Metabolic Mind
Metabolic Mind explores the connection between metabolism and brain health, focusing on how metabolic interventions like ketogenic therapy can treat serious mental illnesses such as Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Major Depressive Disorder. The podcast discusses topics in metabolic psychiatry to help listeners understand how these approaches might benefit themselves or loved ones. It also directs viewers to their YouTube channel for additional content.
Episodes
A Cardiologist Weighs In on the NATURE-CT Vs. Ketogenic Diet Debate
A newly published study called NATURE-CT is generating significant attention in the cardiovascular and ketogenic communities, but some of the conclusions being drawn online don't hold up to scientific scrutiny. Dr. Bret Scher walks through what the study actually shows, what it doesn't, and why comparisons being made to ketogenic therapy are scientifically misleading.In this discussion, you'll lea
Keto 101: Beginner’s Guide to Meals, Snacks, and Carb Limits
What should you eat on keto? A ketogenic diet shifts your body from burning carbs to burning fat and ketones, and it can be a powerful tool for supporting metabolic health as well as mental health. But knowing what to eat, what to avoid, and how to get started makes all the difference.Here, Dr. Bret Scher walks you through the essentials:The best proteins, fats, and low-carb vegetables for ketoFoo
David Baszucki: What My Son's Recovery Taught Me About Mental Illness
David Baszucki - founder and CEO of Roblox - sits down with his son Matthew for the first time on a podcast together. They walk through Matthew's five-year journey with severe, treatment-resistant bipolar I disorder: the first manic episode in 2016, multiple hospitalisations, the dozens of medications, the 2017 incident in Los Angeles when David flew down on a rescue mission to find Matt homeless
Dr. Eric Westman on the Future of Metabolic Medicine
The Cholesterol Code documentary is challenging long-held assumptions about LDL cholesterol, ketogenic diets, and what really matters for cardiovascular risk.In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Eric Westman, internist and low-carb researcher, to discuss the film's impact and what it could mean for the future of clinical practice.From Dave Feldman's citizen science journey to the g
Q&A: Does Keto Help or Hurt AFib? KETO-CTA Study, Ketone levels & More
Can ketogenic therapy help atrial fibrillation? What should you make of the KETO-CTA study? And do higher ketones always mean better results?In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher answers audience questions about cardiovascular health, ketosis, ketone levels, and how to personalize a ketogenic approach based on your goals and metabolic health. From AFib concerns to cholesterol controver
BITESIZE: Do Eggs Actually Cause Heart Disease?
Are eggs bad for you because they may raise cholesterol?It's one of the most common nutrition questions in cardiology, and one of the most misunderstood. The reality is that raising cholesterol and harming your health aren't always the same thing, and when it comes to eggs, the data tells a much more nuanced and reassuring story than most people have been led to believe.In this conversation, Dr. B
Dr. Ken Berry on the Medical Landscape of Chronic Disease
Can ketogenic therapy challenge mainstream thinking on cholesterol, diabetes, and evidence-based medicine? At the CoSci conference, Dr. Ken Berry shares his reaction to The Cholesterol Code documentary and explains why more clinicians are questioning long-standing assumptions about metabolic health, LDL cholesterol, and the treatment of chronic disease.In this conversation, Dr. Berry discusses the
BITESIZE: The New Protein Guidelines Reignited the Plant vs. Animal Debate
Protein recommendations have changed and not everyone is happy about it. Here's what the new federal protein guidelines actually mean for your health, and why the pushback is missing the point.A recent PBS article argued that doubling the current protein guidelines would push people toward junk food and processed products. But as a cardiologist, Dr. Bret Scher explains why that concern, while unde
BITESIZE: Omega-3 Supplements and Cognitive Decline? Here’s the Full Story
A new Alzheimer’s study linked omega-3 fish oil (EPA & DHA) supplement use to faster cognitive decline, but the real story is far more nuanced than the headlines suggest.In this discussion, cardiologist Dr. Bret Scher breaks down the study and explains why the quality, freshness, and source of omega-3s may matter more than most people realize.The study used data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Ne
Whole-Person Psychiatry Is Changing Mental Health Care—with Meru Health’s Kristian Ranta
After losing his brother to suicide despite being in psychiatric care, entrepreneur Kristian Ranta began asking difficult questions: Why do so many people struggle despite treatment? What if mental health care is overlooking key drivers of recovery?In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Kristian Ranta, founder of Meru Health, to explore a model that approaches mental health care diffe
New Study from 25-Year Eating Disorder Expert
Anorexia nervosa has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric illness, yet effective biological treatments remain limited. For many people living with the condition, even after successful weight normalization, persistent psychological symptoms, including obsessive thoughts about food, shape, and weight, continue to drive relapse.In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr.
