You may think the ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is simply one of the latest trends in weight loss. But did you know that this diet has been used since the 1920s as a medical treatment?
For about 100 years, physicians have been recommending the keto diet to patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. In fact, scientific research shows that it cuts the frequency of epileptic seizures in children by more than 50%.
But that isn’t its only impact on the brain. What else does the keto diet do to your brain? Does it enhance brain function and mental health? Or does it lead to problems?
In this blog, you’ll learn more about the keto diet, how it impacts the brain, and the pros and cons regarding its effects on mental health.
A growing body of research shows that the keto diet can have positive benefits on mental health.
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WHAT IS THE KETO DIET?
On the ketogenic diet, or keto diet, you can lose weight while eating bacon, cheese, chocolate, avocado, and whipped cream. Sounds great, right?
It works, but only if you dramatically decrease your intake of carbohydrates. That means little or no grains, sugary sweets, or potatoes. For many people who want to lose weight, this sounds like a good trade-off.
The keto diet can be challenging to maintain, but when it works it can be powerfully effective. The main idea is for you to get more calories from protein and fat and significantly fewer calories from carbohydrates. Basically, you cut back on carbs that are easy to digest, such as sugar, soda, pastries, and white bread—something you should do anyway.
When you eat less than 50 grams of carbohydrates a day, your body runs out of blood sugars and eventually (usually after 3-4 days) starts to break down protein and fat for energy. This is called ketosis.
People use this diet most often to lose weight because it takes more calories to convert fat into energy than carbohydrates and helps you feel fuller longer.
However, it has also been used to help with medical conditions, such as seizures, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, acne, and even some forms of cancer.
THE KETO DIET AND MENTAL HEALTH: PROS
A growing body of research shows that the keto diet can have positive benefits on mental health. A review of studies on the diet show it improved symptoms related to depression, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia.
The diet’s effects on bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorder, however, have been mixed.
At Amen Clinics, we have seen the beneficial effects of the keto diet on some of our patients. For example, one woman visited Amen Clinics because she was struggling with a severe case of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
In the days before her period, she would experience symptoms like mood swings, anger, irritability, and irrational behavior.
On SPECT scans, her brain showed extreme overactivity in the limbic system and anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) right before her period. On brain scans, too much activity in the limbic system is associated with low moods, and heightened activity in the ACG is seen in people who tend to get stuck on negative thoughts and behaviors.
When she went on the keto diet, she noticed that her moods brightened significantly, and her other symptoms improved greatly. Her follow-up SPECT scans while on the low-carbohydrate diet showed calmer overall activity.
The interest in the keto diet as a treatment for mental health disorders is increasing. Currently, there are dozens of clinical trials underway exploring the effects of the keto diet on mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.
THE KETO DIET AND MENTAL HEALTH: CONS
The keto diet isn’t right for everyone and there can be a few downsides when it comes to mental health and physical wellness.
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The keto diet may negatively impact gut health.
The traditional keto diet is low in dietary fiber, which can negatively impact gut bacteria. Fiber-rich foods are necessary to feed the good bacteria in our gut. Without enough fiber, their numbers can decrease, allowing the population of bad bugs to proliferate.
This can lead to trouble because the gut communicates with the brain in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which is important for healthy moods. Gut imbalances are associated with several mental health problems.
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The keto diet may lead to hormonal imbalances in women.
Because most of the research on the keto diet has been done on men (and quite a few lab rats), some of its effects on women remain unclear. Although the diet was effective for the woman with PMDD described above, it may not be helpful for all women.
In some women, consuming a keto-friendly diet may cause hormonal imbalances, which can interfere with healthy neurotransmitter production and contribute to mood disorders, anxiousness, and irritability.
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The keto diet may impair thyroid function.
Research on the keto diet’s effects on thyroid function is mixed. Some research, such as a 2017 study on children with epilepsy on a keto diet, suggest that following a ketogenic eating plan increases the risk of thyroid dysfunction.
Other studies have reported that thyroid levels have changed significantly in people on a keto diet while others found no changes in thyroid function.
This is important because the thyroid is a neurohormone, and if it is either underactive or overactive, it can contribute to symptoms associated with mental illness.
For example, when the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), it can lead to symptoms of depression, attention problems, memory problems, and psychosis. An overactive thyroid is associated with anxiety, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, mania, and more.
Considering that the jury is still out on the keto diet and thyroid function, it is advisable for people with thyroid issues to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a keto plan.
IS THE KETO DIET RIGHT FOR YOUR BRAIN?
Be sure to check with your physician before starting a new diet plan. If you get the go-ahead, try it and see if it has a positive effect on your physical and mental well-being. If it does, stick with it. If it exacerbates any psychiatric symptoms, it may not be right for you.
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
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