Metabolic Mind
Metabolic Mind
Bret Scher
Metabolic Mind is working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. Metabolic interventions like ketogenic therapy are being used to treat serious mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Major Depressive Disorder. We explore topics that can help you understand how Metabolic Psychiatry might help you or a loved one treat mental disorders Watch our videos at https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind Our channel is for information only. Consult your physician before changing your lifestyle or medications.
BITESIZE: ADHD and Dementia: Is Brain Metabolism the Link?
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that adults with ADHD had more than a fourfold higher association with cognitive impairment and dementia later in life. The finding doesn't mean ADHD causes dementia, but it raises important questions about what these conditions may share biologically.In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down the study and explores one possible connection: brain energy metabolism.Researchers analyzed data from more than 187,000 adults and also found that people with a higher genetic risk for ADHD had a 35% greater likelihood of cognitive decline, even without an ADHD diagnosis. Dr. Scher explains why these findings may point toward shared biological pathways involving glucose metabolism, mitochondrial function, insulin sensitivity, and the brain’s ability to meet its energy needs.He covers:What the study found about ADHD and later cognitive declineWhy association doesn't establish causationThe possible connection between ADHD, brain energy metabolism, and dementiaHow sleep, chronic stress, and metabolic health may influence long-term brain healthWhy ketogenic therapy is being explored as a way to provide the brain with an additional fuel sourceHow exercise and sleep may support brain metabolic functionWhy this research makes early attention to metabolic health worth consideringThe research connecting ADHD, metabolism, and dementia is still developing. For people living with ADHD, these findings offer another reason to think about long-term brain health and the metabolic factors that may be modifiable over time.👉 Interested in learning more about the potential connection between ADHD and metabolic health? Check out our blog: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/stories/ketogenic-therapy-for-adhd/🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.#ADHD #Dementia #MetabolicHealth #MetabolicMindExpert Featured:Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=enhttps://x.com/bschermdResources Mentioned:Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Late-Life Cognitive Impairmenthttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2854889Free 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, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, 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.
Oct 22
6 min
Dr. Georgia Ede on ADHD, Brain Metabolism, and Ketogenic Therapy
ADHD is often described as a problem with attention or hyperactivity, but psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede argues that the condition is much more complex, involving executive function, dopamine regulation, and potentially brain energy metabolism.In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher and Dr. Georgia Ede take a deeper look at ADHD, from how it is diagnosed and treated to emerging research on nutrition and glucose metabolism, including questions about ketogenic therapyDr. Ede draws on years of experience treating ADHD, including her time at Harvard University, Smith College, and the Hallowell Center. She explains why some people living with ADHD can focus intensely on things that interest them while struggling with everyday tasks, why stimulants can be so effective for some people, and where lifestyle strategies may fit alongside conventional care.They cover:What ADHD actually is and why the name can be misleadingHow inattentive and hyperactive symptoms can look very differentWhy ADHD can affect work, relationships, self-esteem, and quality of lifeHow stimulant and non-stimulant medications workWhat older studies found when children living with ADHD followed simplified whole-food dietsEvidence of altered brain glucose metabolism in ADHDWhy researchers are exploring possible links between ADHD and metabolic health, including research on mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammationWhat Dr. Ede has observed clinically with whole-food and ketogenic approachesHow ketogenic therapy may interact with stimulant medicationsWhy there is no established ketone level for ADHDThe first randomized controlled trial now underway at Oxford studying ketogenic therapy in adults living with ADHD and depressionThe clinical evidence for ketogenic therapy in ADHD is still early, and Dr. Ede emphasizes that we do not yet know how effective it will be or who is most likely to benefit. But with research now underway, the metabolic side of ADHD is becoming an important area to watch.Anyone considering dietary or medication changes should discuss them with their healthcare provider. Medication adjustments require supervision from a prescribing clinician.👉 Interested in learning more about the potential connection between ADHD and metabolic health? Check out our blog: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/stories/ketogenic-therapy-for-adhd/🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.#ADHD #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicPsychiatryExpert Featured:Dr. Georgia Ede, MD- Author, Change Your Diet, Change Your Mindhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemd/https://x.com/GeorgiaEdeMDhttps://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/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, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, 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.