First Keto Trial for Anorexia Nervosa: 72% Showed Recovery
A new study demonstrates that ketogenic therapy could be an option for individuals living with weight-normalized anorexia nervosa.One of the primary goals of anorexia nervosa treatment is restoring weight, and while this is an important milestone, many individuals continue to experience psychological symptoms.Dr. Guido Frank, Professor of Psychiatry at UC San Diego, has spent more than 25 years re
BITESIZE: New Study: Why Did This Drug Lower Cholesterol But Not Heart Plaque?
Lower triglycerides, lower remnant cholesterol, lower ApoB. Zero change in coronary artery plaque. A new clinical trial is forcing a bigger conversation about how we treat cardiovascular disease.The drug was Olezarsen, an APOC3 inhibitor. The blood work looked impressive. The heart scans did not. So why would lowering well-established cardiovascular risk factors fail to move the needle on plaque?
Keto as an Adjunct to CBTp? Nicole Laurent Explains
Could ketogenic therapy help people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders engage more successfully with CBT? A new conceptual framework explores this powerful adjunctive approach.CBTp is considered a gold-standard treatment for schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but many patients struggle to initiate, participate in, and complete it. Cognitive deficits, sleep disturbances, low distress tolerance, a
Q&A: Keto for PCOS, Cravings, & Women’s Health with Temple Stewart
How many carbs should you eat on a ketogenic diet? Do ketone levels matter? And why do cravings hit so hard? Is Dairy recommended?In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, registered dietitian and medical student Temple Stewart breaks down some of the most common challenges people face when starting and maintaining a ketogenic diet, especially for PCOS (PMOS), metabolic health, and long-term sustainabili
GLP-1s, Weight Loss, and the Stigma We Don’t Talk About
A recent report highlighted a surprising trend: individuals using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy may be facing even more social stigma than those who remain overweight. And while neither deserves any stigma at all, it raises an important question about how we judge health choices in modern medicine.In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher reflects on whether his own critiques of GLP-1 me
APA Hallway Talk: Are Psych Meds Overprescribed?
Psychiatric medication tapering* is becoming one of the most important and controversial conversations in mental health care.In the wake of the American Psychiatric Association Annual Conference, Dr. Bret Scher explores the growing debate around psychiatric medication “deprescribing,” responsible tapering, overprescription, and the urgent need for better research and clinician guidance.This discus
Eggs and Alzheimer’s: New Study Challenges Assumptions
A new study suggests that eating more eggs may be linked to a lower risk of dementia. But what does the research actually show?Dr. Bret Scher breaks down the headlines, the limitations of observational nutrition research, and the surprisingly important detail hidden in the baseline data.The people eating the fewest eggs entered the study with what many would consider “healthier” lifestyles:👉 Lower
Reversing & Preventing Fatty Liver with Metabolic Therapies | Dr. Adam Wolfberg
Fatty liver disease (MASLD) is a major cause of liver disease and even liver failure. But many are surprised to learn it’s not primarily a liver problem. Growing evidence suggests the root issue may be metabolic dysfunction affecting the entire body, and that perspective can drastically change how we approach treating and preventing it.In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Adam Wolf
Can Insulin Resistance Raise Suicide Risk?
