Metabolic Mind

Can a ketogenic diet affect cardiovascular risk? Do nuts belong in a low-carb diet? What about ice cream, supplements, and electrolytes?In this episode of Metabolic Mailbag, Dr. Bret Scher tackles some of the most common and misunderstood questions about ketogenic therapy for metabolic and mental health. From concerns about LDL cholesterol to fears of liver and kidney damage, this conversation cuts through the noise with nuance, evidence, and practical guidance.This episode covers:LDL cholesterol spikes on a ketogenic diet: what’s normal, what’s not, and how to think beyond one lab numberStatins vs. individualized risk assessment (imaging, metabolic markers, trends over time)How nuts fit into a ketogenic diet and when they become a problemKetogenic diets and liver/kidney health: what human data actually shows“Good keto” vs. “bad keto” and the role of whole foodsSupplements, electrolytes, and when they’re truly neededSnacking, sweeteners, keto desserts, and staying in ketosisWhether you’re just starting a ketogenic diet or fine-tuning it for long-term metabolic or mental health, this episode offers clarity where confusion is common. By unpacking real-world questions with a clinical lens, Dr. Scher empowers you to think critically, personalize your approach, and make decisions rooted in human evidence—not fear or headlines.Do you have more questions? Check out our other Mailbag Q&A episodes with Dr. Bret Scher and Dr. Georgia Ede:Episode 1: https://youtu.be/PDgM-SD3Fx4Episode 2: https://youtu.be/3m6Fm0nXaMQEpisode 3: https://youtu.be/UgaaYl6RPbsEpisode 4: https://youtu.be/roMq4YU58rcEpisode 5: https://youtu.be/_eSVU5_P7YsEpisode 6: https://youtu.be/TcfGZ3m-lzE🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicPsychiatry #QAExpert Featured:Dr. Bret Scherhttps://x.com/bschermda...

Is carb-loading really the key to endurance and performance? A groundbreaking 100-page publication led by Dr. Andrew Koutnik says it’s time to question the dogma.For decades, athletes have been told that more carbs mean better performance. Strategies like carb-loading before and using sugary gels during exercise have become staples of endurance performance.But recent research has unveiled a shocking truth. Many athletes, even those who look healthy on the outside, are showing glucose levels consistent with prediabetes on the inside.In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher and Dr. Andrew Koutnik unpack the new landmark publication that challenges outdated sports nutrition guidelines and reveals another approach to fueling human performance.📌 What you’ll learn:How carb-loading is increasing the risk of prediabetes in fit, lean, athletesHow glycogen and carbohydrate intake have been mistaken as the primary predictors of performanceWhy maintaining stable blood glucose is the real key to performanceA new model for fueling that prioritizes brain energy and metabolic healthThis conversation is for athletes at every level, from elite competitors to everyday movers, and for anyone curious about how metabolism shapes performance, resilience, and long-term health.👉 Subscribe to Metabolic Mind to stay up-to-date on the latest in metabolic health, ketogenic therapy, and mental wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind.🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.📨 Sign up for the Metabolic Mind Newsletter for the latest research, science, and tools for metabolic therapy at https://www.metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #SportsNutritionExpert Featured:Dr. Andrew KoutnikX.com/@AKoutnikinstagram.com/andrewkoutnikphdyoutube.com/andrewkoutnikphdwww.andrewkoutnik.comResources Mentioned:Carbohydrate Ingestion on Exercise Metabolism and Physical Performancehttps://doi.org/10.1210/endrev/bnaf038Coalition For Metabolic Health

In this special Metabolic Mailbag episode, cardiologist Dr. Bret Scher steps into the hot seat to answer your most pressing questions about ketogenic therapy, heart health, and metabolic markers. Drawing directly from listener questions, this conversation tackles the confusion and concern many people face when lab results change after starting a ketogenic diet.📌 In this video, you’ll learn:Why LDL may rise on a ketogenic diet and when that change is clinically meaningfulWhat cholesterol markers actually tell us about heart disease riskHow to think about hyper-responders and familial hypercholesterolemia (FH)How to interpret CRP and other inflammation markers in contextWhether you really need to track ketones and affordable ways to do itHow often to test labs like LDL, CRP, and other key markersThere’s a lot of confusion around ketogenic diets, cholesterol markers, and heart disease risk. In this episode, Dr. Scher debunks some of the most common myths and offers a clearer, more nuanced understanding of how ketogenic therapy can impact, and often improve, metabolic and cardiovascular health.🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #Q&A #HeartHealthExpert Featured:Dr. Bret Scherhttps://x.com/bschermdhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We...

