Do ketone supplements really treat depression and anxiety?
The connection between diet and brain health has long intrigued me. I am excited to see that researchers are exploring how specific dietary strategies, like ketogenic diets, carb cycling, and the use of ketone supplements might influence psychological and emotional well-being. Here is a brief summary of the evidence supporting these approaches for treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disease, and PTSD. For a much deeper dive, I suggest reading the fascinating book Brain Energy, by Harvard neurologist Dr. Christopher Palmer.
Ketogenic diets in mental health
The keto diet, which emphasizes high fat intake with low carbohydrate consumption, forces the body into a state of ketosis. During ketosis, the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. Here’s the thing: the brain loves ketones as an energy source. This shift in metabolism has shown benefits in not only managing weight and metabolic function but also in improving mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. While specific studies on PTSD are not as extensive as those for other mental disorders, the evidence shows potential benefits.
Research by institutions like Stanford Medicine indicates that ketogenic diets may even benefit individuals with harder to treat illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The diet appears to improve both psychiatric symptoms and metabolic health, enhancing overall quality of life and physical health in these populations.
Ketone supplements and carb cycling
While keto diets have their benefits, they are hard to maintain because they require significant lifestyle changes and strict adherence. A much more sustainable approach might involve the use of exogenous ketones (supplements that raise ketone levels in the blood without the need to restrict carbohydrates) and/or carb cycling (alternating a higher carb/higher workout load day and a low carb/easier workout day) to periodically raise ketone levels.
Exogenous ketones and carb cycling mimic the neurological benefits of ketosis by providing the brain with direct access to ketones for fuel. This can offer neuroprotective benefits, stabilize mood, and potentially reduce symptoms in mood disorders and PTSD. The ease of use and accessibility of ketone supplements make them an attractive option.
Despite their potential, the use of exogenous ketones and carb cycling in mental health treatment isn't yet backed by extensive clinical research. Preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest benefits to ketone supplements, but larger-scale trials are necessary to fully understand their efficacy and safety.
For those considering a dietary change or exogenous ketones for mental health, it’s crucial to approach this transition under medical supervision.
Conclusion
Ketogenic diets and exogenous ketone supplements in mental health treatment holds promise, offering new avenues for managing a range of brain conditions. As research evolves, these dietary strategies may become powerful tools in the holistic treatment of mental health disorders, complementing traditional therapies and medications. If you would like help determining if dietary changes or ketone supplementation might be beneficial for you, I would love to work with you.
