Metabolic Mind

Brain Energy and metabolism appear to play critical roles in the development and treatment of psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. And emerging research suggests that our gene expression influences how our brain uses energy, thus linking the fields of genetics and metabolism. In this episode, Dr. Harry Pantazopoulos, Associate Professor in the Department of P...

Is psychiatry stuck in the 19th century? For decades, psychiatry has relied on trial and error but is there a better way to provide precise, personalized, and preventative treatment? Dr. Alexander Niculescu, professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona and CEO of MindX Sciences, is at the cutting edge of transforming psychiatry into an objective, data-driven field. With blood tests evaluat...

Is it possible for ketogenic therapy to significantly reduce schizoaffective symptoms in 2 weeks? What about putting symptoms into complete remission in 6 weeks? Licensed Mental Health Counselor Nicole Laurent joins Dr. Bret Scher to discuss her newly published case series showcasing the dramatic improvements in individuals with schizoaffective disorder using ketogenic metabolic therapy. In this i...

Dr. Iain Campbell, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh, discusses his groundbreaking pilot study on ketogenic therapy for bipolar disorder with Dr. Bret Scher. Having personally experienced the benefits of ketosis for his own bipolar type II depression, Dr. Campbell delves into the link between metabolic health and mental well-being. Dr. Campbell shares how his recent study reveals a corre...

Do psychiatric medications alter brain energy and metabolic health? Dr. Stephen Cunnane, a professor and researcher at the University of Sherbrooke, has been at the forefront of studying glucose and ketone metabolism in the aging brain, pioneering advanced imaging techniques to measure how the brain utilizes these critical energy sources with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parki...

How can we make sense of conflicting studies? One paper suggests a ketogenic diet reduces all-cause mortality, while another claims it raises blood pressure. Are large-scale survey tools like NHANES—the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey—really the best way to answer these complex questions? In this insightful interview, Dr. Adrian Soto-Mota, an internal medicine clinician, educator,...

Pediatric and adolescent mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD, are reaching alarming levels and affecting millions worldwide. While the causes are still being explored, one potential contributing factor is the rising metabolic health epidemic, fueled by a harmful food environment. With current treatment options often coming with challenging side effects and failing to...

How Is a ketogenic diet different for women, and what impact does a ketogenic diet have on women’s hormones? The ketogenic diet sparks a lot of questions when it comes to women’s health—and for good reason. Social media and the internet are flooded with conflicting information. Fortunately, Dr. Madison Kackley, a research scientist at Ohio State University, brings evidence-based insights in this e...

Mental health care is at a critical crossroads. Millions of people are searching for effective treatments, yet conventional options often fall short, leaving many without significant or lasting relief. Compounding this issue is the lack of funding directed toward exploring novel, root-cause therapies. The urgency for change is clear. Dr. Chris Palmer, a Harvard psychiatrist and the author of Brain...

What comes to mind when you think of assisted living? Likely not vibrant residents, nutritious meals, and improved physical and mental health—but Hal Cranmer is working to change that narrative. In this inspiring interview, Hal shares how his innovative approach to senior care integrates ketogenic and carnivore nutrition to boost activity, memory, and overall well-being in his facilities. Dive int...

How effective is exercise for treating depression, and how can we help more people use it as a cornerstone of treatment? The last decade we have seen mounting evidence that exercise can play a big role in mental health through a variety of mechanisms. In this interview, Dr. Nick Fabiano, a psychiatry resident and researcher, shares his innovative approach to using exercise as a therapeutic interve...

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have the potential to shape the health of millions, but are they based on outdated or flawed evidence? In this powerful interview, Dr. Bret Scher and investigative journalist Nina Teicholz expose the controversial history of dietary policy, challenge the methodology of the DGA Advisory Committee, and discuss the urgent need for change to address rising ra...

Learn how Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) can transform your metabolic and mental health. In this video, we dive into the benefits and debates surrounding CGMs, highlighting their role in managing blood sugar, making informed lifestyle choices, and enhancing overall well-being. *Key Topics Covered* • What are Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)? • How CGMs can help improve metabolic health • Imp...

