
Metabolic Mind
Metabolic Mind is working to transform the study & treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism & brain health. Metabolic interventions like ketogenic therapy are being used to treat serious mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, & Major Depressive Disorder. We explore topics that can help you understand how Metabolic Psychiatry might help you or a loved one treat mental disorders
Watch our videos at https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind
Our channel is for information only. Consult your physician before changing your lifestyle or medications.
Latest episodes

Aug 5, 2024 • 8min
Best Diet for Mental Health: Keto or Mediterranean? - with Dr. Bret Scher
In this video, Dr. Bret Scher dives into the ongoing debate: Is the Mediterranean diet or a ketogenic diet better for mental health? While both diets have shown promise in improving symptoms of depression and other psychiatric conditions, this video examines the evidence behind each and discusses their potential benefits.
According to Dr. Scher, any investigation into nutritional interventions for health conditions is a step in the right direction. Diets that steer away from the Standard American Diet (SAD) by eliminating ultra-processed foods and sugar will enhance metabolic health, likely offering both physical and mental benefits. However, ketogenic therapy isn't a conventional diet; it's an impactful metabolic treatment that modifies the brain and body's energy source. It's even possible to adopt a Mediterranean keto diet. This video provides a closer examination.
Key Points:
▪️Diet and Mental Health: Importance of diet in managing psychiatric symptoms.
▪️Mediterranean Diet: Evidence from interventional studies showing improved depression symptoms.
▪️Ketogenic Diet: Recent studies and patient testimonials highlighting how ketogenic therapy can put serious mental illnesses, like major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, into complete remission.
▪️Comparison and Recommendations: Practical advice on choosing between these diets and potential next steps for patients and clinicians looking to explore dietary interventions for mental illness.
▪️Future Directions: Ongoing research and the need for head-to-head trials to determine the most effective dietary approach for mental health.
Watch to Learn:
▪️How the Mediterranean and ketogenic diets impact mental health.
▪️The underlying mechanisms by which ketosis may be a powerful intervention for brain health.
▪️Practical tips for implementing dietary changes to support mental well-being.
If you found this video helpful, please like, subscribe, and share with anyone who might benefit. We also love hearing from you, so leave a comment below with your thoughts and experiences!
Related Resources:
What is the Difference between a Keto Diet and Ketogenic Therapy? - With Dr. Bret Scher:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iMXUpLYLkk&t=1s
What is a Good Bipolar Diet? - With Dr. Bret Scher:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK2IDpHDrqU&t=2s
Studies referenced:
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
The Ketogenic Diet for Refractory Mental Illness: A Retrospective Analysis of 31 Inpatients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35873236/
A randomized controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression (the ‘SMILES’ trial)
https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-017-0791-y
Effect of Multinutrient Supplementation and Food-Related Behavioral Activation Therapy on Prevention of Major Depressive Disorder Among Overweight or Obese Adults With Subsyndromal Depressive Symptoms: The MooDFOOD Randomized Clinical Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30835307/
A Mediterranean-style dietary intervention supplemented with fish oil improves diet quality and mental health in people with depression: A randomized controlled trial (HELFIMED)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29215971/
The effect of a Mediterranean diet on the symptoms of depression in young males (the "AMMEND: A Mediterranean Diet in MEN with Depression" study): a randomized controlled trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35441666/
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
#KetoForMentalHealth
#MetabolicPsychiatry
#MetabolicNeuroscience
#KetogenicMetabolicTherapy
#NutritionalKetosis#MentalIllness#AlternativeTreatment#MedicalKeto#KetogenicTherapy
#KetoDiet#MediterraneanDiet

