Metabolic Mind

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 vascular disease and found that adding a PCSK9 inhibitor reduced both cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. STAREE studied older adults without known cardiovascular disease and found fewer cardiac events with statin therapy, while overall survival and hospitalizations did not change. Disability-free survival also showed no difference He covers: Why LDL treatment depends on the person, not just the number What VESALIUS-CV found in high-risk patients with vascular disease Why STAREE tells a different story in older adults without known heart disease The difference between reducing cardiac events and extending life Why vascular disease should shape how aggressively LDL is treated How age, frailty, cognition, cancer risk, and independence affect the risk-benefit conversation Why LDL may need a different discussion for someone using ketogenic therapy How metabolic health, insulin resistance, and direct evidence of vascular disease fit into the decision These trials illustrate why LDL treatment should be individualized with a healthcare provider. For some patients, aggressive lowering may save lives. For others, the benefits may be smaller or less connected to the outcomes they care about most. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #LDL #CardiovascularHealth #MetabolicMind #MetabolicHealth Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: Effects of Evolocumab on Mortality Outcomes in Patients Without Previous Myocardial Infarction or Stroke: A Prespecified Analysis of the VESALIUS-CV Randomized Clinical Trial https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.126.082436 Atorvastatin, Cardiovascular Events, and Disability-free Survival in Older Adults https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2607314 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzWI83-NWCL5V7N6MjywX5QbkVn9Svi3q&si=oKVT518X1u0rUcMk 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 tracking ketones and net carbs, and what she eats in a typical day, from her vegan keto smoothie to tofu, avocado, nut butter, and carefully chosen supplements. She also discusses the practical challenges of vegan keto, including protein intake, B12, omega-3s, magnesium, vitamin D3, eating out, social pressure, and finding a clinical team that understands metabolic psychiatry. They cover: How Dyane discovered vegan keto for bipolar disorder Why ketosis became more important to her than dietary labels What a typical vegan keto day looks like How changing her protein intake affected her ketone levels Why tracking net carbs, glucose, and ketones helped her personalize the diet The supplements she uses, including B12, DHA/EPA, magnesium, vitamin D3, and acetyl-L-carnitine What Dyane reports about changes in her energy, activity level, cravings, and mood Why support, resources, and mentorship can make the process easier How she thinks about progress, flexibility, and improving over time Dyane’s experience offers a personal example of how a vegan ketogenic diet can fit within a broader treatment plan. Her approach is practical and grounded in the idea that progress can start before everything feels perfect. 👉 Learn more about vegan and vegetarian ketogenic approaches on our blog: Is Vegetarian or Vegan Ketogenic Therapy Possible? 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #VeganKeto #BipolarDisorder #MetabolicPsychiatry #MetabolicMind Expert Featured: Dyane Harwood https://dyane92.wixsite.com/dyaneharwood https://www.linkedin.com/in/dyane-harwood-b41a741b8/ https://www.instagram.com/dyaneharwood/ 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 diabetes and serious mental illness Why ketogenic therapy may be possible for some people living with type 1 diabetes, but only with careful medical supervision How Parkinson’s medications can interact with protein timing Whether cooking salmon changes the benefits of omega-3 fats How intermittent fasting can affect protein intake and ketone levels Why MCT oil in coffee may change the meaning of a “fast” What basal metabolic rate means and how ketogenic diets may affect it Why a protein shake may feel less satisfying than meat, even with the same grams of protein From medication timing to protein needs, this episode explores why metabolic therapies work best when they are personalized, measured, and guided by the realities of each person’s health goals and daily life. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. 🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 also explains how the 2026 cholesterol guidelines use the PREVENT risk calculator, where LDL targets currently stand, and why individual risk factors, metabolic health, family history, and direct measures of vascular disease can change the conversation. He covers: Why LDL should not be read in isolation What triglycerides and HDL can reveal about metabolic health Why Dr. Scher pays attention to the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio When LDL above 190 may raise concern for familial hypercholesterolemia Why Lp(a) should be measured at least once in adulthood How ApoB differs from LDL cholesterol What the PREVENT risk calculator includes How coronary calcium scans and CT angiograms act as tools that may help refine risk Why LDL targets vary by risk category Why metabolic health, insulin resistance, and individual preferences and priorities should be part of the discussion A cholesterol panel can start a thoughtful conversation with your healthcare provider. One number rarely tells the whole story, and better decisions come from looking at the full cardiometabolic picture. