Ketogenic Diet Shows Promise in Improving Serious Mental Illness Symptoms

A pilot study has uncovered an unlikely ally in the fight against serious mental illness.

The ketogenic diet, long touted for its weight-loss benefits, may be vital in tackling both the physical and psychiatric symptoms plaguing those living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Reversing Antipsychotic-Induced Metabolic Issues

Antipsychotic medications can lead to metabolic side effects like insulin resistance and obesity, causing many patients to discontinue treatment. However, new research from Stanford University suggests the ketogenic diet could be a powerful aid in treating mental illness.

The study, published in Psychiatry Research, followed 21 adults with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder taking antipsychotics and experiencing metabolic abnormalities. Participants followed a ketogenic diet of 10 percent carbs, 30 percent protein, and 60 percent fat. Researchers tracked the participants’ progress by measuring their blood ketone levels weekly, which indicates whether the body is burning fat for fuel.

Read Full Article Here