The science of metabolic psychiatry is advancing, but the movement behind it is just getting started. In this episode, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Natasha Smikles and Eddie Rodriguez from Metabolic Collective, a new nonprofit working to build an international advocacy network for ketogenic and metabolic therapies.Their goal: accelerate awareness, adoption, and support for metabolic interventions in mental health.They cover:The personal journeys that led Natasha and Eddie to metabolic therapyWhy lived experience is such a powerful driver of changeWhy Metabolic Collective was created, and who it’s forHow Metabolic Collective is organizing community-led advocacy and educationWhat tools, resources, and events are available to help you get involvedHow to support others, start a local group, or bring metabolic psychiatry into your communityMetabolic psychiatry is growing, and movements like this are helping close the gap between research and real-world impact. From mental health challenges to neurological disorders, the Metabolic Collective hopes to spread the word about metabolic therapies and empower patients with alternative options to standard of care.👉Learn more about the Metabolic Collective at https://metaboliccollective.org. 👉Read the Metabolic Collective case for support at https://metaboliccollective.org/case-for-support/.#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicPsychiatry🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.Experts Featured:Natasha Smiklesnatasha@metaboliccollective.orghttps://www.instagram.com/natasha.smikles/https://x.com/NatashaSmikleshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-smikles-93753523a/Eddie Rodriguezhttps://www.instagram.com/brainheal_th_/?hl=enhttps://www.youtube.com/@BrainHeal_th_https://x.com/BrainHealth919Resources Mentioned:

Is caffeine sabotaging your mental health progress? Should you try a carnivore diet if keto isn't working? What if your meds lower ketones?In this new Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Georgia Ede joins Dr. Bret Scher to answer your most pressing questions about metabolic therapies, mental health, and more.Together, they dive into nuanced, evidence-informed conversations about:The real impact of caffeine on mood, sleep, and ketosisWhether the carnivore diet is “too high” in proteinWhy some people see mental health improvements on carnivore when a ketogenic diet hasn’t workedWhat to do when medications interfere with ketone levels, and why deprescription must be done safely and strategicallyAnd moreMetabolic psychiatry is a promising frontier, and we’re here to empower individuals navigating serious mental illness with tools and knowledge rooted in science, compassion, and real-world experience.🔎Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.🔔 Subscribe to Metabolic Mind and join the growing community exploring metabolic therapies for mental health: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine #QuestionAndAnswerExpert Featured:Dr. Bret Scherhttps://x.com/bschermd/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/Dr. Georgia Edehttps://www.diagnosisdiet.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemdhttps://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaEdeMd/https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/?hl=enResources Mentioned:Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind by Dr. Georgia Edehttps://www.amazon.com/Change-Your-Diet-Mind-Powerful/dp/1538739070 Taper Down Slowly: A Beginners Guide to Psychiatric Drug Tapering (Part 1)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVMvi-vU5E8 Go Slowly: A Beginners Guide to Psychiatric Drug Tapering (Part 2)

Do SSRIs help your brain?SSRI medications are among the most widely prescribed antidepressants, but what if we’ve misunderstood how they work? In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with biochemist and nutrition scientist Dr. Chris Masterjohn to explore a deeper, more systemic view of mental health and how we treat it.Dr. Masterjohn reveals why serotonin isn’t just a “mood booster,” how SSRIs may be disrupting mitochondrial function, and why focusing on lifestyle strategies that support brain energy metabolism could unlock new paths for treating depression.🔍 What you’ll learn:Chris’s personal journey from veganism to carnivoreThe importance of testing for nutrient deficienciesHow mitochondria influence mood and cognitionWhy SSRIs may disrupt brain energy metabolismThe truth about serotonin and morning sunlightWhy exercise & nutrition often outperform medicationWhat SSRIs really do (and what they don’t)If you've ever questioned the serotonin theory of depression, or sensed there’s more to the story than what mainstream medicine tells us, this conversation fills in some of the missing pieces.🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.👉 Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for more interviews, research, and updates in the field of metabolic psychiatry.Expert Featured:Dr. Chris Masterjohnhttps://www.chrismasterjohn-phd.com/https://substack.com/@chrismasterjohnphdhttps://x.com/ChrisMasterjohnhttps://www.facebook.com/chrismasterjohn/https://www.instagram.com/chrismasterjohn/Resources Mentioned:Substack: Prozac is a Performance Enhancing Drughttps://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/prozac-is-a-performance-enhancingMitome: Mitochondrial Analysishttps://www.mito.me/Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician...