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. 🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #Cholesterol #HeartHealth Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 experience, including approximately 20 years working with medical ketogenic therapies. She explains the importance of risk-benefit analysis, how clinicians can assess potential nutrient gaps, and how lab testing, supplementation when indicated, and individualized support may help identify and manage potential risks. They cover: The difference between a carnivore diet and a carnivore ketogenic diet Why some people report mental and physical health improvements with carnivore ketogenic approaches Common questions about vitamin C, iodine, electrolytes, fiber, calcium, omega-3s, and LDL Why bowel habits and the microbiome require clinical context How a vegan ketogenic diet can be formulated, including Denise’s recommendation to pay close attention to B12 supplementation Protein quality, bioavailability, and amino acid considerations in vegan ketogenic diets The role of tracking, lab work, and follow-up testing How clinicians can evaluate restrictive dietary patterns through a medical risk-benefit lens This conversation offers a practical look at how different ketogenic approaches may be designed, monitored, and adjusted with individualized guidance and appropriate clinical support. 💡 Whether you’re considering a carnivore ketogenic approach or a more plant-based one, the quality of the diet itself can make a significant difference in outcomes. Learn more about what a well-formulated ketogenic diet looks like on our blog: metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/well-formulated-ketogenic-diet/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. 🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #VeganKeto #Carnivore Expert Featured: Denise Potter RDN, CDCES https://advancedketogenictherapies.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PotterDietitianConsulting/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedketogenictherapies/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-ketogenic-therapies/ 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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. Peter shares his reaction to The Cholesterol Code documentary and explains why its message extends beyond cholesterol. He discusses how animal-sourced foods can fit into dietary patterns that may help restore metabolic health, why malnutrition can exist even when calories are abundant, and why the health impact of food deserves a place in the sustainability conversation. They cover: Why diet and metabolic health matter for rural communities How animal-sourced foods may support health restoration Why LDL can be one part of a broader health conversation How obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction can reflect malnutrition Why calories and nutrition are not the same thing How protein quality and indispensable amino acids shape the food systems debate Why livestock and ruminants may play an important role in sustainable agriculture Why restoring metabolic health may require different strategies than maintaining it This conversation offers a deeper look at animal-sourced foods, metabolic health, and sustainability in a world where chronic illness and metabolic dysfunction are increasingly common. 🎥 Watch The Cholesterol Code documentary and join the conversation shaping the future of metabolic health: amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0GS8ZFCYN/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. 🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited. #MetabolicMind #TheCholesterolCode #HeartHealth Expert Featured: Peter Ballerstedt, PhD https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterballerstedt https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-Ballerstedt https://x.com/GrassBased https://www.instagram.com/grassbased/?hl=en 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 a significant source of fuel for the brain and body. That metabolic shift can be especially relevant when ketosis itself is part of the therapeutic goal. In this video, Dr. Bret Scher walks through: How low-carb and ketogenic diets are typically defined The amount of carbohydrate that may support nutritional ketosis What changes in the body once ketone production increases How each approach may be used for different metabolic goals Why ketosis is being studied for serious mental illness and other brain-based conditions How clearer terminology can help people set more realistic expectations The right level of carbohydrate reduction depends on the person, the condition being addressed, and the intended outcome. Someone looking to improve general metabolic health may do very well with a low-carb approach. Someone using ketogenic therapy for a clinical purpose may need closer monitoring, greater precision, and support from an experienced healthcare team. Understanding which approach you’re following gives you a clearer way to track progress, interpret results, and discuss next steps with your clinician. 