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
Is RFK Right About Saturated Fat? Here's the Truth
Is saturated fat really the villain it’s been made out to be? Or has decades of poor research and dietary policy misled us?In this video, Dr. Bret Scher dives into the controversy surrounding RFK Jr.'s call to remove the cap on saturated fat, and the Wall Street Journal’s misleading take on it.We explore:✅ Why saturated fat doesn’t just mean pizza and ice cream✅ The science behind whole foods vs.
BITESIZE: Two LDL Trials. Two Different Results.
Should LDL be treated? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher explains why the better question is who may benefit from LDL lowering, how aggressively it should be treated, and what outcomes matter most to the individual patient.Dr. Scher reviews two major trials that studied aggressive LDL lowering in very different populations. VESALIUS-CV looked at high-risk patients with serious vasc
Vegan Keto and Bipolar Disorder: Dyane Harwood’s Story
Is it possible to follow a diet that’s both vegan and keto? And can a diet like that be used as part of a care plan for bipolar disorder? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with author and advocate Dyane Harwood about how she uses a vegan ketogenic diet as part of her treatment for postpartum bipolar disorder.Dyane shares how she first discovered vegan keto, why she started t
Q&A: Why Protein Shakes Leave You Hungry, Fasting, Basal Metabolic Rate & More
Can therapeutic ketosis be considered for type 1 diabetes and bipolar disorder? In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher and producer Erica Gerard answer viewer questions about ketogenic therapy, type 1 diabetes, Parkinson’s medications, omega-3s, fasting, protein intake, metabolic rate, and why some protein foods are more filling than others.They cover:The association between type 1 diab
BITESIZE: Cholesterol Results Explained: Beyond the LDL Number
A red flag next to your LDL number can feel alarming, but LDL is only one part of a much larger cardiovascular risk picture. In this episode of Metabolic Mind, cardiologist and lipidologist Dr. Bret Scher explains how to read a cholesterol panel with more context and less fear.Dr. Scher walks through LDL, triglycerides, HDL, non-HDL cholesterol, ApoB, Lp(a), and the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio. He a
Carnivore vs. Vegan Keto: Can Both Work?
Can carnivore and vegan diets both be used as ketogenic therapies?In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with registered dietitian Denise Potter about two widely debated approaches to nutrition. They explore how each can be evaluated when someone is considering a ketogenic diet to support psychiatric, neurological, or metabolic health.Denise brings more than 30 years of clinical
Dr. Peter Ballerstedt on Animal Foods & Malnutrition
Animal-sourced foods are often framed as a problem for human health and environmental sustainability. In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with forage agronomist and ruminant nutritionist Peter Ballerstedt, PhD (@GrassBased) about livestock, malnutrition, chronic disease, and why restoring metabolic health may require a broader conversation about nutrition and sustainability.Pe
BITESIZE: Low-Carb vs. Keto: Why the Difference Matters
The terms “low-carb” and “ketogenic” are often used interchangeably, but are they the same thing?Not quite.A low-carb diet can be a powerful tool for improving blood sugar, triglycerides, insulin levels, inflammation, and overall metabolic health. Ketogenic diets, on the other hand, involve a deeper level of carbohydrate reduction that shifts the body into nutritional ketosis, where ketones become
Making Keto Work on a College Campus
Starting college can change almost everything about your routine, including how, when, and what you eat. For students using ketogenic therapy as part of their mental health treatment, that transition can take some planning.In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with licensed mental health counselor Nicole Laurent about how students using ketogenic therapy with clinical support can navigate a col
BITESIZE: Dr. Explains: It’s Not the Fat, It’s Not the Processing, It’s THIS
Every day, we make choices about what to eat. But how often do we realize how deeply these choices affect both our physical and mental health?Today, an estimated 93% of adults in America are showing signs of poor metabolic health, which is a major contributor to many chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and many psychiatric disorders.The good news is that more people ar
Do We Really Eat Too Much Protein?