Jul 29, 2024 • 8min
The Truth About Carbs and Your Brain - with Dr. Bret Scher
Blanket statements like "carbs are good" or "carbs are bad" are misleading. In this video, Dr. Bret Scher delves into the question: Are carbs bad for your mental health? Join Dr. Scher as he explores the complex relationship between carbohydrates and mental health, particularly focusing on the potential benefits of ketogenic therapy for serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression.
Key Highlights:
-Introduction to Carbs and Mental Health: Unpacking the myths and truths about carbohydrates and their impact on brain function.
-Ketogenic Therapy: An in-depth look at how ketogenic diets can serve as powerful treatments for mental illnesses, providing an alternative energy source for the brain, decreasing neuroinflammation, and improving mitochondrial health.
-Scientific Insights: Detailed discussion on the metabolic processes involved and how they can affect mental health conditions where glucose metabolism is impaired.
-Personal Tailoring: Thanks to technological advancements, like Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), people can get a clearer picture of their individual metabolic health and glucose response, allowing them to pick the appropriate diet accordingly.
By the end of this video, you'll have a clearer understanding of the nuanced role that carbohydrates play in brain health and how ketogenic therapy can potentially benefit individuals suffering from psychiatric conditions.
Related videos:
Does the Brain Need Carbs- With Dr. Bret Scher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfR9uNXewZk
What Is the Difference between a Keto Diet and Ketogenic Therapy? - With Dr. Bret Scher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iMXUpLYLkk
Are We Biased Toward a Keto Diet- With Dr. Bret Scher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWVinguULy8
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.

Jul 22, 2024 • 35min
Keto, Microbiome, and Depression: Insights with Timur Liwinski
Meet Dr. Timur Liwinski, a clinician-scientist specializing in internal medicine, metabolic health, and the gut microbiome. Currently completing his psychiatry residency, Dr. Liwinski shares groundbreaking insights on ketogenic therapy for depression in this exclusive interview with Dr. Bret Scher. Discover the impact of the ketogenic diet and microbiome on mental health, as Dr. Liwinski examines the intricate connections between dietary practices, the gut-brain axis, and mental well-being.
*Key Highlights*
▪️Clinical Trial Overview: An in-depth look at Dr. Liwinski's clinical trial investigating the effects of the ketogenic diet and microbiome changes on depression.
▪️Depression and Diet: Exploring the potential benefits of the ketogenic diet for those suffering from depression, focusing on how it can provide an alternative energy source for the brain.
▪️Personal Journey: Dr. Liwinski opens up about his own struggles with depression and how adopting a ketogenic diet significantly improved his mental health.
▪️Microbiome and Mental Health: A discussion on the gut-brain axis and a reflection on whether or not fiber is as critical for gut health as many believe.
▪️Species-Adequate Diet for Humans: Dr. Liwinski shares his hypothesis that all humans should spend a significant amount of time in ketosis to optimize health.
▪️Spirituality and Diet: The role spirituality and personal beliefs about what food is good for health might have on overall well-being.
By the end of this interview, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how research on the ketogenic diet and microbiome can potentially revolutionize the treatment of depression and improve mental health outcomes.
*Expert featured in this interview*
Dr. Timur Liwinski
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timur-liwinski-293b96138/
Timur.Liwinski@upk.ch
Study referenced:
_Ketogenic Diet for Depression_
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06105762
Related videos:
_Oxford’s Keto for ADHD & Depression Randomized Controlled Trial - with Ally Houston_
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUAbqXcSAzg
_Ketogenic Therapy: How 3 Patients Put Depression and Anxiety in Remission with Dr. Lori Calabrese_
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuFhJeOf2Jc
_Ketosis and Depression: An inspiring personal story from Stanford's Healthcare Innovation Lab_
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISosQFO06IM
_Can a Medical Keto Diet Treat Depression in College Students? - with Dr. Jeff Volek_
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-eb1u7SOHU
_Can a Keto Diet Help People Suffering from Depression? - with Dr. Erin Bellamy_
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz3cev323EQ
_Future of Precision Medicine & Nutritional Therapies for Mental Illness with Dr. Megan Kirk Chang_
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_LF1gTSkxQ
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
#Research#MetabolicHealth#MetabolicNeurology
#KetoForDepression
#DepressionTreatment

Jul 15, 2024 • 29min
Hundreds Report Dementia Improvement with Ketones: Dr. Mary Newport's Report
Dr. Mary Newport, an expert in dementia treatment, shares her inspiring journey using coconut and MCT oil to help her husband with Alzheimer's. She discusses how ketones provide an alternative energy source for the brain, emphasizing their neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation. Highlighting nearly 300 caregiver reports, Dr. Newport argues for the potential of these dietary solutions over traditional pharmaceuticals. She advocates for increased awareness and research into ketogenic strategies, potentially impacting millions affected by dementia globally.