👉 Learn more about ketogenic therapy and how it may support mental illness on our blog: What is Ketogenic Therapy? A Comprehensive Guide 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. 🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #LowCarb Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 college setting, where dining halls, dorm rooms, busy schedules, social events, and limited budgets can all affect food choices. Nicole shares practical ideas for: Keeping simple foods that support nutritional ketosis in a dorm room Making dining hall options work Planning ahead for busy weeks Using meal prep or delivery services strategically Talking with roommates and friends about dietary choices Asking for support when staying consistent gets difficult They also talk about the importance of paying attention to food quality. For students who are not using ketogenic therapy, reducing ultra-processed foods and eating more whole foods may still be a meaningful place to start. If ketogenic therapy is part of a student’s mental health care plan, the transition to college may require some adjustments. Planning ahead, building a support system, and working with an experienced care team can help students stay consistent as their routines and environment change. If you’re using ketogenic therapy for a psychiatric condition, work closely with an experienced healthcare provider before making treatment changes. 👉 Looking for more back-to-school mental health resources for college students? Explore our Back to School blog for stories, science, and practical support for navigating campus life: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/stories/back-to-school-metabolic-mental-health-guide/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. 🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited. Expert Featured: Nicole Laurent, LMHC https://x.com/KetoCounselor https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthketo/ https://mentalhealthketo.com/ Resources Mentioned: Additional resources https://mentalhealthketo.com/2025/04/17/dorm-room-keto-for-mental-health/ 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 are recognizing the powerful role food plays in metabolic health. But with all the conversations about what to do next, like limiting ultra-processed foods or reconsidering saturated fat guidelines, are we overlooking one of the most impactful steps we can take? In this video, cardiologist Dr. Bret Scher explores why focusing on reducing or eliminating ultra‑processed carbohydrates may be one of the most powerful ways to address the chronic disease epidemic. Dr. Scher breaks down: What refined carbohydrates are and how they can wreck metabolic health How constant glucose spikes and crashes can fuel hunger, fatigue, and poor mood What insulin resistance is, how it develops, common symptoms, and how it contributes to chronic diseases How visceral fat packs on and contributes to chronic disease Why we can’t stop eating refined carbohydrates Why low fat and high carb diets don’t work for most people What the science says about cutting processed carbs Practical advice on how to eat to improve metabolic health 🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited. Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Director https://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 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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, including mTOR, FGF21, animal research, and the limits of applying rodent data directly to humans. He also explains why adequate protein becomes more important with age, especially for preserving muscle, reducing frailty risk, supporting insulin sensitivity, and maintaining independence. He covers: Why “eat less protein” headlines can miss important context What mTOR and FGF21 have to do with protein restriction and longevity Why rodent studies do not always translate cleanly to human health How sarcopenia and anabolic resistance change protein needs with age Why the protein RDA is a minimum, not a personalized target for health optimization How muscle supports glucose control and insulin sensitivity Why protein needs depend on age, activity level, metabolic health, pregnancy, recovery, and training status How exercise, fasting, and lower insulin may influence similar cellular pathways without sacrificing adequate protein Protein needs are personal. A sedentary 35-year-old, a 70-year-old trying to preserve muscle, an athlete, and someone recovering from illness are not all aiming for the same target. Age, activity, metabolic health, and muscle goals should shape the conversation. 🎙️ We want to hear from you! Take our quick podcast survey at the link and enter for a chance to win. No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #ProteinNeeds Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: The hallmarks of protein and amino acid restriction in aging and longevity https://www.cell.com/cell-press-blue/fulltext/S3051-3839(26)00077-0 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 therapy in medical school. He covers: Ketogenic therapy and cardiovascular disease after a stent or atherosclerosis How to follow a ketogenic diet without unwanted weight loss What early research suggests about ketogenic therapy for weight-restored anorexia Ketogenic therapy during pregnancy or nursing, and why clinical supervision is essential Lab markers that may change during sustained nutritional ketosis Why schizophrenia symptom remission is different from a cure How genetics and metabolism may both contribute to serious mental illness Budget-friendly ways to approach a well-formulated ketogenic diet Why keto is rarely taught in medical school The big takeaway is that ketogenic therapy is best understood as a clinical tool, not a one-size-fits-all template. Heart history, weight goals, symptoms, labs, pregnancy, medications, budget, and support all shape what the right approach looks like. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicMind #FoodAsMedicine Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq8LHYuczUQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrBxuQ6kcME 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 relying only on broad research categories to also paying close attention to individual patient experiments, blood tests, and lived experience. In his practice, he sees patients improve not only in weight and metabolic markers, but also in mood, mindset, mental sharpness, and confidence as they begin to see measurable changes in their own health. They cover: How obesity medicine is evolving beyond the number on the scale Why metabolic syndrome is a major focus in Dr. Pua’s practice How N-of-1 patient data can help clinicians personalize care What blood tests can reveal about real-world metabolic improvement Why nutritional ketosis can be a helpful benchmark for some patients How nutrition, physical activity, and behavior change work together Why exercise may become more accessible once metabolic health improves This conversation offers a clinician’s view of how metabolic health care can become more personalized, measurable, and empowering for patients. 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #ObesityMedicine Expert Featured: Dr. Jeffrey Pua https://www.drjeffreypuamd.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drjeffreypuamd/ http://linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-pua-a15627317 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 the difference between short-term stress that helps us respond to challenges and chronic stress that keeps the body’s alarm system switched on. He also shares why stress recovery doesn’t have to mean an hour of meditation or a weekend nature retreat. Even brief, consistent practices like 10 minutes outside, a short walk, sunlight exposure, calming music, or nature sounds may help the nervous system reset. In the episode, Dr. Scher covers: How chronic stress can affect blood sugar, insulin resistance, and blood pressure Why cortisol and adrenaline are helpful short term but harmful when constantly elevated How stress can disrupt sleep, cognition, inflammation, and metabolic health Why meditation works for some people, and why consistency matters more than duration How nature exposure, sunlight, and natural sounds may support stress recovery Why recognizing early stress signals can help prevent bigger health consequences How small daily recovery practices can support cardiovascular, metabolic, and brain health Regular recovery practices give your stress response somewhere to land. A few minutes of meditation, a walk outside, sunlight, music, or even nature sounds can help support steadier blood sugar, better sleep, and a brain and body that aren’t constantly running on high alert. 👉 Ready to build your own metabolic mental health plan? Explore THINK+SMART, our free, evidence-informed program designed to help you work with your care team and take practical steps toward supporting metabolic and mental health: metabolicmind.org/thinksmart/ 🔎 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 #NationalWellnessMonth Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 medication never quieted the overwhelming binge urges that drove her bulimia. After hearing someone describe their experience on a podcast, she began exploring GLP-1 medication and saw a profound change in her urges and eating patterns. Dr. Lutter adds the scientific context, including genetic findings that may help explain why some people with binge eating or bulimia respond strongly to GLP-1 medications. They cover: How Paige’s bulimia began and why standard treatments didn’t fully help What “food noise” felt like in her lived experience Why GLP-1 medications may affect appetite, reward pathways, and binge urges How genetics may help identify who responds to GLP-1s Why eating disorder treatment needs more precision-focused research The risks of using GLP-1 medications in people with restrictive eating disorders Why stigma keeps many people from discussing this treatment openly This conversation explores an emerging area of eating disorder research with hope, caution, and a clear need for larger clinical trials. 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #GLP1 #EatingDisorderTreatment Expert Featured: Paige Gordon https://paigegordonauthor.com/ https://www.instagram.com/paigegordonauthor/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigegordon/ https://www.tiktok.com/@paigegordonauthor Dr. Michael Lutter https://precision-psychiatry.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelluttermd/ https://www.youtube.com/@precisionpsychiatry 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 or bipolar I disorder with psychotic features. The conversation explores what made this trial possible, from prepared meals and coaching to the structured support that helped participants stay engaged. It also highlights encouraging four-month findings across metabolic health, cognition, depressive symptoms, and both positive and negative psychiatric symptoms. They discuss: Why this trial is an important step for metabolic psychiatry How participants adhered to a ketogenic diet with structured support What changed in metabolic health markers like BMI, A1C, and HOMA-IR Why cognitive improvements were especially meaningful How positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and depressive symptoms changed over time What family members noticed as participants re-engaged with daily life Why future studies may need to be longer, larger, and more mechanistic This trial marks an important step for metabolic psychiatry and points to the need for larger, longer, fully controlled studies that can better clarify how ketogenic interventions may affect metabolic, cognitive, and psychiatric outcomes. 