Is carb-cycling okay on a ketogenic diet? What about high histamine foods?In this episode of Metabolic Mailbag, Dr. Bret Scher and Dr. Georgia Ede answers questions on everything from the best sources of dietary fat to how to handle anxiety, perimenopause, and alcohol while maintaining ketosis.They unpack how to build a nutrient-dense, brain-supportive ketogenic diet using whole foods, why “keto-friendly” processed products can sometimes derail progress, and when supplements might be beneficial. You’ll also learn why histamine sensitivity, caffeine, or cycling in and out of ketosis can affect mood, and how to troubleshoot each.This conversation covers:Why a whole food ketogenic diet can be ideal for mental healthHow to identify the best fat sources and avoid “factory fats”Ketogenic dieting for women’s healthWhy anxiety can worsen mid-journey, and how to adaptThe truth about alcohol, carb cycling, and ketosisIf you’re exploring ketogenic therapy for mental or metabolic health, this episode offers practical, science-based guidance to help you refine and personalize your approach.🔎 Have questions about ketogenic diets or how to apply ketogenic therapy effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.👉Stay up to date with the latest, news, insights, and research on metabolic psychiatry by subscribing to Metabolic Mind: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine #QuestionAndAnswerExpert Featured:Dr. Bret Scherhttps://x.com/bschermd/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/Dr. Georgia Edehttps://www.diagnosisdiet.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemdhttps://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaEdeMd/https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/?hl=enResources Mentioned:Dr. Bret Scher’s Carb Cycling Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5bUc7TbS6oDr Madison Kackley: Keto for Women https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ8aGNwGB9cFree CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:

New research links chronic stress, brain energy, and psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder.Stress doesn’t just impact your mood; it affects how your brain allocates energy. In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Parker Kelly, a postdoctoral fellow at UCSF and the San Francisco VA, to unpack the Allostatic Triage Model of Psychopathology, a new framework proposing that psychiatric symptoms may emerge when the brain is forced to triage limited metabolic resources under chronic stress. Co-authored with mitochondrial researcher Dr. Martin Picard, this model could shift how we understand and treat mental illness.In this conversation, you’ll learn:How stress drives brain energy dysfunctionWhy mitochondria and metabolism may be central to mental illnessWhich brain networks are impacted by energy deficitsThe role of predictability and routine in stress resilienceHow metabolic therapies like nutrition, sleep, and even psychedelics, may support brain energy regulationThis conversation bridges neuroscience, metabolism, and mental health, offering a unique and unifying lens on complex psychiatric conditions.👉Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for more conversations about metabolic health, metabolic psychiatry, and mental health: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind.#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #NeuroscienceExpert Featured:D. Parker KelleyX.com/sequencemyneurohttps://bsky.app/profile/sequencemyneuro.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dparkerkelleyphd/Resources Mentioned:The allostatic triage model of psychopathology (ATP Model): How reallocation of brain energetic resources under stress elicits psychiatric symptomshttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2025.106419Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of...

Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind popular GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, recently announced that its phase 3, two-year trial examining GLP-1 medications for Alzheimer's failed to produce a significant reduction in disease progression.While these results are discouraging, they may have revealed something vital about Alzheimer’s treatment.In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down the recent failure of Novo Nordisk’s evoke and evoke+ trials and what it teaches us about the limitations of a drug-only approach to Alzheimer’s treatment.Key topics covered:Why GLP-1s may not be enough for Alzheimer’sThe link between glucose metabolism and brain energy failureHow ketones offer an alternative fuel for the brainEarly research on ketogenic therapy for cognitive impairmentWhy nutritional interventions deserve more scientific attentionWith Alzheimer’s affecting millions and costing billions, it’s time to shine a light on metabolic strategies that directly support brain energy, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function.🧠 Explore our full playlist on ketogenic therapy for Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzWI83-NWCL4f7uVRIWUHCC2nF6t_5DLw#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #AlzheimersExpert Featured:Dr. Bret ScherBaszucki Group Medical Directorhttps://x.com/bschermdResources Mentioned:Novo Nordisk A/S: Evoke phase 3 trials did not demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in Alzheimer's disease progressionhttps://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=916462#Associations of semaglutide with first-time diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in patients with type 2 diabetes: Target trial emulation using nationwide real-world data in the UShttps://doi.org/10.1002/alz.14313Brain energy rescue with ketones improves cognitive outcomes in MCIhttps://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/alz.059627Randomized crossover trial of a modified ketogenic diet in Alzheimer's diseasehttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33622392/Ketogenic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments: History, rationale, and 288 caregiver case reportshttps://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/5316Metabolic Mind Ketogenic Therapy for Dementia Playlisthttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzWI83-NWCL4f7uVRIWUHCC2nF6t_5DLwFree CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice?...

What if your diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or fatty liver wasn’t a permanent sentence, but a condition that could improve or even reverse through targeted intervention?In this episode of the Metabolic Mind podcast, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Adam Wolfberg, Chief Medical Officer at Virta Health, to explore groundbreaking data that challenges the conventional approach to managing chronic metabolic disease. They dive into Virta’s latest annual report, which highlights powerful clinical and economic outcomes that could reshape the future of medicine.In this interview, you'll learn:Why "reversal" is replacing "management" in the metabolic care conversationHow Virta’s data shows a 56% reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, or deathThe role of carbohydrate-restricted and ketogenic nutrition in improving metabolic healthHow patients across socioeconomic backgrounds, including those in food deserts, are seeing resultsWhere medications like GLP-1 fit into a lifestyle-first modelWhat this model means for healthcare costs, medication reduction, and long-term patient outcomesVirta’s annual report highlights how a shift toward value-based care and personalized, nutrition-driven approaches can drastically improve patient outcomes.Check it out here: https://www.virtahealth.com/reversal-report#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicHealth #FoodAsMedicineExpert Featured:Dr. Adam WolfbergChief Medical Officer at Virta Healthwww.Vitrahealth.comLinkedIn.com/in/adamwolfbergResources Mentioned:Virta’s 2025 Annual Report on Metabolic Disease Reversalhttps://www.virtahealth.com/reversal-reportHealthcare utilization and cost impact of telehealth-delivered nutrition therapy for type 2 diabetes and obesity: a retrospective claims-based studyhttps://doi.org/10.1101/2025.11.09.25339829Real-World Cardiovascular Outcomes with a Carbohydrate-Reduced Telemedicine Interventionhttps://doi.org/10.1101/2025.10.27.25338916Reduced Onset of MASLD, MASH, and Advanced Liver Disease in patients who received Individualized Nutrition-Focused Remote Care for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes and Obesityhttps://doi.org/10.1101/2025.10.24.25338753Effectiveness of telehealth nutritional therapy in preventing chronic kidney disease among adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity: a real-world, retrospective, propensity score–matched cohort studyhttps://doi.org/10.1101/2025.10.17.25338238Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and