Oct 20
51 min
Q&A: Carnivore Protein Levels, Key Nutrients, and Keto After Menopause
Does perimenopause make ketosis harder? Can a carnivore diet provide too much protein? And which nutrient deficiencies matter most for mental health?In this episode of Metabolic Mailbag, Dr. Bret Scher and psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede answer listener questions about ketogenic therapy, menopause, carnivore diets, protein intake, and nutrition for mental health.They discuss how hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect insulin sensitivity and ketone levels, and why some women may need to adjust their carbohydrate intake, exercise, or other aspects of their routine to maintain the same metabolic response.They also cover:Why perimenopause and menopause can make ketosis more difficultHow changing estrogen levels may affect insulin resistance and mental healthHistamine intolerance and gut changes during perimenopauseWhether carnivore diets can become too high in proteinHow to think about protein intake when therapeutic ketosis is the goalWhy adding fat may help adjust the protein-to-fat ratio on carnivoreCommon nutrient deficiencies that can affect mental healthThe roles of B12, choline, folate, iron, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acidsWhy correcting a deficiency does not always resolve psychiatric symptomsThe difference between folic acid and methylfolateDr. Ede also shares why appetite and satiety can feel very different on a well-formulated ketogenic or carnivore diet, and why individual needs often change over time.🔎 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 #QuestionAndAnswer #KetogenicTherapyExpert Featured:Dr. Georgia Ede, MD- Author, Change Your Diet, Change Your Mindhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemd/https://x.com/GeorgiaEdeMDhttps://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/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, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, 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.
Oct 17
25 min
BITESIZE: What “Healthy” Food Labels May Be Hiding
Some “healthy” foods may be working against your metabolic health.In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher examines how products such as agave nectar, commercial green juices, low-fat fruit yogurt, and açaí bowls can create a health halo while delivering large amounts of rapidly digestible sugar.Dr. Scher explains how liquid carbohydrates, added sugars, and concentrated fructose may affect satiety, insulin response, hunger, and other markers of metabolic health. He also examines how front-of-package phrases such as “natural,” “low fat,” “made with real fruit,” and “superfood” can make certain products appear healthier than their nutrition labels suggest.The episode covers:How liquid and rapidly digestible carbohydrates affect satiety differently from whole foodsWhy agave nectar’s low glycemic index does not tell the full story about how its fructose content is processed by the liverHow removing fiber and adding fruit can change the metabolic effects of some commercial green juicesHow some low-fat fruit yogurts replace fat with added sugarWhy some açaí bowls can deliver a large, rapidly absorbed sugar loadHow to assess total carbohydrates, added sugar, and ingredient listsWhy front-of-package health claims may offer an incomplete picture of a food’s nutritional contentThis episode offers a practical guide to recognizing misleading health claims and evaluating nutrition labels through a metabolic health lens.👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/🔎 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 #FoodAsMedicineExpert Featured:Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=enhttps://x.com/bschermdFree 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, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, 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.
Oct 15
7 min
Dr. Bill Schindler on Ancestral Diets and Modern Nutrition
How did humans go from being deeply connected to our food to barely knowing where it comes from or how it was made?In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with experimental archaeologist and chef Dr. Bill Schindler about what human evolution can teach us about food, nutrition, and the way we eat today. Drawing on archaeology and his time with hunter-gatherer communities around the world, Dr. Schindler traces how human diets changed through hunting, food processing, agriculture, and eventually the modern food system.A major turning point came with agriculture. Dr. Schindler describes how dietary diversity declined as societies became more dependent on a smaller number of staple crops, while people also became increasingly removed from the source and preparation of their food.They cover:How hunting and food processing shaped human evolutionWhat changed when humans transitioned to agricultureWhat Dr. Schindler has learned from spending time with modern hunter-gatherer communitiesWhy those communities cannot be viewed as untouched examples of ancestral lifeHow culture and environment shape what different populations eatWhy nourishment involves more than macronutrients aloneHow food traditions can create a deeper connection to what we eatWhy Dr. Schindler and his wife Christina created the Modern Stone Age KitchenHow fermentation, sourdough, nose-to-tail cooking, and other traditional techniques are used in a modern restaurantWhy the way food is prepared may be just as important as the ingredients themselvesAt the Modern Stone Age Kitchen, Dr. Schindler has tried to bring those lessons into everyday life by making familiar foods from scratch and using traditional preparation methods to improve nutrient density and reconnect people with the story behind their food.🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.#AncestralNutrition #MetabolicMind #FoodAsMedicineExpert Featured:Dr. Bill Schindlerhttps://www.instagram.com/drbillschindler/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-bill-schindler-46243211https://www.facebook.com/drbillschindler/https://www.facebook.com/modernstoneagekitchen/https://www.instagram.com/themodernstoneagehttps://www.youtube.com/@themodernstoneageResources Mentioned:https://modernstoneage.com/https://modernstoneage.circle.so/ancestral-table-homehttps://modernstoneage.com/shop/p/eat-like-a-human-autographed-bookFree 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, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, 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.
