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15.05.2024

Keto diet makes psychiatric patients physically and mentally healthier

Psychiatric patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia become healthier on a low-carb diet - both mentally and physically.

Study
Psychiatrists at Stanford University recruited 23 adult subjects with long-term serious psychiatric problems. Most of them had bipolar disorder, others had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. For 4 months, the subjects were given a diet that consisted of 10, 30 and 60 energy percent of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, respectively.

The subjects took medications such as antipsychotics and antidepressants. These medications have serious metabolic and cardiovascular side effects. Users are more likely than non-users to be obese and have an increased risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The researchers suspect that a low-carbohydrate diet can not only reduce the risk of these side effects, but can also reduce psychiatric disorders.

Results
After switching to the low-carb diet, depression, anxiety and overall mental illness scores decreased by 33, 9 and 31 percent, respectively. Quality of life and sleep scores improved by 17 and 19 percent, respectively.

The improvements in the adherence group that was able to adhere well to the keto diet were even better. The table below tells you this.

The researchers determined the concentration of ketones in the blood of the test subjects. Based on this they could see who belonged to the adherence group and who did not.

Click on the table for a larger version.

After switching to a low-carb diet, the subjects became not only mentally, but also physically healthier. This was certainly the case in the adherence group. Their fat mass and waist circumference decreased, their sensitivity to insulin increased and the concentration of triglycerides in their blood decreased.

Conclusion
"For the field of psychiatry, these findings open opportunities for further research into the relationship between mental health and metabolic health", the researchers summarize.

"Mental health and physical health are interconnected, 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."

"The observed improvements in metabolic health among individuals with serious mental illness highlight the potential for a more comprehensive and integrated approach to psychiatric care."

Source:
Psychiatry Res. 2024 May:335:115866.

More:
Sulforaphane, an antipsychotic from broccoli? 19.05.2019
Diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids stimulates psychoses 14.07.2016
Strength training works as medicine for schizophrenia 21.11.2015
Fish oil protects for up to seven years against psychoses 09.10.2015

Archives:
Low Carb Diet
Psychoses

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