Ever wonder why your ketone levels dip after a few months on a ketogenic diet? Or how exogenous ketones compare to ketones produced naturally?In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher and Dr. Georgia Ede unpack the latest round of keto questions asked by the community.💡 You’ll learn:What lower ketone levels actually meanHow to know if you need to raise your ketonesHow exogenous ketones compare to ketones produced by the bodyHow to troubleshoot keto-induced insomniaThe difference between total and net carbs and which one you should be paying attention toHow much fat you should eat on a ketogenic dietIf you’re exploring ketogenic therapy for mental or metabolic health, this episode offers expert insights on the most common keto questions to help you feel confident in your journey.🎥Still have questions about ketogenic therapy and metabolic health? Check out our previous mailbag episodes, which cover a range of commonly asked questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m6Fm0nXaMQ👉Do you have a question about ketogenic therapy or metabolic psychiatry? Submit your question to our team here: metabolicmind.org/questions#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine #QuestionAndAnswerExpert Featured:Dr. Bret Scherhttps://x.com/bschermd?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^authorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/Dr. Georgia Edehttps://www.diagnosisdiet.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemdhttps://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaEdeMd/https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/?hl=enResources Mentioned:Treatment Resistant Depression SeriesPart 1: https://youtu.be/q7jg6wlD6gYPart 2: https://youtu.be/ay4RjudumHwPart 3: https://youtu.be/nGTx-i42yFEMetabolic Psychiatry for Non-Prescribershttps://ally-academy-nw.ce-go.com/metabolic-psychiatry-for-non-prescribers-23-07-2025-503Keto Mojo Macronutrient Calculatorhttps://keto-mojo.com/mymojomacros-keto-macro-calculator/Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia

What does it really look like to heal a serious mental illness with ketogenic therapy?At Metabolic Mind, we often highlight powerful stories of individuals putting serious psychiatric conditions into remission with ketogenic and metabolic therapies. But healing isn't always linear, and it's rarely easy.In this honest and deeply human episode, Dr. Bret Scher and Dr. Georgia Ede sit down with Matt Baszucki and Lauren Kennedy West to explore the real-world challenges of using ketogenic therapies for mental health.Together, they discuss:The emotional and practical realities of tapering psychiatric medicationsNavigating variable ketone levels and the effect on mood, cognition, and stabilityThe stigma around diet and mental illness, and the power of self-trustWhat it takes to sustain long-term lifestyle change (and the benefits of support)How setbacks can become opportunities for growth, resilience, and self-discoveryWhether you're just starting a metabolic therapy or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers validation, insight, and encouragement to keep going — even when the path is hard.👉 Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for more real conversations on metabolic psychiatry and mental health: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind.#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicTherapies #FoodAsMedicine #Schizophrenia #BipolarDisorderExpert Featured:Dr. Georgia EdeDr. Bret ScherMatt Baszuckihttps://www.youtube.com/@mattbaszuckihttps://x.com/BaszuckiMattInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbaszucki/Lauren Kennedy Westhttps://www.livingwellafterschizophrenia.com/https://www.youtube.com/LivingWellwithSchizophreniahttps://x.com/LWSchizophreniaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingwellafterschizophrenia/Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at

Is the diet being promoted to “save the planet” actually based on environmental data?In this eye-opening interview, Dr. Frank Mitloehner, air quality specialist and director of the CLEAR Center at UC Davis, unpacks the claims behind the EAT-Lancet 2.0 report, particularly the idea that cutting animal-sourced foods will drastically reduce environmental harm. Despite widespread media framing it as a climate solution, Dr. Mitloehner reveals that the Planetary Health Diet is not grounded in environmental science at all — a fact even confirmed in the report’s own glossary.He also highlights a key finding from the UN’s FAO: shifting to plant-based diets was ranked among the least effective ways to reduce livestock-related emissions, far behind solutions like improving animal health and increasing productivity.📌 Key topics covered:Why the “Planetary Health Diet” isn’t actually about planetary healthWhat the data really says about livestock’s role in climate changeThe misplaced focus on animal agriculture vs. major carbon emittersConflicts of interest and misleading media narrativesProven methane reduction strategies already working in CaliforniaWhy plant-based diets are impractical to scale — and minimally effective for emissions💡 If you’ve ever wondered whether giving up animal foods is the answer to climate change, or if the environmental case against meat holds up to scientific scrutiny, this interview is a must-watch.👉Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for more of the latest news and research regarding metabolic health, neurological health, and proven dietary interventions: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind.#MetabolicMind #FoodAsMedicine #PlanetaryHealthDietExpert Featured:Frank M Mitloehnerhttps://twitter.com/GHGGuruhttps://clear.ucdavis.edu/people/frank-mitloehnerhttps://clear.ucdavis.edu/https://www.youtube.com/@clearcenteratucdavishttps://www.instagram.com/ghgguru/Resources Mentioned:The Eat-Lancet Planetary Health Diethttps://eatforum.org/eat-lancet/the-planetary-health-diet/FAO Pathways Towards Lower Emissionshttps://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a06a30d3-6e9d-4e9c-b4b7-29a6cc307208/contentCommon Ground Filmhttps://commongroundfilm.org/Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as...

