy sources with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.While glucose PET imaging has long been used to study brain energy metabolism, Dr. Cunnane’s team was the first to develop ketone PET imaging, allowing researchers to look at the relationship between glucose and ketone metabolism in the brain and understand how ketones support brain function when it struggles to use glucose for energy.Now, Dr. Cunnane has turned his attention to metabolic psychiatry and is working on a new study looking at brain energy metabolism in individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis. This study will allow researchers insights into the metabolic state of the brain at the onset of major mental illness and how psychiatric medications influence brain energy use.In this episode, you will learn:How the brain uses fuel as we age – Why glucose metabolism declines over time and how ketones may compensate in aging and neurodegenerative conditions.The first ketone PET imaging studies – How Dr. Cunnane’s team developed a method to directly measure ketone uptake in the brain and compare it to glucose metabolismPsychosis and brain energy metabolism – Examining glucose and ketone utilization in first-episode psychosis before and after antipsychotic treatment.Carbohydrate reduction in older adults – Findings from a study showing how moderate carb restriction improved metabolic and mental health in retirement home residents independent of weight loss.Parkinson’s disease and ketones – Investigating how exercise, exogenous ketones, and carbohydrate restriction may enhance brain energy supply and improve symptoms.Dr. Cunnane has been a pioneer in the field of ketogenic therapy and brain energy. In addition to all the incredible work he is doing in the aging brain, we are excited to see his new research focusing on such critical components of metabolic psychiatry.Expert Featured:Dr. Stephen Cunnanehttps://recherche-cerveau-sherbrooke.ca/en/laboratory-team/Studies MentionedA reduced carbohydrate diet improves glycemic regulation in hyperglycemic older people in a retirement home: the SAGE studyhttps://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2024-0277Resources MentionedBrain Research Team Websitehttps://recherche-cerveau-sherbrooke.ca/en/Revolutionizing Assisted Living: Hal Cranmer's Ketogenic & Carnivore Approach to Senior Wellnesshttps://youtu.be/s86CFw0qhVc?feature=sharedFollow 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 athttps://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.

How can we make sense of conflicting studies? One paper suggests a ketogenic diet reduces all-cause mortality, while another claims it raises blood pressure. Are large-scale survey tools like NHANES—the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey—really the best way to answer these complex questions? In this insightful interview, Dr. Adrian Soto-Mota, an internal medicine clinician, educator, and data enthusiast, explains how to critically evaluate research findings. He highlights the strengths and limitations of different types of studies, using engaging analogies to help you better understand when and how to apply research conclusions. In this video you’ll learn: The importance of choosing the right tool (study) for the task Strengths and weaknesses of large population studies like NHANES Practical advice for interpreting conflicting health and nutrition research If you're passionate about understanding health research and making evidence-based decisions, this interview is a must-watch! Expert Featured: Dr. Adrian Soto-Mota X: @AdrianSotoMota Studies Mentioned Ketogenic diets are associated with an elevated risk of hypertension: Insights from a cross-sectional analysis of the NHANES 2007–2018 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcrp.2024.200342 Comparing Very Low-Carbohydrate vs DASH Diets for Overweight or Obese Adults With Hypertension and Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Trial https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.2968 The ketogenic diet has the potential to decrease all-cause mortality without a concomitant increase in cardiovascular-related mortality https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73384-x CMEs Mentioned Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hope https://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616 Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness https://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615 Follow our channel for more insights and education from Dr. Bret Scher, 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. Lori Calabrese, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adolescent mental health, discusses the alarming rise of mental health issues among youth and the potential role of ketogenic diets in treatment. She explains the unique challenges of implementing ketogenic therapies for adolescents versus adults and stresses the need for family involvement in the process. The conversation highlights the adaptability of young people to these diets and the importance of personalized approaches for lasting mental health benefits.

How Is a ketogenic diet different for women, and what impact does a ketogenic diet have on women’s hormones? The ketogenic diet sparks a lot of questions when it comes to women’s health—and for good reason. Social media and the internet are flooded with conflicting information. Fortunately, Dr. Madison Kackley, a research scientist at Ohio State University, brings evidence-based insights in this episode. As the leader of the SHE IS Laboratory, Dr. Kackley and her team are uncovering the unique ways ketogenic interventions can impact women’s health, considering crucial factors like hormonal fluctuations, menstrual cycles, and key life stages such as postpartum and perimenopause. In this episode, you’ll learn: Insights from the SHE IS Lab on ketogenic therapies for PCOS, postpartum depression, perimenopause, and more. How ketogenic therapies are helping restore menstrual cycles and improve hormonal health. The importance of personalized approaches and cycle tracking in women's health research. When ketone supplements may be beneficial for women’s health. How to adjust exercise and nutrition for different stages of the menstrual cycle. Join us as Dr. Kackley shares her passion for addressing the gaps in women-specific health studies and the promising future of metabolic-based interventions for women’s health. Expert Featured: Dr. Madison Kackley X: @KackleyMLPhD CMEs Mentioned: Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hope https://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616 Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness https://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615 Follow our channel for more insights and education from Dr. Bret Scher, 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.

