Metabolic Mind

Dr. Stephen Cunnane, a leading professor at the University of Sherbrooke, discusses groundbreaking research on brain metabolism and psychiatric medications. He reveals how ketone PET imaging provides new insights into brain energy use, especially in aging and dementia. Cunnane explores the impact of glucose decline on cognitive health, emphasizing the crucial role of ketones as a compensatory energy source. He also shares his research on first-episode psychosis, examining how medications disrupt metabolic health and influence brain function.

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.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have the potential to shape the health of millions, but are they based on outdated or flawed evidence? In this powerful interview, Dr. Bret Scher and investigative journalist Nina Teicholz expose the controversial history of dietary policy, challenge the methodology of the DGA Advisory Committee, and discuss the urgent need for change to address rising rates of metabolic and mental health disorders. And they try to answer the burning question from the guidelines: Will eating more beans, peas, and lentils make all of us healthier? What you will learn in this interview: What is the importance of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans? How is the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee committee selected? How is the DGA created and what is the quality of evidence? What are the conflicts of interest in current and past DGA committees? How are decades-old biases shaping current dietary policies? How is the DGA failing to consider individual needs? What do we know about the upcoming 2025 DGA? What are we hoping for in the upcoming 2025 Dietary Guidelines? This timely discussion brings both hope and urgency as they address the question: Will the next guidelines reflect the latest research or continue to steer us in the wrong direction? Expert Featured: Nina Teicholz X: @bigfatsurprise IG: @ninateicholz Substack: https://unsettledscience.substack.com/ Publications Mentioned Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/2025-advisory-committee-report Redesigning the Process for Establishing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK469833/ Report: Nearly Half of Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Have Conflicts of Interest https://usrtk.org/investigations/dietary-guidelines-advisory-committee-conflicts/ 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.

Discover how Continuous Glucose Monitors revolutionize health management. Learn their potential to boost metabolic and mental well-being. Delve into the benefits of real-time glucose tracking and understand the importance of professional guidance. Explore tips to maximize your CGM experience and navigate the potential drawbacks. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned user, this resource offers valuable insights into the impact of CGMs on your health journey.

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.