People living with serious mental health conditions face a dramatically higher risk of premature death, not only from psychiatric symptoms, but from the cardiometabolic complications that often accompany their treatment.Despite decades of awareness, this critical issue remains under recognized and under treated. In this episode of the Metabolic Mind podcast, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with two leading experts who are changing that:Dr. Margaret Hahn, Clinician Scientist in the Schizophrenia Division at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto.Dr. Sharmili Edwin Tharanajah, Physician and Research Associate at the University Hospital Frankfurt’s Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy.Together, they unpack groundbreaking research on the metabolic consequences of psychiatric care, including antipsychotic-induced glucose dysregulation, obesity, and insulin resistance and explore how clinicians can better prevent, detect, and manage these risks.💡Their conversation covers:Why people with severe mental illness lose up to 20 years of life due to cardiometabolic diseaseHow antipsychotic and antidepressant medications affect glucose metabolism, even without weight gainPractical strategies for psychiatrists to monitor and manage metabolic side effectsThe growing role of metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and ketogenic therapy in psychiatric careThis conversation is essential for clinicians, researchers, and anyone affected by mental illness who wants to better understand how metabolism and mental health are deeply interconnected, and what can be done to protect both.👉Stay up to date with the latest news, insights, and research on metabolic psychiatry by subscribing to Metabolic Mind: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #MentalHealthCareExpert Featured:Dr. Margaret HahnCAMH: https://camh.ca/en/science-and-research/science-and-research-staff-directory/margarethahnUniversity of Toronto: https://psychiatry.utoronto.ca/faculty/margaret-hahnDr. Sharmili Edwin ThanarajahGoethe-Universität — Medizin: https://www.unimedizin-ffm.de/einrichtungen/kliniken/zentrum-fuer-psychische-gesundheit/psychiatrie-psychosomatik-und-psychotherapie/team/assistenzaerztinnenassistenzaerzte/dr-med-sharmili-edwin-thanarajahResources Mentioned:Antipsychotic Drugs and Dysregulated Glucose Homeostasis Systematic Review and Meta-Analysishttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2837755An Overview of Links Between Obesity and Mental Health:https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13679-015-0164-9INTEGRATE: International guidelines for algorithmic treatment of schizophreniaa...

In this episode of the Metabolic Mind podcast, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with L.J. Amaral, a registered dietitian, certified in nutrition oncology, and PhD student researcher at Cedars-Sinai, about where ketogenic therapy may fit into cancer care. Together they emphasize a crucial point: in oncology, we’re not just treating the tumor, we’re treating the whole person. The quality of life, physical strength, and day-to-day function of patients matter in prognosis.L.J. covers:How shifting fuel toward ketones may influence metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, and even muscle preservation during treatment.Why many tumors crave glucose, and why that matters for dietary strategies.The potential of ketogenic therapy used alongside standard of care (surgery/chemo/radiation), with early signals around feasibility, daily living, and patient well-being.The real-world nuance of responders vs. non-responders, and why personalized coaching is key.How some patients pair fasting windows with treatment, and the practical safeguards to consider.What’s next: details on an NIH-funded, multi-center phase 2 trial comparing a ketogenic approach to an American Cancer Society–style diet.Ketogenic therapy in oncology is early but advancing. If you’re curious about science-backed nutrition strategies that support both treatment and daily life, this conversation is for you.👉Interested in learning more about metabolic health and ketogenic therapy? Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for the latest research, expert interviews, and updates: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind.#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #CancerTreatment #FoodAsMedicineExpert Featured:L.J. AmaralLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljamaral/Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lj-AmaralResources Mentioned:A phase 1 safety and feasibility trial of a ketogenic diet plus standard of care for patients with recently diagnosed glioblastomahttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06675-6Successful application of dietary ketogenic metabolic therapy in patients with glioblastoma: a clinical studyhttps://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1489812Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic...