Can insulin resistance increase the risk of suicide?In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down a new study published in Translational Psychiatry that links metabolic dysfunction with higher rates of suicidal ideation, attempts, and death.Dr. Scher covers:How biomarkers like blood glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, and waist circumference relate to suicide riskHow this study fits with the growing evi
The Problem With One-Size-Fits-All Nutrition
For decades, nutrition advice has centered on a single idea: that there’s one “right” way to eat for everyone. The standard low-fat, Mediterranean-style diet approach has shaped how we think about health. But it’s missing a critical piece.Here, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down the limitations of universal dietary recommendations and why relying on observational nutrition research may not provide clear a
Q&A: Keto Sleep Issues, Carnitine Levels, Brain Insulin Resistance & More
Can ketosis trigger insomnia or even mania? Do you need supplements like L-carnitine to support ketone production? Is whey protein helping or hurting your metabolic health? And how do you maintain or gain weight on a ketogenic diet without losing ketosis?Harvard-trained psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede and cardiologist Dr. Bret Scher tackle your biggest questions in this Metabolic Mailbag episode, bre
ApoB Explained: What Your LDL Test Doesn’t Tell You
For decades, LDL cholesterol has been the go-to metric for assessing heart disease risk. But growing research suggests there's a better predictor: ApoB. But is it a predictor in itself, or is it a marker of something even more important?Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a protein found on all potentially harmful lipoprotein particles, like LDL, VLDL, and remnants. Because each particle carries one ApoB,
Keto 101: Everything You Need to Get Started
Starting a ketogenic diet, reaching ketosis, and setting the right keto macros can feel overwhelming at first, but the fundamentals are simpler than they seem. In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down how to start a keto diet step by step, including how to lower carbs, balance protein, and use fat as your primary fuel source.Whether your goal is weight loss, metabolic health, or therapeutic ketos
Keto as Adjunctive Therapy for PTSD: New Case Study
As interest grows in alternative approaches to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), like ibogaine and psilocybin-assisted therapy, researchers are also exploring how metabolic interventions may target the underlying biology of psychiatric conditions.Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Nicole Laurent, a licensed therapist and researcher, about a published case report exploring ketogenic metabolic therapy
Q&A: Does Keto Harm Thyroid Function? Bone Health, Ketones & More
Can a ketogenic diet affect your thyroid? What about bone health, uric acid, cannabis use, or ketone supplements?In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher and Dr. Georgia Ede answer your most pressing questions about ketogenic therapy and how it interacts with real-world health concerns.From thyroid function to mental health, this conversation highlights how nuanced and individualized meta
Can Coconut Oil Help Brain Function in Dementia?
Can something as simple as coconut oil support brain health in dementia?In this video, Dr. Bret Scher explores an emerging area of research focused on brain energy metabolism and how ketones may play a role in supporting cognitive function in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.As the brain’s ability to use glucose declines in Alzheimer’s, researchers have begun inves
Exogenous Ketones Explained (What They Really Do)
Exogenous ketones have exploded in popularity, with claims ranging from better brain function to improved performance and weight loss. But what does the science actually say?In this in-depth conversation, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with leading ketone researcher Dr. Dominic D'Agostino to break down the reality behind exogenous ketones—what they are, how they work, and where they may (or may not) fit
Do GLP-1s Work for Depression—or Is It Metabolism?
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide have been widely discussed as breakthrough treatments for weight loss and metabolic health. But a large new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry is shifting the conversation toward something deeper: the connection between metabolic health and mental health.In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down what the research actually shows, and just as importantly, wha
GLP-1s and Cardiovascular Risk: What the Latest Evidence Reveals
GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide are often described as “game changers” for weight loss and cardiovascular health, and in many ways, the data support that claim. Clinical trials suggest meaningful reductions in major cardiovascular events, offering hope for individuals struggling with metabolic disease.But there’s an important nuance that deserves more attention: what happens when these me
High Cholesterol on Keto? Here’s One Psychiatrist’s Approach
We’re seeing increasingly compelling results from ketogenic therapy in serious mental illness, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. But what happens when a potential concern emerges along the way?In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Lori Calabrese to walk through a real patient case that highlights both the promise and the complexity of m
My LDL Went Up On Keto. Should I Stop? Cardiologist Explains
