Metabolic Mind

Bret Scher
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
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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.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    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 risk, addressing: ✅ How many “keto” studies don’t actually study true ketogenic diets ✅ The truth about LDL cholesterol on keto (it doesn’t go up for everyone!) ✅ Why triglycerides, HDL, insulin, and inflammation may matter more than LDL ✅ How keto compares to DASH for blood pressure and metabolic health ✅ Why saturated fat from real food behaves differently in the body ✅ The critical difference between ultra-processed high-fat/high-carb diets and low-carb, whole-food ketogenic diets 💡 Using the most up-to-date clinical evidence, Dr. Scher explains why ketosis can be a heart-supportive strategy, especially for those with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, insulin resistance, or poor metabolic health. If you’re interested in learning more about the safety of ketogenic therapy, check out our “Is Keto Safe” topic page: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/is-keto-safe/ 🔎 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 #FoodAsMedicine #HeartHealth Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Directorhttps://x.com/bschermd 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-yt Follow 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...

    6 min

  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    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 potential adjunctive treatment for serious mental illness, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. You’ll learn about: What nutritional ketosis is and why brain energy matters for serious mental illnessHow psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder involve underlying metabolic dysfunctionEarly evidence on ketogenic therapy for serious mental illness from Stanford, Edinburgh, and The Ohio State UniversityHow consistent lived experiences aligned with emerging clinical data warrant serious scientific explorationWhat new research is on the way Ketogenic therapy is emerging as a serious metabolic strategy that may expand how we think about treating complex psychiatric conditions. We are now faced with the opportunity to study it rigorously, apply it thoughtfully, and ensure patients have access to every tool that could help. 💡Learn more about the ongoing research in metabolic psychology on our Clinical Trials page: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/science/clinical-trials/ 🏛Check out our condition specific topic pages to see our best resources on keto for serious mental illnesses: Keto for Schizophrenia: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/schizophrenia/Keto for Bipolar Disorder: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/bipolar/Keto for Depression: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/keto-for-depression/ 🔎 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 #Schizophrenia Expert Featured: Dr. Bret ScherBaszucki Group Medical Directorhttps://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: A pilot study examining a ketogenic diet as an adjunct therapy in college students with major depressive disorder span...

    5 min

  3. 6 DAYS AGO

    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 help others. His pilot study will test feasibility, safety, and symptom response, paving the way for future randomized controlled trials. 📘 What you’ll learn in this video: Why Dr. Engelhardt turned to a ketogenic diet for his PTSDWhat existing (though limited) research says about keto and traumaThe mechanisms that might explain why ketosis could benefit PTSD (e.g., improved brain energy, reduced inflammation)How this new feasibility study is structured, and what researchers hope to uncoverThe real-life challenges of implementing therapeutic ketosis for brain health This conversation is a rare look at the intersection of personal healing and scientific discovery, and a glimpse into the future of trauma treatment through metabolic approaches. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or someone impacted by PTSD, this is an interview you won’t want to miss. 👉 For more information on metabolic psychiatry and PTSD, check out our blog: Hope for PTSD: The Potential of Ketogenic Metabolic Therapies 🔎 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 #MetabolicPsychiatry #PTSD #KetogenicTherapy Expert Featured: Robin Engelhardt To learn more about the study, contact Dr. Engelhardt’s team at keto@unibw.de 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-yt Follow 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 a href="https://metabolicmind.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    27 min

  4. 13 FEB

    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. Bret Scher breaks down the real story on saturated fat: where the guidelines get it right, where they fall short, and why context is everything when it comes to fat, food, and metabolic health. He covers: ✅ The 5 main types of evidence on saturated fat ✅ Why source and dietary context matter more than grams ✅ What randomized trials, ketogenic studies & LDL data really show ✅ The problem with lumping steak and pizza into one category ✅ Why blanket limits may harm people trying to improve their metabolic health The saturated fat debate isn’t just about grams, it’s about individual metabolic health. When we zoom out and look at the full picture, it becomes clear that not all saturated fat is created equal. Understanding where it comes from and how it fits into an overall dietary pattern is key to moving the conversation forward. 👉 Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for more conversations, research, and updates on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine #SaturatedFat 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher https://x.com/bschermdhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ 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 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-yt Follow 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...