Thinking about reducing or stopping psychiatric medication? It may not be the right approach for everyone, but for someone considering it, there's much to keep in mind.For instance, many individuals who adopt ketogenic therapy and other metabolic strategies often find themselves in need of reducing medication. But how can they do it safely and with minimal risk?In part 2 of our 2-part series on med tapering, Dr. Bret Scher and ‪@GeorgiaEdeMD‬ dive deep into how to safely and effectively taper psychiatric medications, offering guidance, caution, and hope for those exploring this path.Tapering antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers can be one of the most complex challenges in mental health care and it can come with serious risks. Dr. Ede breaks down what most clinicians miss about withdrawal, and why “slow and steady” isn’t just advice, it’s a necessity. She also explains how strategies like ketogenic therapy and other lifestyle interventions can support brain stability during the process.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Why individuals are looking to reduce or remove medication✅ The potential risks of not safely tapering✅ The “no sudden movements” rule and the concept of hyperbolic tapering✅ Tools and resources for safer dose reductions (compounding pharmacies, taper strips, and more)✅ How to increase your chances of feeling better with no or less medication✅ The role of metabolic health, nutrition, sleep, and stress management in effective tapering✅ What to do if your doctor is hesitant or resistant to adjusting your medication✅ Why you may want to consider avoiding supplementing during a taper🎥 To learn more about the importance of safe tapering and why it needs to be personalized, check out part 1 of this 2-part series: https://youtu.be/RVMvi-vU5E8Experts Featured:Dr. Bret ScherX: https://x.com/bschermdDr. Georgia EdeWebsite: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/Book: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/change-your-diet-change-your-mindYouTube: ‪@GeorgiaEdeMD‬X: https://xResources:The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelineshttps://a.co/d/5WWskZsCrossing Zero: The Art and Science of Coming Off - and Staying Off - Psychiatric Drugshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/8797625906?Taper Clinichttps://taperclinic.com/Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring’s free Taper Clinic programhttps://taperclinic.com/our-program/Outro Healthhttps://www.outro.com/Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew...

The EAT-Lancet Commission recently released their updated "Planetary Health Diet" and preemptively labeled a number of health experts who pushed back as “mis-influencers.”Dr. Georgia Ede was one of those health experts labeled and in this episode of the Metabolic Mind podcast, she joins Dr. Bret Scher to unpack the many flaws of the EAT-Lancet 2.0 report.In this episode, you’ll learn about:The deep flaws in claiming a one-size-fits-all solution to diet and planetary health.EAT-Lancet’s heavy reliance on weak epidemiological dataIts open acknowledgment of nutrient deficiencies in the EAT-Lancet diet and who is most at riskWhy animal-sourced foods are beneficial for our health—especially for brain healthHow ideology and influence may be driving public health messagingDr. Ede’s response to being labeled a “mis-influencer”At Metabolic Mind, we believe optimal human nutrition begins with asking the right scientific questions—starting with what’s healthiest for the brain and body, then considering sustainable solutions.Human and planetary health are too complex for one-size-fits-all solutions—and if such a diet existed, we wouldn’t uncover it through untested epidemiological guesswork.Expert Featured:Dr. Georgia EdeWebsite: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/Book: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/change-your-diet-change-your-mindYouTube: ‪@GeorgiaEdeMD‬X: https://xResources MentionedEat LancetFree CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

Psychiatric medications have become a standard of care for many mental illnesses. For some, these medications can be life-changing. For others, they may offer little relief, cause intolerable side effects, lose effectiveness over time, or even worsen symptoms.Regardless, many individuals eventually seek to reduce or discontinue psychiatric medication use—often without adequate support. Unfortunately, most clinicians receive limited training in how to guide patients through safe, personalized tapering protocols and the existing guidelines often fail to reflect real-world experiences.In part one of our new two-part series, Dr. Bret Scher and psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede delve into a critical yet under-discussed topic: how to taper psychiatric medications safely.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why people consider tapering (side effects, loss of benefit, life changes, etc.)Why safe psychiatric medication tapering is importantHow the brain adapts to meds (homeostasis) and how that impacts taper speedWhy personalization in medication management is importantHow to tell the difference between withdrawal and a true relapseHow to prepare: education, team support, and trusted resourcesAlmost everyone will need to adjust the dose of a medication at some point, even if only to try a different medication. Some will want to try to come off psychiatric meds entirely. It’s not a journey to take alone. Safe tapering is not a DIY process. We strongly encourage working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider who can help you personalize the approach, choosing the right pace, plan, and monitoring strategies to protect your health. In addition, we recommend resources below that can help.The goal isn’t simply to stop a medication, it’s to feel and function at your best. And the safest route is the one that’s tailored to you.📆 Stay tuned for episode 2 of our two-part series on psychiatric medication tapering—airing October 15.Expert Featured:Dr. Bret ScherX: https://x.com/bschermdDr. Georgia EdeWebsite: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/Book: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/change-your-diet-change-your-mindYouTube: ‪@GeorgiaEdeMD‬X: https://x.com/GeorgiaEdeMDIG: https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/Resources Mentioned:Medication Tapering HubComing Soon! Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when new resources are available: https://www.metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelineshttps://a.co/d/5WWskZsCrossing Zero: The Art and Science of Coming Off - and Staying Off - Psychiatric Drugshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/8797625906?Inner Compass Initiativea...