What do you do when keto is genuinely changing your life, but your LDL goes up?That's exactly the question Dr. Bret Scher sits down to answer in this conversation with podcast producer Erica Gerard.Erica started ketogenic therapy for two reasons: to support her taper off long-term antidepressants, and to address symptoms of complex PTSD. Six months in, the results were remarkable. A smoother taper
DGA vs AHA: Why Nutrition Guidelines Disagree
How do the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations compare, and why do they differ?In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down where these two major nutrition guidelines align, where they diverge, and what that means for your health. At the center of the conversation is a key question: should health be defined by a single lab marker, or
Metabolic Psychiatry in Practice: Ketogenic Therapy for Mental Health Care
People with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety are seeing real improvements through ketogenic therapy. Now there's real-world clinical data to back it up.In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Erin Bellamy to discuss her newly published findings from a clinical program bringing ketogenic therapy into everyday mental health care.While this was not a randomized controlled trial
Hope for Youth Mental Health: Beyond Antidepressants and ADHD Meds
Are we turning to ADHD and depression medications too quickly for kids?The Wall Street Journal and New York Times recently published powerful investigations into the overuse of psychiatric medications in children. In this video, Dr. Bret Scher unpacks the key takeaways, the risks of polypharmacy, and why a comprehensive, root-cause approach is more important than ever for kids facing mental health
ApoE4, Meat, and Dementia: What the Data Actually Shows
If you carry the ApoE4 gene, you’ve likely been told your risk for Alzheimer’s disease is significantly higher. But what does that really mean, and how much control do you actually have?In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down the science behind ApoE4, one of the strongest genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, and explains why increased risk does not mean a predetermined outcome.You’ll le
Is This the Best Food Score Yet? | With Dr. Ty Beal
How do we actually define “healthy food”? And how is it possible that processed, sugary cereals like Lucky Charms score higher than natural foods like eggs and meat in some food scoring systems?Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Ty Beal to explore a newly developed nutritional value scoring system designed to better reflect nutrient density, bioavailability, and chronic disease risk.Unlike many exi
Rebuilding Trust In Your Body After a Mental Health Setback
Nurturing your relationship with yourself and your body can play a meaningful role in how you move forward from a mental health setback.Nicole Laurent shares a grounded, compassionate perspective on navigating setbacks. She explores how these moments can sometimes disrupt trust in ourselves, creating an internal tension that makes progress feel harder than it needs to be.She explores:Why setbacks
Rethinking Cholesterol Risk: What Lean Mass Hyper-Responders Reveal
Is high LDL cholesterol always a red flag?For a growing group of people known as Lean Mass Hyper-Responders (LMHRs), the answer might not be so black and white.In this video, Dr. Bret Scher unpacks the science and questions behind LMHRs—metabolically healthy, lean individuals who see a dramatic rise in LDL cholesterol after starting a ketogenic diet. Unlike people with familial hypercholesterolemi
Can You Prevent Dementia? A Neuroscientist Explains
Are we destined for cognitive decline as we age, or do we have more control than we think?In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with neuroscientist and researcher Dr. Tommy Wood to explore a powerful shift in how we think about brain health, aging, and dementia prevention.Dr. Wood challenges the common belief that cognitive decline is inevitable, highlighting how lifestyle, environment, a
Fell Out of Ketosis? Here’s How to Get Back Fast
In this second video of our Bounce Back Series, Dr. Georgia Ede shares practical, compassionate guidance for returning to ketosis using simple, effective strategies rooted in diet and lifestyle.Rather than approaching setbacks with frustration or perfectionism, Dr. Ede emphasizes a mindset of curiosity and learning. Falling out of ketosis will happen and it’s not a failure. With the right tools, y
Red Meat vs Plants: The Science Behind the Headlines
If you only read the headlines, it sounds simple: plants are protective, red meat is harmful. But when you examine the actual studies behind those claims, the conclusions aren’t nearly so clear.In this video, Dr. Bret Scher takes a closer look at two recently published papers, one linking red meat consumption to diabetes risk and another suggesting vegetarian diets reduce cancer risk. Both studies
Depression and Metabolism: What This New Study Reveals
In this special episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Julie Milder, Director of Neuroscience at Baszucki Group, speaks with Dr. Fabiano Gomes, psychiatrist and researcher at McMaster University, and the inaugural recipient of the Baszucki Group Metabolic Psychiatry Scholar Award.Dr. Gomes recently published a pilot feasibility trial of a ketogenic diet for depression in the Journal of Affective Disorders
Bounce Back Stronger: Dr. Matt Bernstein on Mental Health Setbacks
Setbacks are a natural part of any journey, and mental health recovery is no exception. In this video, Dr. Matt Bernstein shares a powerful perspective on why downturns aren’t failures, but opportunities to learn, adapt, and build resilience.Rather than viewing setbacks as something to fear or avoid, Dr. Bernstein explains how adopting a growth mindset can transform the way we respond to challenge
New York Times: Can a Keto Diet Really Improve Mental Health?