Oct 13
1 hr
BITESIZE: Ketogenic Diet Dangerous? Breaking Down the New Study
A new study claims ketogenic diets cause liver damage and early death. Here’s what you need to know.A 2025 mouse study recently made headlines, warning that ketogenic diets may lead to fatty liver, high triglycerides, and a shortened lifespan.But here’s the catch:These findings were in genetically altered mice fed a 90% fat diet, filled with highly synthetic components, and they contradict what human trials have shown again and again.In real people, ketogenic diets have consistently been linked to:✅ Lower liver fat and improved liver enzymes✅ Reduced triglycerides✅ Improved insulin sensitivity and A1c✅ Medication reduction or even remission in type 2 diabetesSo why the disconnect?In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks it down:What the mouse study really showed (and what it didn’t)Key biological differences between mice and humansWhy human evidence still supports a well-formulated ketogenic diet’s safety and benefitsWhat to look for when evaluating nutrition headlinesAnimal data can provide hints and raise important questions, but when human trials show clear benefits, that’s the signal we should trust.👉 Learn more about the powerful effect of metabolic therapies on the brain and body by subscribing to Metabolic Mind: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind.#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicineExpert Featured:Dr. Bret ScherBaszucki Group Medical Directorhttps://x.com/bschermdResources Mentioned:A long-term ketogenic diet causes hyperlipidemia, liver dysfunction, and glucose intolerance from impaired insulin secretion in micehttps://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adx2752Free 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.
Oct 11
6 min
Q&A: Food Noise, Aging on Low-Carb, Carnivore Microbiome & Keto Snacks
Can ketosis change symptoms of bulimia? Is low-carb eating safe in your 80s? And what really happens to digestion on a carnivore diet?In this episode of Metabolic Mailbag, Dr. Bret Scher answers questions about ketogenic therapy for eating disorders, low-carb diets in older adults, carnivore diets and gut health, constipation on a ketogenic diet, and even a few easy keto movie-night snacks. He also looks at why being in ketosis may affect symptoms differently than simply eating low carb, what to consider when fasting later in life, and how to think about bowel habits and microbiome changes when fiber intake is very low.He covers:Whether intermittent fasting and low-carb eating are appropriate at age 81Why adequate protein remains important with fastingWhat current research suggests about ketogenic therapy and eating disordersFiber, bowel habits, and constipation on carnivore and ketogenic dietsWhat emerging research suggests about microbiome diversity on carnivoreMagnesium options for constipationSimple keto snack ideas for a movie nightAs always, Dr. Scher emphasizes individual context, clinical guidance, and the importance of looking beyond a single number or dietary rule.🔎 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 #MetabolicMailbagExpert Featured:Bret Scher, MDhttps://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/https://x.com/bschermdResources Mentioned:Papershttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06000774https://toward.health/dr-tro-co-authors-case-series-demonstrating-feasibility-of-ketogenic-diet-for-patients-with-obesity-binge-eating-food-addiction-symptoms/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.wsj.com/health/can-ozempic-treat-binge-eating-for-some-the-answer-is-yes-dbdc009f?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://journals.bioscientifica.com/mah/article/4/1/MAH250015/77637/Long-term-adherence-to-the-carnivore-diet-and-itshttps://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms4654https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6546328/Videoshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cThdgRm9ApEAdditional resourceshttps://brainenergy.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 Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, 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.
Oct 8
19 min
Dementia Prevention Through a Metabolic Lens
Alzheimer’s disease is usually discussed in terms of plaques, tangles, and genetics. Dr. Stephen Cunnane has spent years studying another piece of the puzzle: what happens when the aging brain can no longer use glucose efficiently, and whether ketones can help fill that energy gap.In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher and Dr. Cunnane discuss the metabolic side of cognitive decline, including insulin resistance, brain glucose metabolism, and why metabolic health may play an important role in both prevention and treatment.They cover:Why brain glucose utilization declines with age and Alzheimer’s diseaseHow ketones may provide an alternative fuel for the brainWhat clinical trials of ketogenic diets, MCTs, and exogenous ketones have found so farWhy some studies show improvements in quality of life or daily function even when cognitive measures change lessWhat APOE4 may mean for treatment and preventionWhy type 2 diabetes is such an important modifiable risk factor for dementiaThe roles of exercise, carbohydrate reduction, MCTs, and other lifestyle strategiesWhy Dr. Cunnane believes prevention should begin long before cognitive symptoms appearDr. Cunnane also shares news about SPARCUS, the Sprott Prevent Alzheimer Research Collaboration at the University of Sherbrooke. The new program will support research and education around multi-domain metabolic approaches to cognitive health, including reduced carbohydrate intake, MCTs, exercise, and omega-3 supplementation.The research is still evolving, but Dr. Cunnane argues that we already know enough about metabolic health to start taking modifiable dementia risk factors more seriously.👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.#AlzheimersDisease #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapyExpert Featured:Dr. Stephen Cunnanehttps://recherche-cerveau-sherbrooke.ca/en/laboratory-team/Resources Mentioned:https://event.fourwaves.com/kc-5Free 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, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, 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.