Ketogenic therapy is a powerful tool for weight loss. But not everyone who cuts carbs is able to achieve their goal weight and metabolic health goals. Could GLP-1s offer the missing piece when low-carb and clean eating aren’t quite enough?In this episode of the Metabolic Mind Podcast, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Shannon Robinson, a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist, to explore this overlooked population who could benefit most from GLP-1s. Drawing from both her personal journey and clinical practice, Dr. Robinson highlights why lifestyle alone isn’t always enough, and how medications can sometimes be life-changing.In this conversation, you’ll learn:✅ Why GLP-1s may help patients already following strict low-carb or carnivore diets✅ How keto (and GLP-1s) are beneficial for weight loss and addiction✅ The parallels between GLP-1s and addiction medicine✅ Real-world insights on side effects, dosing, and the impact of GLP-1s on muscle✅ Advice for people starting GLP-1 medications✅ Why controlling GLP-1 dose is importantFor many, food and lifestyle changes unlock better health. But when life’s stressors and personal biology create roadblocks, other tools may be able to help. As Dr. Robinson highlights, GLP-1s aren’t a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, but when strategically used in combination with lifestyle changes, they can be a key to success for many people.👉Interested in learning more about metabolic health, ketogenic therapy, and lifestyle interventions for optimal mental health? Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for the latest research, expert interviews, and updates: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind.#MetabolicMind #GLP1 #KetogenicTherapyExpert Featured:Dr. Shannon Robinsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-robinson-8aa3a4210/Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient...

Depression that doesn’t improve, or gets labeled as treatment resistant, can leave people feeling without options and hopeless. But what if there was another way forward?In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Silvia J. Covelli, founder and CEO of the Healing Depression Project, and Dr. Achina Stein, a board-certified psychiatrist and functional medicine physician. Together, they share how personal journeys and clinical insights converged to create a groundbreaking program that addresses depression at its root.You’ll hear Silvia’s story of living with depression for 25+ years before finding lasting relief through holistic lifestyle changes. And Dr. Stein explains how her own family’s health crisis led her to functional psychiatry.In this conversation, you’ll learn:How functional psychiatry focuses on metabolic, nutritional, and lifestyle drivers of mental health.What happens inside the Healing Depression Project retreats (labs, ketogenic therapy, , and community support).Why addressing lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, and movement can lead to depression remission, not just symptom management.How the Healing Depression Project is setting a new framework for what treating treatment resistant depression can look like.By combining functional psychiatry, metabolic therapies, and a compassionate community, this program is showing what metabolic psychiatry is all about: mental illness doesn’t always have to be a lifelong sentence.👉 Healing Depression Project is now accepting applications for their next retreat. Visit https://www.healingdepressionproject.com/ to learn more!Expert Featured:Silvia J. Covellihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/silvia-j-covelli-6709b0275/Dr. Achina SteinWebsite: https://fxnmind.com/dr-achina-stein/https://www.instagram.com/dr.achinastein/?hl=enResources Mentioned:Healing Depression Projecthttps://www.healingdepressionproject.com/Book: What If It’s Not Depression? Your Guide To Finding Answers and Solutionshttps://www.amazon.com/What-Its-NOT-Depression-Solutions/dp/B0BD4S9TDFFree CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including