Can a ketogenic diet improve mental health?This week marks a significant moment for metabolic psychiatry and ketogenic therapy for serious mental illness.A New York Times piece highlighted early research from Stanford University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Edinburgh—alongside stories from individuals who have shared their lived experience here on Metabolic Mind.This kind of v
DIME Trial: New study finds a ketogenic diet may help some with severe depression
Can the ketogenic diet help improve symptoms for individuals living with treatment-resistant depression?In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Megan Kirk Chang, a senior researcher in metabolic psychiatry at the University of Oxford and a co-author of the recently published DIME trial.This study represents the first randomized clinical trial to evaluate a ketogenic diet in adults
The Truth About Saturated Fat: What New Meta-Analysis Actually Found
A new meta-analysis just dropped, and once again, saturated fat takes center stage. But does the data actually support the decades-long warnings we've heard about saturated fat and heart disease? Not exactly.In this video, Dr. Bret Scher dives deep into a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine that reviewed randomized controlled trials on saturated fat intake and health outcomes
What the Ketone Heart Risk Headlines Got Wrong
You may have seen headlines or social media posts claiming that ketones increase the risk of heart attacks and that this proves ketogenic diets are dangerous for heart health. But when you actually examine the study behind those claims, the data tell a very different story.In this video, Dr. Bret Scher takes a closer look at a recent paper published in the Journal of the American Heart Association
The Hidden Metabolic Cause of Fatty Liver Disease
Can you reverse fatty liver disease with a ketogenic diet?Fatty liver disease is now one of the fastest-growing liver conditions in the world, affecting roughly 30% of adults and an increasing number of children. And in many cases, it’s driven by metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance.In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Amy Goss (University of Alabama at Birmingham) and Dr.
Low-Carb Diets Improve Metabolic Health But Should We Be Worried About LDL?
A new meta-analysis of 174 randomized controlled trials on “carbohydrate-restricted diets” found consistent benefits for body composition, blood pressure, inflammation, and more. But instead of highlighting the metabolic benefits, most of the headlines focused almost entirely on a small bump in LDL.In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down why that reaction misses the point and how biases in nutri
Who Should NOT Try the Ketogenic Diet? (Important Safety Guide)
Are there real contraindications to a ketogenic diet? Yes, but they’re far rarer than many people think. So who shouldn’t do keto?In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down the difference between absolute and relative contraindications to ketogenic therapy. While rare inborn metabolic disorders and certain acute illnesses are true absolute contraindications, most commonly cited concerns, including
How Experts Recommend Using Ketogenic Therapy In Psychiatry (New Consensus)
Ketogenic therapy for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression is gaining attention, but how can it be safely implemented into clinical practice?A newly published expert consensus provides practical recommendations to help clinicians thoughtfully apply ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT) for serious mental illnesses.In this in-depth conversation, Dr. Matt Bernstein and Dr. Georgia Ede, both m
Ketogenic Therapy in Psychiatry: What the Experts Agree On
How can doctors, psychiatrists, and other health practitioners implement keto for serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression?In this short interview, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Georgia Ede to discuss a newly published Delphi consensus paper in Frontiers in Nutrition, authored by eight experienced clinicians and researchers to establish best practices for t
The Metabolic Fix for PCOS & Infertility
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of infertility in women, but what if the real issue isn’t the ovaries?In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Steven Palter, reproductive endocrinologist and founder of Gold Coast IVF, about the powerful connection between PCOS, metabolic health, mental health, and fertility.For decades, PCOS has been treated symptom-by
What the Science Really Says About Ketogenic Diets and Heart Health
February is Heart Health Month, making it the perfect time to challenge common misconceptions about diet and cardiovascular health.One claim that always resurfaces? That ketogenic diets are bad for your heart. But when you take a closer look at the science, that assumption simply doesn’t hold up.In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down the real evidence behind ketogenic diets and cardiovascular r
RFK Jr. Sparks Debate: Can Keto Help Serious Mental Illness?
