Although the keto diet is commonly known for weight loss, its initial purpose was to treat epilepsy in children. However, recent research has revealed its potential advantages for individuals struggling with mental illness. We will go deeper to explore these findings.
What is keto diet?
A standard keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan designed to induce a state of ketosis in the body. Ketosis occurs when the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, leading to the production of ketones. The diet typically involves consuming high amounts of healthy fats, moderate amounts of protein, and very few carbohydrates. Foods like meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, oils, non-starchy vegetables are encouraged, whole grains, sugars, fruits, and starchy vegetables are limited or avoided. The keto diet is popular for its potential to promote weight loss, improve blood sugar control, and increase energy levels, but it may not be suitable for everyone.
Why are keto diets used to treat epilepsy?
Yes, keto diets are used to treat epilepsy, especially in children with seizures, because they can help reduce seizure frequency and severity. The ketogenic diet (KD) reduces seizures by changing how the brain uses energy and neurotransmitters like GABA. Ketone bodies (KB), produced during fat breakdown, play a role, but their exact impact is still debated. The diet’s effects on metabolism, gut bacteria, and inflammation also contribute to seizure control.
Does keto diet improve mood?
Maybe, mood disorders involve imbalances in brain chemicals, and some medications used for seizures also help stabilize mood. The ketogenic diet seems to affect key neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation, like dopamine and serotonin. Studies in animals and some clinical reports suggest that keto diet might have mood-stabilizing and antidepressant effects. Some people report feeling improvements in mood and mental clarity when following a keto diet, possibly due to stabilized blood sugar levels. However, others may experience mood changes, such as irritability or fatigue, especially during the initial adjustment period. More research is in need to determine the keto diet’s effects on mood comprehensively.
Can keto improve severe mental disorders?
The keto diet has shown promise in some collective studies for potentially improving certain severe mental illness, such as epilepsy and certain types of severe mental disorders.
Alzheimer’s disease
Three studies examined the impact of the keto diet (KD) on Alzheimer’s disease mental illness. Morrill and Gibas conducted a case study on a 71-year-old woman with mild Alzheimer’s symptoms, noting improvements in forgetfulness and word recall after adhering to the KD. Taylor et al. conducted a 3-month study involving 15 Alzheimer’s patients, observing significant improvements in cognitive function. Similarly, Ota et al. conducted a randomised trial on 20 Japanese patients, finding notable improvements in memory and cognitive function with a KD formula.
Anorexia Nervosa
Scolnick et al. reported on a 29-year-old woman with a history of anorexia nervosa who experienced improvement after three months on the KD. Despite some persisting compulsions, her depression symptoms decreased significantly. Additionally, no adverse effects were noted during the study period.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Several studies explored the effects of the Keto diet on ASD mental illness. Lee et al. studied 15 children with ASD, observing substantial improvements in autism-related behaviors after three months on a modified KD regimen. Evangeliou et al. conducted a pilot study on 30 children with autistic behavior, noting significant improvements in behavior and intellect after six months on the diet.
Bipolar Disorder
Campbell and Campbell conducted an observational study on bipolar disorder patients, with 85% reporting positive effects on mood while following a KD. Phelps et al. described two bipolar patients who discontinued mood stabilizers after following a KD for 2-3 years, experiencing subjective improvement without adverse effects.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Cox et al. reported on a 65-year-old woman with MDD who experienced significant improvement after 12 weeks on the KD. Her depression symptoms decreased substantially, and her quality of life improved dramatically.
Narcolepsy
Husain et al. conducted an experimental study on narcolepsy patients, observing a significant decrease in daytime sleepiness after eight weeks on a low-carbohydrate KD. Although some mild side effects were reported, no serious adverse events occurred.
Schizophrenia
Kraft and Westman described the effects of the KD on a 70-year-old woman with schizophrenia, noting improvements in symptoms like paranoia and hallucinations. The patient also experienced weight loss and increased energy while following the diet.
Before considering the ketogenic diet, it’s crucial to consult with both a dietitian and a psychiatrist. While the diet may offer benefits, it’s essential to weigh potential side effects and ensure it aligns with individual health needs. Collaboration between healthcare professionals can help make informed decisions about dietary interventions for mental well-being.
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