Do most people really need to eat less protein to live longer? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher responds to a new review getting attention for the claim that protein restriction may extend lifespan, and explains why that message can be misleading for older adults, active people, and anyone focused on metabolic health.Dr. Scher walks through the biology behind the headlines, includ
Q&A: Keto Safety After a Stent, During Pregnancy, and in Serious Mental Illness
Can ketogenic therapy be safe for someone with heart disease, atherosclerosis, or a stent? Can you follow a ketogenic diet without losing weight? In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher answers viewer questions about ketogenic therapy, cardiovascular risk, anorexia recovery, pregnancy and nursing, schizophrenia remission, keto on a budget, and whether doctors learn about ketogenic therap
Obesity Medicine Doctor on Metabolic Health and Ketosis
How can clinicians use real-world patient data to personalize metabolic health care? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Jeff Pua, an internal medicine and obesity medicine physician, about obesity medicine, metabolic syndrome, nutritional ketosis, and what clinicians can learn from patient outcomes in everyday practice.Dr. Pua shares how his approach has evolved from
BITESIZE: How Chronic Stress Disrupts Metabolic Health
Can chronic stress undermine metabolic health, even when nutrition, sleep, and exercise are in place?In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher explains why stress recovery is an important part of metabolic health and how chronic cortisol and adrenaline activation may affect insulin resistance, blood pressure, inflammation, sleep, and long-term cardiometabolic health.Dr. Scher breaks down t
Could GLP-1s Help Treat Bulimia and Binge Eating?
Could GLP-1 medications play a role in treating bulimia or binge eating disorder? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Paige Gordon and psychiatrist Dr. Michael Lutter about Paige’s personal experience using a GLP-1 medication for treatment-resistant bulimia, and why researchers are beginning to explore the neurobiology of binge eating.Paige shares how years of therapy and
First Keto RCT for Serious Mental Illness: Hear from the Study Authors
Can ketogenic therapy improve symptoms, cognition, and metabolic health in people living with serious mental illness?In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Judy Ford, Juliette Kyner (previously Juliette Ward), and Dr. Shebani Sethi about the first-ever randomized controlled trial of a ketogenic diet intervention in individuals living with schizophrenia spectrum disorder
BITESIZE: New GLP-1 Study Raises Metabolic Health Questions
Do GLP-1 medications improve metabolic health as much as they support weight loss? A new observational study in the Annals of Internal Medicine raises an important question about semaglutide, insulin discontinuation, type 2 diabetes, and what meaningful metabolic improvement may require.In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down a real-world study of more than 9,000 veterans wit
Q&A: Insulin Resistance, Reaching Ketosis, Bone Density, and Rating Popular Keto Products
The questions around ketogenic therapy keep getting more layered, and your latest submissions reflect that. In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher and producer Erica Gerard tackle some of the most common questions about insulin resistance, ketosis, bone health, and a fun rapid-fire round on popular ketogenic products and practices.In this discussion, you'll learn:The difference between
Robyn Dobbins Reflects on Her Story in The Cholesterol Code
What does it look like to put bipolar II disorder into remission and become a voice of hope for others living with serious mental illness? Robyn Dobbins joins Hannah Warren from Metabolic Mind to reflect on how ketogenic therapy transformed her life, and what it was like to see her own story featured in The Cholesterol Code documentary.In this conversation, you'll learn:What it was like for Robyn
BITESIZE: Keto 101: Everything You Need to Know About Ketone Testing
How do you know if you're actually in ketosis? Should you test ketones? And if so, what's the best method: blood, breath, or urine?Dr. Bret Scher breaks down everything you need to know about ketone testing, including when testing matters, which tools are most accurate, and how to interpret your results based on your goals. Whether you're using a ketogenic diet for metabolic health, weight loss, o
Targeting Cancer Metabolism With Ketogenic Therapy and Fasting
Could metabolic therapies become part of the future of cancer care?That question sits at the center of Dr. Bret Scher’s conversation with neurologist and researcher Dr. Matthew Phillips, whose recent study explored a metabolic approach in people with glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.Rather than relying on a single intervention, the study combined a ketogenic diet, int
BITESIZE: JAMA Psychiatry Analysis: What 50 Studies Tell Us About Nutrition For Depression & Anxiety
Can a ketogenic diet help improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms?A new meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry examined 50 different keto studies, totaling over 40,000 participants, that included depression and anxiety outcomes. The results of the review demonstrated a modest improvement in depression symptoms across different populations and diagnoses in both controlled and real-world sce
BITESIZE: New Study: Could GLP-1 Medications Be Reducing Physical Activity?
Do GLP-1 medications like Ozempic reduce physical activity? Preliminary research suggests they might, raising important questions about how exercise should be supported alongside treatment.GLP-1 medications are helping many people achieve meaningful weight loss and metabolic improvements. At the same time, findings presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting showed declines in daily steps
GLP-1s + Ketogenic Diet: The Future of Weight Loss?
