Ketogenic Diet May Ease Symptoms of Mental Illness and Reduce Side Effects of Medication, Study Finds
Introduction
A ketogenic diet consisting of low-carb, high-fat foods may ease the symptoms of serious mental illness and reduce weight gain and other side effects from the drugs used to treat it, according to new research conducted by Stanford Medicine.
Research Study
A clinical trial, led by researchers at Stanford Medicine, recruited 23 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These patients were instructed to follow a diet consisting of 10 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein, and about 60 percent fat The Washington Post.
Positive Effects on Mental Illness
After four months on the ketogenic diet, 79 percent of the participants showed a “clinically meaningful improvement” in psychiatric symptoms. Researchers speculate that the diet may improve these symptoms by correcting metabolic issues The Washington Post.
Impact on Weight and Metabolic Issues
Patients who stayed on the ketogenic diet experienced weight loss and reductions in waist circumference and visceral adipose tissue. Furthermore, none of the participants exhibited the markers for metabolic syndrome after four months on the diet The Washington Post.
Expanding Research
While the study was small and relatively short, it contributes to a growing body of research linking diet to brain health. The ketogenic diet has also been studied in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy The Washington Post.
Expert Opinions
Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist and author, commented that the findings of the clinical trial are promising but highlight the need for larger studies to replicate the results. Nutritional psychiatry is an emerging field that may complement medication, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Drew Ramsey, another nutritional psychiatrist and author, emphasized the need for randomized controlled trials and monitoring potential negative metabolic effects The Washington Post.
The Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, was used by physicians more than a century ago to treat epilepsy. The diet involves reducing carbohydrate consumption while increasing fat intake, resulting in the production of ketones that serve as an alternative fuel source for the body The Washington Post.
Potential Controversies
While the keto diet has gained popularity, some experts highlight the misinformation about its benefits. The American Heart Association warns that the diet can lead to elevated LDL cholesterol levels, and common side effects include headaches, fatigue, and constipation. However, the diet’s potential benefits for mental illness are still in the early stages of research The Washington Post.
Future Research and Recommendations
Further studies, including randomized controlled trials with larger participant pools, are needed to validate the results and explore the potential benefits of a ketogenic diet for mental illnesses such as bulimia and binge-eating disorders. It is important to note that a ketogenic diet should only be pursued under the guidance of a physician, as it is not suitable for everyone The Washington Post.
Conclusion
The study conducted by Stanford Medicine provides promising evidence that a ketogenic diet may help alleviate the symptoms of mental illness and mitigate the side effects of medication. However, further research is necessary to validate these findings and determine the long-term impact of dietary changes on patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder The Washington Post.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any dietary or treatment decisions.