    18 min

  5. 12 FEB · BONUS

    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 sustained stability through metabolic therapies, including a therapeutic ketogenic diet. In this conversation, you’ll hear: • What it’s like to navigate the mental health system as a parent • How conventional care fell short, and what was missing • Why Jan calls metabolic psychiatry “energetic medicine for the mind” • How diet, sleep, light, and lifestyle can transform mental health • A powerful message for other families searching for answers This experience didn’t just transform Jan’s family; it sparked a mission. Jan and her family founded Metabolic Mind to raise awareness about the therapeutic potential of metabolic interventions for serious mental illness. Today, Metabolic Mind is helping to bridge the gap between psychiatry and metabolic health by supporting research, educating clinicians and families, and empowering those still searching for answers. 💡Learn more at metabolicmind.org 👉 Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for more interviews, research, and updates in the field of metabolic psychiatry. 🔎 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 #BipolarDisorder Expert Featured: Jan Ellison Baszucki President of Baszucki Group and founder of Metabolic Mindhttps://x.com/janellisonhttps://www.instagram.com/jan_ellison_baszucki/https://www.linkedin.com/in/janellisonbaszucki/ Laura Delano https://www.lauradelano.com/https://www.facebook.com/laurafdelanohttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgs1cXo8Frtf1v7WcNvwuQhttps://www.instagram.com/_lauradelano_/ 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....

    23 min

  6. 11 FEB

    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, these findings offer real hope and open the door to a new therapeutic pathway: metabolic interventions that target brain energy. In this video, you’ll learn: How ketosis may support brain function and mental healthWhat two new pilot studies reveal about keto for depression and anhedoniaHow researchers are beginning to rethink the metabolic roots of mood disorders 🔍 Explore more and dive into the research on our Depression Topic Page: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/keto-for-depression/ 👉 Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for more interviews, research, and updates in the field of metabolic psychiatry. 🔎 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 #Depression #MetabolicPsychiatry Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Directorhttps://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: A pilot study examining a ketogenic diet as an adjunct therapy in college students with major depressive disorder https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03544-8 Medically supervised ketogenic diet as an adjunctive treatment for moderate to severe depression: A pilot study https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.121079 Keto For College Depression Blog https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/new-research-a-ketogenic-diet-improved-depression-in-college-students/ Depression Topic Page https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/keto-for-depression/ THINK+SMART Page a href="https://www.metabolicmind.org/thinksmart/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    6 min

  7. 9 FEB

    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 at Queen’s University, to explore the inspiration, execution, and implications of this study. What began as a bold idea, that metabolic dysfunction plays a role in depression, evolved into a fully remote clinical intervention. Despite skepticism and challenges, the results were clear: ketogenic therapy can be safely and effectively implemented in a remote outpatient setting. Participants who completed the study experienced improvements in depression, anxiety, and anhedonia (the loss of pleasure). In this conversation, Dr. Brietzke shares: Why she turned to metabolic therapy for mental healthHow the team pulled off a fully remote ketogenic trial during the pandemicThe science behind how inflammation, insulin resistance, and brain energy affect moodWhy traditional antidepressants often fail to address anhedoniaWhat’s next for research, and how this could shape depression treatment guidelines 👉 If you or someone you know is struggling with treatment-resistant depression, learn more about metabolic therapies on our Depression Topic Page: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/keto-for-depression/ 🔎 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 #FoodAsMedicine #Depression #Anhedonia Expert Featured: Dr. Elisa Brietzke https://psychiatry.queensu.ca/news/welcome-dr-elisa-brietzkehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-brietzke-844606281/?originalSubdomain=cahttps://www.instagram.com/dr.elisabrietzke/https://x.com/@e_brietzke Resources Mentioned: Medically supervised ketogenic diet as an adjunctive treatment for moderate to severe depression: A pilot study https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.121079 Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn...

    31 min

  8. 2 FEB

    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 new guidelines get right, what they overlook, and what this all means for public health, clinical practice, and the food industry. They explore: The shifting stance on animal protein, and the controversy it’s stirredA long-overdue move away from refined carbohydratesWhy the term “ultra-processed food” was intentionally left outThe important nod to low-carb diets for chronic diseaseHow school lunches and government food programs may (or may not) changeThe tension between dietary health and environmental goalsWhy robust clinical trials, not just policy documents, are urgently needed This lively discussion blends agreement, disagreement, and deep insights into what these guidelines mean, not just on paper, but in real life. Whether you're a clinician, policymaker, parent, or just trying to eat healthier, this episode will help you rethink the “official” nutrition narrative. 👉 Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for more conversations covering metabolic health, nutrition, food as medicine, and more. #MetabolicMind #FoodAsMedicine #DietaryGuidelines 👉Do you have a question about ketogenic therapy or metabolic psychiatry? Submit your question to our team here: metabolicmind.org/questions Expert Featured: Gary Taubes taubes@gmail.comhttps://x.com/garytaubes Dr. David Ludwig David.Ludwig@childrens.harvard.eduhttps://x.com/davidludwigmd Resources Mentioned: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/ 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 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...

    42 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Bret Scher
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bret Scher, MD FACC
  • Show Website
    Metabolic Mind

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