Could a ketogenic diet and low-dose GLP-1 medications work better together? A new case series suggests they might, while highlighting a more personalized approach to metabolic health.GLP-1 medications have transformed obesity treatment, but they aren't the only tool available. In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with physician assistant Bill Jensen about a newly published case series explorin
Dr. Ford Brewer on the Future of Heart Health & The Cholesterol Code
What does it take to truly understand and assess cardiovascular risk in modern medicine?Dr. Bret Scher joins Dr. Ford Brewer at the Collaborative Science (CoSci) conference to discuss the recent screening of The Cholesterol Code documentary and the bigger picture of metabolic health, cardiac imaging, and the future of risk assessment.In this conversation, you'll learn:Dr. Ford Brewer's reaction to
BITESIZE: We Can Reverse T2 Diabetes. That Doesn’t Mean Patients Are at Fault
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that can often be put into remission. So why do so many people still struggle to get better?In this discussion, Dr. Bret Scher explores how the environments we create, from our food system to our healthcare system, shape metabolic health in ways that are often overlooked.Using a thought experiment as a starting point, he examines why remission is possible for m
Meet Dr. Bret Scher: The Host Behind Metabolic Mind
Dr. Bret Scher began his career practicing conventional cardiology, following the same guidelines taught in medical training. Today, he is Medical Director at Metabolic Mind, as well as The Coalition for Metabolic Health, and one of the leading voices advancing metabolic health, ketogenic therapy, and metabolic psychiatry.What changed?In this special episode, Metabolic Mind producer Erica Gerard t
Psychiatry Research Priorities: Keto, GLP-1s, Exercise & Mental Illness
What questions matter most to people living with serious mental illness when it comes to metabolic interventions?Dr. Dina Farran and Dr. Toby Pillinger from King's College London set out to answer exactly that through a Priority Setting Partnership, an extensive collaborative process bringing together people with lived experience, family members, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers to identify
BITESIZE: Lipidologist Questions the New Keto and Liver Disease Study
A recent study made headlines for claiming a ketogenic diet may worsen fatty liver disease and raise triglycerides. But when you take a closer look at the research, it’s clear that the conclusions are far less supported than the coverage suggests.To clear things up, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down what the study actually found, where the methodology falls short, and what the broader body of research ha
How One CGM Changed This Cardiologist’s Life
Is a plant-based diet the best for supporting metabolic health? Cardiologist Dr. Jaimela Dulaney spent years practicing plant-based nutrition before her own experience with insulin resistance, blood sugar swings, and endurance running led her to rethink what personalized nutrition can look like.In this episode, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Dulaney about what changed her perspective, both persona
Dr. Dom D'Agostino on Why Metabolic Health Matters for the Brain
Metabolic health may be the foundation of a healthy brain, and a growing community of researchers, clinicians, and educators is working to bring that message into mainstream medicine.In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher talks with Dr. Dom D'Agostino at the Citizen Science Initiative (CoSci) conference to discuss everything from the recent screening of The Cholesterol Code documentary to the rise of N
First RCT of Keto for Schizophrenia & Bipolar Disorder: Results & Future Directions
New results from first-of-its-kind randomized controlled trial on a ketogenic diet for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with psychosis offer important insights into metabolic psychiatry and mental health treatment.In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Julie Milder to walk through the study results, recently published in Schizophrenia Bulletin. As the first RCT in psychosis-spectru
BITESIZE: Results from first RCT of Keto for Schizophrenia + Bipolar: Metabolic Wins & Mental Health Signals
New evidence from the first-ever RCT shows ketogenic therapy can rapidly improve metabolic health in schizophrenia-spectrum and bipolar I disorders, and shows early signals of psychiatric improvement.In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down this newly published study led by Dr. Judith Ford at UCSF: the first randomized controlled trial with peer-reviewed results investigating ketogenic therapy in
Q&A: Are Seed Oils Dangerous? Anhedonia, Ketoacidosis, Ketone Levels & More
Why are seed oils suddenly everywhere in nutrition debates? What is anhedonia? Is the dawn phenomenon something to worry about? And how can you tell the difference between nutritional ketosis and ketoacidosis?In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher and producer Erica Gerard answer some of the most common questions from our community about ketogenic therapy, mental health, metabolism, and
BITESIZE: 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
BITESIZE: 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
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