

Metabolic Mind
Bret Scher
Metabolic Mind is working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. Metabolic interventions like ketogenic therapy are being used to treat serious mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and 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.
Watch our videos at https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind
Our channel is for information only. Consult your physician before changing your lifestyle or medications.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 30, 2024 • 52min
How Ketosis Affects Health and Longevity: Expert Insights from Isabella Cooper, PhD
In this insightful interview, PhD researcher Isabella Cooper dives deep into the science of ketosis and its impact on health. She discusses how it's not just about maintaining high levels of ketones but also about the quality and source of those ketones. Isabella highlights the importance of avoiding unhealthy fats and proteins like soybean oil, canola oil, and pea protein isolate while following a ketogenic diet.
Discover the latest research findings on cycling in and out of ketosis and how it can influence your overall health. Learn about the molecular components that truly matter when optimizing your metabolic state and achieving sustainable health outcomes.
Tune in to explore the fascinating world of metabolic health with Dr. Isabella Cooper and uncover practical tips for enhancing your ketogenic journey!
*Experts Featured*
Isabella Cooper, PhD
University of Westminster
https://www.foreveryounggroup.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bellamitochondria
X: @I_mitochondria
*Related Papers*
_Ketosis Suppression and Ageing (KetoSAge): The Effects of Suppressing Ketosis in Long Term Keto-Adapted Non-Athletic Females_
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/21/15621
_Ketosis Suppression and Ageing (KetoSAge) Part 2: The Effect of Suppressing Ketosis on Biomarkers Associated with Ageing, HOMA-IR, Leptin, Osteocalcin, and GLP-1, in Healthy Females_
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/7/1553
*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#MedicalKeto#KetogenicTherapy
#MetabolicHealth#Keto#Longevity

Sep 23, 2024 • 6min
Keto Diet and Heart Disease: What New Research Reveals About Cardiac Risk with Dr. Bret Scher
Does eating a very low carbohydrate or ketogenic diet increase the risk of heart disease? Many healthcare practitioners might say yes, but recent evidence suggests otherwise. Contrary to popular belief, a ketogenic diet does not automatically increase cardiac risk. This video explores a new study that supports this notion, challenging misconceptions that may prevent people from using ketogenic therapy to treat conditions like diabetes, depression, bipolar disorder, and other brain-based disorders.
Join us in this critical discussion and share this video with your healthcare provider to help spread awareness about the true effects of ketogenic diets on heart health.
*Related Videos*
https://youtu.be/jybPe48bGtY
https://youtu.be/cXwpYDWS0RE
*Papers Mentioned*
_Impact of very low carbohydrate ketogenic diets on cardiovascular risk factors among patients with type 2 diabetes; GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials_
https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12986-024-00824-w
_Effect of carbohydrate-restricted dietary interventions on LDL particle size and number in adults in the context of weight loss or weight maintenance: a systematic review and meta-analysis_
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522004749
_Cardiovascular disease risk factor responses to a type 2 diabetes care model including nutritional ketosis induced by sustained carbohydrate restriction at 1 year: an open label, non-randomized, controlled study_
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29712560/
_Ketogenic Diet Intervention on Metabolic and Psychiatric Health in Bipolar and Schizophrenia: A Pilot Trial_
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178124001513
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#HeartHealth#HeartDisease#Keto

Sep 16, 2024 • 44min
Cholesterol & Heart Health: Insights from LDL Research on Keto with Dave Feldman & Nick Norwitz, PhD
Join citizen scientist Dave Feldman, founder of the Citizen Science Foundation, and Nick Norwitz, an Oxford PhD and Harvard medical student, as they challenge traditional views on LDL cholesterol and heart health. They discuss their research on lean mass hyper-responders, revealing that LDL levels might not correlate with plaque buildup in keto dieters. The duo also highlights how advanced imaging techniques could redefine cardiovascular risk assessment, pushing for a fresh perspective on cholesterol management and dietary impacts on long-term health.

Sep 9, 2024 • 38min
Healing Metabolism to Heal Schizoaffective Disorder: Lauren Kennedy West's Medical Keto Journey
In this enlightening discussion, Lauren Kennedy West shares her transformative journey with schizoaffective disorder, revealing how traditional therapies fell short. She highlights her discovery of metabolic therapies—diet, exercise, and sleep—that empowered her to thrive. Lauren critiques conventional psychiatric approaches and emphasizes the importance of lifestyle adjustments. Her experience with ketogenic therapy not only aided her mental health but also rejuvenated aspects of her life. This story offers hope and inspiration for anyone seeking alternative mental health solutions.

Sep 2, 2024 • 9min
Protein on Keto: How Much is Too Much? with Dr. Bret Scher
Are you following a ketogenic diet or using ketogenic therapy to manage depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other brain-based disorders? If so, you've probably heard conflicting advice about protein intake—how much is too much? In this video, Dr. Bret Scher explains how to determine the right amount of protein for your unique needs. Whether you're concerned about maintaining ketosis or just want to optimize your health, this video breaks down the science in an easy-to-understand way.
*Tune in to learn*
•The importance of protein on a ketogenic diet
•How to measure and adjust your protein intake
•Common myths and misconceptions about protein and ketosis
Thank you for watching! If you found this video helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with others who may benefit. Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts.
*Resources*
Metabolic Mind’s Familes & Peers page:
https://www.metabolicmind.org/families-and-peers
Protein Range Chart
https://www.dietdoctor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CME-Target-protein-ranges.pdf
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#Protein

Aug 21, 2024 • 22min
Keto Offers Hope in the Bronx: Endocrinologist Uses Diet to Help Underserved Patients Recover Health
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Mariela Glandt, a leading endocrinologist and co-founder of OwnaHealth, reveals her innovative work using the ketogenic diet to improve health outcomes in the South Bronx. She shares inspiring success stories of patients overcoming diabetes and obesity through dietary changes, emphasizing the affordability of keto. The OwnaHealth app plays a crucial role in connecting patients with healthcare support, while continuous glucose monitors provide real-time feedback to enhance dietary choices.

7 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 39min
Ketogenic Therapy for Migraine Relief - with Dr. Elena Gross
Dr. Elena Gross, a neuroscientist and chronic migraine sufferer, shares her remarkable journey from patient to researcher. She reveals how metabolism influences migraines and discusses innovative dietary approaches, including ketogenic therapy. Listeners learn about her groundbreaking clinical trials on exogenous ketones and the vital role of micronutrients. With insights on metabolic flexibility, Dr. Gross emphasizes the potential for metabolic therapies to transform migraine management and the broader implications for chronic disease care.

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