What is a ketogenic diet?

Ketogenic diets can vary but the premise is to reduce the intake of carbohydrates. Many people increase their fat and protein consumption as an alternative. When your body begins to burn fat for energy, instead of relying on glucose from carbs, our bodies transition into ‘ketosis.’ Standard ketogenic diets generally rely on just 5-10% carbohydrates.

How was the study carried out?

Two online surveys were distributed by Northumbria University in England to determine those participants who were on ketogenic or non-ketogenic diets. Three groups were created (ketogenic-friendly, ketogenic-acceptable, and not ketogenic-friendly) for grouping purposes. The subjects that reported being on a ketogenic diet must have been on it for at least one week, while those who fell out of the ketogenic parameters were considered as being on “other diets.”

Ketogenic diets may improve your mental health.

While many of the ketogenic diet respondents were considered as being overweight, the cohorts from both surveys reported superior moods, less anxiety or depression, and less stress and feelings of loneliness. These results were not necessarily in correlation with ketone levels, leading experts to think that a sustained ketogenic diet could contribute to mental health irrelative of any metabolic changes. Still, those who were on a ketogenic diet tended to have better BMI’s overall, meaning that there is potentially an overlap with mental and physical health. Here are the highlights of the report:

• Ketogenic diet therapy resulted in metabolic syndrome reversal
• Participants with schizophrenia showed an average of 32 % improvement according to the brief psychiatric rating scale
• The percentage of participants with bipolar who showed >1 point improvement in clinical global impression was 69 %
• Greater biomarker benefits observed with ketogenic dietary adherence
• Suggested dual metabolic–psychiatric benefits from ketogenic therapy

Since ketogenic diets have also been shown to be successful in treating obesity, type 2 diabetes, and epilepsy, these new benefits around mental health are even more reasons to consider eating less carbohydrates. “Since being on the diet, I haven’t noticed any significant anxiety level or attacks. And I’ve been able to work through basically everything I’ve come across,” said one respondent. “It can honestly save a lot of lives, it saved mine. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for Keto. It’s helped a lot with my mood stabilization,” reported another subject.

But how might ketogenic diets achieve these mentally beneficial results? One possibility is that a ketogenic diet may increase levels of GABA levels, promoting a calmer and more relaxed states. Other theories include the activation of dopamine and serotonin, and improved guy microbiome. “Mental health and physical health are interconnected,” concludes the report. “And addressing metabolic issues can complement psychiatric treatment to enhance overall well-being. Understanding the mechanisms and potential synergies between psychiatric treatment and metabolic improvements can also inform the development of more effective interventions.”

Conclusion

The findings of the study suggest that a ketogenic diet may have a positive impact on mental health. While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the two, these results are promising and suggest that a ketogenic diet could be a viable option for those looking to improve their mental health.

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FAQs

• What is a ketogenic diet?

A ketogenic diet is a low-carb diet that involves reducing the intake of carbohydrates and increasing the intake of fat and protein. This can help put the body into a state of ketosis, which can be beneficial for some people.

• Can a ketogenic diet help with mental health?

According to the study, participants who followed a ketogenic diet reported improved mental health and reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

• Is a ketogenic diet safe for everyone?

No, a ketogenic diet may not be suitable for everyone. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.