Is there evidence that the ketogenic diet can cure schizophrenia?Recent comments from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked headlines…and controversy. While “cure” isn’t the right word, the conversation has brought much-needed attention to an emerging field: metabolic psychiatry.In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down what the science actually shows about ketogenic metabolic therapy as a p
Ketogenic Therapy for PTSD? New Research Underway
In this powerful interview, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Robin Engelhardt, a German researcher and PhD in psychology, who is launching a pilot study investigating ketogenic metabolic therapy as a treatment for PTSD and complex PTSD.Using his own personal experience of healing from PTSD through nutritional ketosis, Dr. Engelhardt is now launching a pilot study to explore whether this approach can
Saturated Fat & the Dietary Guidelines: A Cardiologist Weighs In
Saturated fat is back in the headlines, and so is the confusion.The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans just dropped, and while there’s clear progress (more support for animal-based protein, low-carb options, and reduced sugar), they’ve kept the 10% cap on saturated fat. But does the science still support that limit, and does it make sense with the rest of the recommendations?In this episode, Dr.
Healing Beyond Psychiatry: A Mother’s Story of Bipolar Disorder and Recovery
In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, Metabolic Mind founder Jan Ellison Baszucki joins mental health advocate Laura Delano to share a mother’s journey through her son’s bipolar disorder diagnosis, years of psychiatric crisis, and ultimately, hope.After five years, 29 medications, multiple hospitalizations, and a system that offered few lasting solutions, Jan’s son Matt found real and
A New Hope for Depression: The Power of Ketogenic Therapy
Can a ketogenic diet help with depression when other options have failed? Emerging suggests the answer may be yes.In this video, Dr. Bret Scher shares the latest clinical data on ketogenic therapy for depression, including two new studies showing meaningful improvements, even remission, in people with moderate to severe symptoms. For individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression, thes
Remote Keto Therapy for Depression? Results from New Clinical Evidence
The second-ever pilot trial (published in the Journal of Affective Disorders) is making waves: a virtual medically supervised ketogenic diet showed impressive improvements in people with moderate to severe depression, including nearly 7 out of 8 study completers achieving clinical remission.In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with lead researcher Dr. Elisa Brietzke, Professor of Psychiatry
Breaking Down the 2025 Dietary Guidelines with Dr. David Ludwig & Gary Taubes
The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have arrived, and they’re sparking serious debate. Are we finally seeing a meaningful shift toward metabolic health? What do the guidelines get right, and where is there still room for improvement?To unpack it all, Dr. Bret Scher is joined by two long-time voices in nutrition science: Dr. David Ludwig and Gary Taubes. Together, they dig into what the
Q&A: Keto & Heart Risk, Liver & Kidney Safety, Keto Snacks, Supplements & More
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 cut
NEW Research Challenges Everything We Know About Carbs & Exercise
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 shocki
Q&A: Cholesterol, CRP, & Ketogenic Therapy — A Cardiologist Weighs In
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
Inside Metabolic Collective: Fueling Change in Mental Health
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
Q&A: Caffeine, Carnivore, Meds, and Ketones—What’s Helping or Hurting Your Mental Health?
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 caff
Rethinking Serotonin And Depression: What SSRIs Really Do & What May Work Better
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
Q&A: Healthy Fats, Alcohol, Perimenopause, & More
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-f
Could Stress Be The Hidden Driver of Mental Illness?
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 frame
New Alzheimer’s Trial Reveals Surprising Insight on Brain Health
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 break
The Data Is In: Reversing Metabolic Disease Is Possible
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
Metabolic Mailbag: Ketone Plateaus, Sleep Issues, Fat Intake, and More
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 com
Why Setbacks Can Happen with Ketogenic Therapy for Mental Illness — and How to Respond
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 B
A UC Davis Scientist on Why Meat Isn’t the Climate Villain
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
Why People with Mental Illness Die Younger—and What We Can Do About It
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
Can a Ketogenic Diet Help Treat Cancer?
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 stre
Go Slowly: A Beginners Guide to Psychiatric Drug Tapering (Part 2)
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
Exposing the Truth Behind EAT-Lancet’s Diet Report & MisInfluencer Campaign
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 dee
Taper Down Slowly: A Beginners Guide to Psychiatric Drug Tapering (Part 1)
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. Unfortunate
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