A pilot study has uncovered an unlikely ally in the fight against serious mental illness.
Reversing Antipsychotic-Induced Metabolic Issues
Antipsychotic medications can lead to metabolic side effects such as insulin resistance and obesity, causing many patients to discontinue treatment. However, new research from Stanford University suggests that the ketogenic diet could be a powerful aid in treating mental illness.After four months, none met the criteria for metabolic syndrome, and they had lost 10 percent of their body weight on average, reporting improved energy, sleep, mood, and quality of life. Participants also showed significant enhancements in markers such as blood pressure, body mass index, triglycerides, and insulin resistance.
“We’re seeing huge changes,” Dr. Shebani Sethi, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Stanford Medicine and lead author of the study, said in a statement. Despite patients being on antipsychotic medications, the issues of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance can still be effectively addressed and reversed.
Significant Psychiatric Benefits
The participants showed significant psychiatric benefits as well. On average, they improved by 31 percent on a clinician-rated mental illness severity scale known as the Clinical Global Impressions scale. It is a seven-point clinician-rated measure of mental illness severity, ranging from 1 (normal) to 7 (extremely severe).In fact, 75 percent of the group demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement.
The ketogenic diet may provide an alternative fuel source for the brain, helping improve brain metabolism and reduce mental illness symptoms, according to the research team.
Nutrition should be a first-line approach for addressing mood and cognitive symptoms in general, Nicole Laurent, a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in using ketogenic therapy to treat mental illness and neurological issues (although she was not involved in this study), told The Epoch Times.
Why Diet Affects Mental Health
Diet can greatly affect mood and mental well-being for several reasons, Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist in New York City and director of Comprehend the Mind, told The Epoch Times.A balanced diet provides the brain with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed for optimal function. The types of foods we consume affect our blood sugar levels, and rapid fluctuations can lead to mood swings and irritability, according to Ms. Hafeez.
“Sticking to a balanced diet can stabilize our blood sugar levels, promoting sustained energy and a more consistent mood,” she said.
Certain foods can trigger inflammation, contributing to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
“Opting for an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in whole foods and healthy fats, may help reduce inflammation and support mental health,” Ms. Hafeez said.
Food allergies or sensitivities can also cause mood disturbances. Identifying and avoiding these “trigger foods” can effectively manage these symptoms, she said.
It’s essential to be mindful of caffeine and alcohol consumption, as excessive intake can disrupt sleep patterns and exacerbate mood fluctuations and anxiety.
Evidence for the Effect of Specific Diets on Mental State
It’s challenging to definitively prove that specific diets lead to changes in mental health, Ms. Hymowitz told The Epoch Times. However, research has suggested associations between dietary intake and mental health, she noted.The ketogenic diet has previously been recommended for treating severe epilepsy, a neurological disorder causing seizures, particularly in children whose seizures did not respond to medication, according to Ms. Hymowitz.