Oct 6
40 min
BITESIZE: Dr. Georgia Ede’s Guide to Better Mental Health in College
College can be one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also put enormous pressure on a brain that's still developing.Psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede spent 12 years working as an on-campus psychiatrist at Harvard University and Smith College. In this video, she explains why college can be such a vulnerable time for mental health and how sleep, nutrition, alcohol, smoking, vaping, and other everyday habits may affect brain metabolism and resilience.Dr. Ede explores the role of oxidative stress, why blood sugar and insulin matter for the brain, and how metabolic health can influence mood, concentration, memory, and the ability to cope with stress.She shares practical strategies students can use on campus, including:Choosing whole foods and reducing refined carbohydratesMaking better dining hall and snack choicesPrioritizing sleep and regular exerciseLimiting alcohol, smoking, and vapingUsing a continuous glucose monitor to better understand individual responses to carbohydratesWhen a very low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet may be worth exploring for mental health concernsWhy reaching out for professional support is essential when college starts to feel overwhelmingAny dietary changes, especially ketogenic therapy, should be explored with a qualified clinician. This is particularly important for students taking psychiatric medications or anyone with a history of eating disorders or disordered eating.Taken together, these ideas show how metabolic health may support learning and relationships while students manage the everyday pressures of campus life.👉 Looking for more back-to-school mental health resources for college students? Explore our Back to School blog for stories, science, and practical support for navigating campus life with mental health in mind: metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/stories/back-to-school-metabolic-mental-health-guide/#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #BackToSchoolExpert:Dr. Georgia Ede, MD- Author, Change Your Diet, Change Your Mindhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemd/https://x.com/GeorgiaEdeMDhttps://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/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, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, 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.
Oct 4
7 min
BITESIZE: Keto Outperformed Mediterranean and Low-Fat Diets in New RCT for Fatty Liver and Prediabetes
Does reducing carbohydrates improve metabolic health beyond what can be explained by weight loss alone?Dr. Bret Scher breaks down a new randomized controlled trial published in Cell Metabolism that compared three diets in people with prediabetes and fatty liver disease: a ketogenic diet, a higher-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet, and a very low-fat, plant-forward diet.One challenge with ketogenic diet research is that participants often lose more weight than those in comparison groups, making it difficult to separate the effects of carbohydrate reduction from those of weight loss itself.In this trial, researchers provided all of the meals, and participants achieved greater than 95% dietary compliance. Importantly, all three groups ultimately lost the same 10% of their body weight. That gave researchers an unusual opportunity to compare metabolic outcomes across the three diets without differences in weight loss muddying the picture.And even with weight loss held constant, the outcomes differed.The ketogenic group reduced liver fat by 67%, compared with 45% in the Mediterranean and plant-forward groups, and saw larger improvements in liver insulin sensitivity. Prediabetes remission also occurred in 50% of the ketogenic group, compared with 29% of the Mediterranean group and 7% of the low-fat, plant-forward group.Dr. Scher covers:Why similar weight loss across the three groups makes this trial especially informativeHow all three diets affected skeletal muscle insulin sensitivityWhy liver insulin sensitivity improved more with the ketogenic dietThe differences in liver fat reduction between the three groupsPrediabetes remission rates across each dietary approachHow carbohydrate reduction may suppress liver fat productionChanges in the glucagon-to-insulin ratio on ketogenic therapyWhat the study found about saturated fat, LDL cholesterol, and ApoBImprovements in triglycerides, VLDL, and lipoprotein insulin resistanceThe study’s limitations, including its small size and 4- to 5-month durationFor people with fatty liver disease or prediabetes, this study adds evidence that carbohydrate reduction may produce metabolic benefits beyond those achieved through weight loss alone.🔎 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 #FoodAsMedicineExpert Featured:Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=enhttps://x.com/bschermdResources Mentioned:Effect of diet macronutrient content on the cardiometabolic response to weight loss: A randomized clinical triallinkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1550413126002937Free 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, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, 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 or establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications. In addition, it is important to note that people may respond differently to ketosis, and there isn't one recognized universal response.
Oct 1
8 min
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