Mental health care is at a critical crossroads. Millions of people are searching for effective treatments, yet conventional options often fall short, leaving many without significant or lasting relief. Compounding this issue is the lack of funding directed toward exploring novel, root-cause therapies. The urgency for change is clear. Dr. Chris Palmer, a Harvard psychiatrist and the author of Brain Energy, has been instrumental in raising awareness about the metabolic nature of mental illness. His pioneering work highlights how conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia often stem from underlying metabolic dysfunctions, including glucose hypometabolism, neurotransmitter imbalances, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In this interview, Dr. Palmer dives into the science behind mental illnesses and shares groundbreaking insights into how ketogenic therapy is changing lives. In this interview, you’ll learn: Why the current mental health system struggles to provide effective care How ketogenic therapies and lifestyle changes are reshaping psychiatry The role of mitochondria and metabolism in brain health The urgent need for research on tapering medications safely The current state of mental health research funding and the path towards systemic change Why mental illness should be viewed as a systemic condition, not just a brain disorder This conversation highlights the urgent need for change in psychiatry, how metabolic therapies are offering new hope for those living with mental illness, and the path towards more effective evidence based care and better patient outcomes. Expert Featured: Dr. Chris Palmer X: @ChrisPalmerMD www.ChrisPalmerMD.com Purchase Brain Energy: https://brainenergy.com/#order-window Studies Mentioned Beyond comorbidities: metabolic dysfunction as a root cause of neuropsychiatric disorders https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-advances/article/abs/beyond-comorbidities-metabolic-dysfunction-as-a-root-cause-of-neuropsychiatric-disorders/9B7489EF96DCA9F41005DD7E61B27023 The Ketogenic Diet as a Transdiagnostic Treatment for Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Mechanisms and Clinical Outcomes https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40501-024-00339-4 CMEs Mentioned Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness https://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615 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.

What comes to mind when you think of assisted living? Likely not vibrant residents, nutritious meals, and improved physical and mental health—but Hal Cranmer is working to change that narrative. In this inspiring interview, Hal shares how his innovative approach to senior care integrates ketogenic and carnivore nutrition to boost activity, memory, and overall well-being in his facilities. Dive into the secrets of Hal’s success and learn how he’s transforming the lives of seniors by prioritizing health and vitality. If you’re passionate about holistic health or senior wellness, this is a story you won’t want to miss! Expert Featured: Hal Cranmer https://aparadiseforparents.com/ X: @HalCranmer Instagram: @assisted_living_hal_cranmer Follow our channel for more insights and education from Dr. Bret Scher, 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.

How effective is exercise for treating depression, and how can we help more people use it as a cornerstone of treatment? The last decade we have seen mounting evidence that exercise can play a big role in mental health through a variety of mechanisms. In this interview, Dr. Nick Fabiano, a psychiatry resident and researcher, shares his innovative approach to using exercise as a therapeutic intervention, drawing from his recent co-authored paper. In this interview you’ll learn: Why exercise is comparable to antidepressants and therapy in treating mild to moderate depression. How a holistic, lifestyle-based approach can complement traditional treatments. The mechanisms linking exercise to improved mental health, including metabolic health benefits and social interaction. How to personalize exercise prescriptions for individuals based on their physical and mental health needs. Challenges of integrating exercise into psychiatric care Movement is a core pillar of our THINK + SMART program, embodying the 'M' in the acronym. Exercise not only has the remarkable ability to provide an immediate boost to mood and mental clarity but also fosters long-term adaptations that support both metabolic and mental health. As the field of metabolic psychiatry continues to grow, we are optimistic that exercise will become a foundational component in the standard of care for mental health treatment. Expert Featured: Nicholas Fabiano, MD X: @NTFabiano Studies Mentioned: How to Prescribe Physical Activity for Depression *https://doi.org/10.1024/2674-0052/a000099** Importance of Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type (FITT) in Physical Activity Assessment for Epidemiological Research https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03404889 The Effect of Exercise on Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.071 CMEs Mentioned Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hope https://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616 Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness https://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615 Follow our channel for more insights and education from Dr. Bret Scher, including interviews with leading experts in metabolic psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/. 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.