Dr. Bret Scher interviews Dr. Jack Gilbert—renowned microbiome scientist, author of Dirt Is Good, and featured expert in the Netflix documentary Hack Your Health—to explore the profound connections between the microbiome, metabolism, mental health, and overall wellness. Dr. Gilbert shares cutting-edge insights into how the 40 trillion microbes in our gut influence everything from inflammation to b...

Dr. Bret Scher interviews Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in tapering and deprescribing psychiatric medications. Dr. Josef combines his expertise in pharmaceutical safety, clinical psychiatry, and metabolic therapies to help patients safely transition off long-term medications. Topics Covered Life-Changing Outcomes Discover how Dr. Josef’s holistic methods h...

In this interview with Dr. Bret Scher, Dr. Corinde Wiers, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, unveils her groundbreaking research on using ketogenic therapy to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). Dr. Wiers dives into how ketones, as an alternative energy source, may alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and transform the landscape of addiction recovery. Thi...

Join us as we delve into the transformative potential of metabolic psychiatry with Dr. Scott Fears, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer at Amae Health. In this comprehensive interview, Dr. Fears explores how ketogenic therapy, dietary adjustments, and personalized metabolic approaches are reshaping mental health treatment. He discusses ketosis as a therapeutic tool, its impact on mood and cognitive sta...

In this video, we tackle a common misconception: that losing weight alone will make you healthier. Contrary to popular belief, simply reducing the number on the scale may not lead to better health outcomes. Instead, it's crucial to focus on losing fat mass, maintaining or building lean mass like muscle and bone, and improving your overall metabolic health. We dive deep into how medications like We...

In this video, psychiatrist Dr. Lori Calabrese provides essential guidance on medication management, focusing on the nuanced process of tapering and deprescribing psychiatric medications. As individuals seek alternatives or adjustments to their mental health treatments, understanding how to navigate medication changes safely is critically important. Dr. Calabrese discusses the complexities involve...

How does the food we eat impact the way our bodies absorb and metabolize medications? What do we have to be aware of if we are eating a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet, and how it’s going to impact so many of the medications people with mental illness are taking? In this engaging interview with psychopharmacology expert Dr. Deanna Kelly, you’ll learn how the food you eat can influence the effect...

Are you using a ketogenic diet for therapy and need to know the ideal ketone levels for success? In this video, we explain how to measure ketone levels to optimize your ketogenic diet for managing psychiatric disorders, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and other metabolic conditions. One of the unique benefits of a ketogenic diet is the ability to precisely track your body's response. But what should yo...

In this insightful interview, Dr. Marty Makary speaks candidly about pressing issues within the U.S. healthcare system. He addresses how current debates often divert attention from core challenges, framing healthcare as a divisive landscape when the real focus should be on patient-centered care and meaningful provider support. Dr. Makary calls on policymakers and leaders to look past polarizing di...

In this powerful and insightful interview, Lisa La Nasa, the founder of diaVerge Diabetes, shares her personal journey of living with type 1 diabetes for over 14 years. Despite following her doctor's advice, Lisa struggled to control her blood sugar levels—until she discovered the benefits of a low-carb, ketogenic diet. This dietary change, along with lifestyle adjustments, gave her the control an...

This interview highlights the latest research from a powerhouse team of Australian experts who are investigating the potential of ketogenic diets to treat serious mental illness like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Dr. Zoltán Sarnyai, Dr. Carlo Longhitano, and dietitian Jaymee-Leigh Swift share insights into their new randomized controlled trial, comparing the effects of a ketogenic diet with...

In this episode, PhD researcher and fourth-year medical student Nick Norwitz returns to Metabolic Mind to discuss his recently published case series featuring ten individuals who have successfully managed their Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) using a carnivore ketogenic diet. This promising approach is challenging conventional dietary norms, particularly when it comes to managing chronic inflamma...