Jul 8, 2024 • 36min
From Lived-Experience to Trailblazing Keto Research - with Maria Edwards
In this interview, Maria Edwards shares how her lived-experience putting bipolar 2 disorder into remission inspired her to become a researcher in the field of metabolic therapies. Maria completed a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition and her thesis was a feasibility study that examined ketogenic therapy for patients recovering from brain injuries. She also worked on the very first study on ketogenic therapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that is currently in the peer-review process.
Despite hurdles like small sample sizes and missing data, her pilot studies lay the groundwork for future research into ketogenic therapy for brain injury and PTSD.
What You'll Learn:
▪️Maria Edward’s personal journey: Maria shares how her personal experience treating bipolar 2 disorder with a medical keto diet made her want to devote her career to helping others through researching metabolic therapies.
▪️Feasibility Trials: Understand the significance of feasibility studies and how Maria's pilot trials laid the groundwork for further investigation in this field.
Experts in this video:
Maria Edwards
Affiliated Researcher
Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports
University of Copenhagen
Denmark
X: @MillaEdw
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-gabriela-persdotter-edwards-7bb75aa7/
Study:
_Diet-induced ketosis in adult patients with subacute acquired brain injury: a feasibility study_
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10990248/#:~:text=Conclusion,the%20effect%20on%20patients'%20recovery.
If you or a loved one are looking to begin ketogenic therapy for a psychiatric condition, visit this page for resources:
https://www.metabolicmind.org/families-and-peers
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
#KetoForMentalHealth
#MetabolicPsychiatry
#MetabolicNeuroscience
#KetogenicMetabolicTherapy
#NutritionalKetosis#MentalIllness#AlternativeTreatment#MedicalKeto#KetogenicTherapy
#KetoForDepression#KetoForAnxiety#KetoResearch
#KetoStudy

Jul 1, 2024 • 13min
Long-Term Safety of Ketogenic Diets - with Dr. Bret Scher
In this episode, Dr. Bret Scher addresses common misconceptions and concerns surrounding the long-term safety and nutritional adequacy of ketogenic diets. Dr. Scher emphasizes the importance of weighing potential risks against known benefits. For instance, psychotropic medications, despite often worsening overall physical and metabolic health, are considered beneficial because they can alleviate symptoms of serious mental illnesses. In contrast, many patients experience incredible benefits from ketogenic therapy without harmful side effects. In numerous cases, a medical keto diet can even put psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression into complete remission.
What You'll Learn:
▪️Long-Term Safety: Is it safe to maintain ketosis over an extended period?
▪️Nutritional Adequacy: Can a ketogenic diet lead to nutrient deficiencies or disordered eating habits?
▪️Fiber and Phytonutrients: Are fiber intake and phytonutrients compromised on a ketogenic diet?
▪️Heart Disease Risk: Is there an increased risk of heart disease with long-term ketosis?
▪️Short-Term vs. Long-Term Outcomes: Is ketosis only effective for short-term outcomes?
There is a lot of information circulating online touting the risks of long-term ketogenic diets that is completely unfounded. Dr. Scher tackles these prevalent questions, analyzing scientific evidence and dispelling myths surrounding ketogenic diets.
Related Resources:
Does Keto Cause Heart Disease?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKmNhQbtDLI&t=6s
Studies Referenced:
_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
_The Ketogenic Diet for Refractory Mental Illness: A Retrospective Analysis of 31 Inpatients_
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35873236/
If you or a loved one are looking to begin ketogenic therapy for a psychiatric condition, visit this page for resources:
https://www.metabolicmind.org/families-and-peers
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.

Jun 24, 2024 • 26min
Ketogenic Therapy: How 3 Patients Put Depression and Anxiety in Remission with Dr. Lori Calabrese
Dr. Lori Calabrese discusses her case series showing remission of depression and anxiety in three patients through ketogenic interventions. They delve into how a ketogenic diet can surpass traditional psychiatric treatments, emphasizing the importance of metabolic approaches in mental health care.

