From the Research
Ketosis has been shown to have a positive association with mental and emotional well-being, and may be a useful adjunctive treatment for certain mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, as evidenced by a recent study published in 2024 1.
Key Findings
- A case series study published in 2024 found that a personalized ketogenic diet led to complete remission of depression and anxiety in three adults with complex comorbidities 1.
- A randomized controlled clinical trial protocol published in 2024 aims to investigate the effects of ketogenic metabolic therapy on mental health and metabolic outcomes in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder 2.
- A cross-sectional study published in 2024 found that a ketogenic diet was associated with higher self-reported mental and emotional well-being behaviors in a general healthy population 3.
Implementation and Precautions
- To implement ketosis safely, gradually reduce carbohydrates while increasing healthy fats from sources like avocados, olive oil, and nuts.
- Protein should be moderate (about 0.8-1g per kg of body weight).
- Expect an adaptation period of 2-4 weeks with possible "keto flu" symptoms including headaches, fatigue, and irritability.
- Stay well-hydrated and ensure adequate electrolyte intake (sodium, potassium, magnesium).
- Important cautions: ketosis is contraindicated for those with certain metabolic disorders, pregnant women, and individuals on specific medications.
- Anyone with mental health conditions should not replace prescribed medications with dietary changes without medical supervision, as ketosis should complement rather than replace conventional treatment.
Future Directions
- Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between ketosis and mental health, including larger-scale studies and randomized controlled trials.
- The use of exogenous ketone supplementation as a potential intervention in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being explored, with promising results from a feasibility study published in 2024 4.