Jun 17, 2024 • 25min
Accelerating the Science of Ketogenic Therapy for Mental Health with Julie Milder, PhD
In this interview, Julie Milder, PhD, the director of neuroscience at Baszucki Group, discusses the groundbreaking research being done at the intersection of metabolism and mental health, including 13 clinical trials across eight institutions for ketogenic therapy for serious mental illness.
Join us as Dr. Milder explains the importance of flexibility in scientific research, the unique opportunities provided by philanthropic funding, and the Baszucki Group's vision for the future of metabolic psychiatry.
🧑🏻🔬 Learn about the current state of the research:
https://www.metabolicmind.org/research
🧠 Key Topics Discussed:
The role of philanthropy in advancing scientific research
The need for research that elucidates the underlying mechanisms of ketogenic therapy
The flexibility and risks in funding innovative projects
The need for patient-focused, treatment-first approaches
The importance of supporting young investigators
The vision for integrating metabolic health into psychiatric care
The future of multi-site trials and large-scale research collaborations
Expert Interviewed:
Baszucki Group Director of Neuroscience, Julie Milder, PhD
https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliemilder/
🔗 Related Links:
https://baszuckigroup.com/
https://baszuckigroup.com/news/baszucki-group-announces-columbia-universitys-martin-picard-phd-as-inaugural-recipient-of-1-5-million-baszucki-prize-in-science
📢 Stay Connected:
Subscribe for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.
Follow us on X: @Metabolic_Mind
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metabolicmind/
👥 Join the Conversation:
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Have questions? Drop them in the comments.
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 or 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
#KetoForMentalHealth
#MetabolicPsychiatry
#BipolarTreatment
#KetogenicMetabolicTherapy
#NutritionalKetosis#MentalIllness#Science#Research#Psychiatry

Jun 10, 2024 • 42min
Is Ketogenic Therapy Safe for Children? - with Dr. Matthew Calkins
There is an escalating crisis of metabolic dysfunction in our youth, with growing rates of obesity, diabetes, and mental illness. Is it safe to use ketogenic therapy in children and teens for better management or reversal of these conditions? Dr. Matthew Calkins, an early career physician board certified in family and obesity medicine, argues it is. A 2023 paper published in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) exaggerates risks associated with a ketogenic diet in pediatric patients. It also conflates a keto diet for epilepsy with a well-formulated keto diet that can be used to treat obesity, diabetes, and mental health conditions. Dr. Calkins co-authored a rebuttal paper in the Journal of Metabolic Health.
In this interview, Dr. Calkins shares more about the paper, as well as some of his experiences running a metabolic clinic at Atrium One Health. He shares his clinical, science-based perspective that ketogenic diets are nutrient-rich (not deficient) and that there is no evidence they trigger eating disorders. He helps patients of all ages make lifestyle changes and improve their health. He loves seeing them achieve dramatic outcomes like reducing BMI or being able to get off insulin. Seeing the explosion of research on ketogenic therapy for a variety of health conditions, Dr. Calkins is optimistic about the future of healthcare.
Experts in this video:
X: @MattCalkinsMD
https://www.wakehealth.edu/providers/c/matthew-william-calkins
Related Resources:
Carbohydrate reduction for metabolic disease is distinct from the ketogenic diet for epilepsy
https://journalofmetabolichealth.org/index.php/jmh/article/view/95
Low-Carbohydrate Diets in Children and Adolescents With or at Risk for Diabetes
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/152/4/e2023063755/193955/Low-Carbohydrate-Diets-in-Children-and-Adolescents?autologincheck=redirected
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
#KetoForMentalHealth
#MetabolicPsychiatry
#KetogenicMetabolicTherapy
#NutritionalKetosis#MedicalKeto#KetogenicTherapy
#KetoDiet#KetoForPediatrics#KetoForDiabetes#KetoForObesity#KetoForKids

Jun 3, 2024 • 33min
Can I Try a Medical Keto Diet for Mental Illness Without a Metabolic Psychiatrist?
Discover the potential of ketogenic therapy for mental health and the vital role of collaborating with trained clinicians. Explore personal journeys and the challenges in accessing metabolic psychiatry. Learn about risks like hypomania and the importance of monitoring during the ketogenic diet. Delve into different treatment approaches tailored to individual needs, and find out how intermittent fasting can enhance the effects of keto. Personal experiences and resources are shared to support those on their metabolic journey.