👉 Learn more about this trial on our study page: First-Ever Randomized Controlled Trial of Ketogenic Diet in Schizophrenia-Spectrum and Bipolar I Disorder 🔎 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 #BipolarDisorder Expert Featured: Dr. Judy Ford https://bbrfoundation.org/about/people/judith-m-ford-phd Juliette Kyner, Research Assistant at UCSF https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliette-marie-kyner/ Dr. Shebani Sethi https://www.metabolicpsychiatry.com/team https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsethi/ https://x.com/ShebaniMD Resources Mentioned: Metabolic Improvements with a Ketogenic Diet Correlate with Symptom Improvement in Psychosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbag082 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 with type 2 diabetes who were using insulin and then added either a GLP-1 receptor agonist, SGLT2 inhibitor, or DPP4 inhibitor. Despite semaglutide’s stronger association with weight loss, the study found similar insulin discontinuation rates across all three groups over three years. Dr. Scher covers: Why weight loss and metabolic health improvements may not always move together What insulin discontinuation can reveal about insulin resistance and beta cell function Why semaglutide did not outperform older diabetes medications in this study The limitations of observational research and real-world medication data How GLP-1 medications and therapeutic carbohydrate reduction may work through complementary mechanisms Why combining GLP-1s with therapeutic carbohydrate reduction may be an important area for future research and clinical practice This conversation takes a closer look at what metabolic health means, and why the path from weight loss to insulin independence may be more complex than the scale alone can show. 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #GLP1 Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: Comparative Effectiveness of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Versus Oral Agents for Insulin Discontinuation in Type 2 Diabetes : A Target Trial Emulation https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-25-05216 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 pathologic and physiologic insulin resistance and why insulin levels matter most Why someone in deep ketosis may fail a glucose tolerance test and how to interpret it How metabolic health affects how strict your ketogenic approach needs to be Why some people can stay in ketosis at 75 grams of carbs while others need under 25 Why claims about ketogenic diets causing bone loss don't hold up under scrutiny The role of protein intake, resistance training, and walking in supporting bone density A rapid-fire round covering MCT oil, electrolytes, caffeine, diet sodas, keto bread, creatine, exogenous ketones, intermittent fasting, and artificial sweeteners This conversation captures the nuance that ketogenic therapy and metabolic health really call for, while keeping the practical realities of everyday life in view. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicMind #MetabolicPsychiatry Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Director https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m6Fm0nXaMQ&t=2s 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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 to see her personal story on the big screen Why she has always been open about her mental health journey, even at the time of her bipolar II diagnosis How her psychiatric symptoms showed up before ketogenic therapy, including persistent anger, exhaustion, and the urge to escape her own life What changed once she began ketogenic therapy and how her day-to-day experience shifted Why she continues to advocate for awareness around metabolic therapies for mental illness How The Cholesterol Code documentary could expand awareness of ketogenic therapy beyond current circles What inspires Robyn to keep sharing her story and how she hopes it reaches others still suffering Robyn's openness about her journey is helping break the stigma around serious mental illness and expand awareness of what recovery can look like. 🎥 Watch The Cholesterol Code documentary and join the conversation shaping the future of metabolic health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57Z8bUb1P94 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicPsychiatry #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicMind #BipolarDisorder Expert By Experience Featured: Robyn Dobbins https://x.com/robynrdobbins https://www.facebook.com/people/Robyn-R-Dobbins/100090891465253/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-dobbins-59bb1653/ https://www.instagram.com/robynrdobbins/ 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications. * Disclaimer: Tapering psychiatric medication isn’t the goal for everyone, and adjusting doses too quickly can be dangerous. Medications should never be stopped abruptly, and changes should always be made with your prescriber. Visit Inner Compass Initiative [ https://www.theinnercompass.org/ ] for more information on safe tapering.

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, or therapeutic ketosis for mental health and neurological conditions, understanding ketone testing can help you personalize your approach. In this video, you'll learn: Why ketone testing can be a valuable tool When ketone levels matter, and when they may not The differences between urine strips, breath meters, and blood ketone monitors Pros and cons of each testing method How often to test and the best times of day to measure ketones Why ketone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day The emerging role of continuous ketone monitors (CKMs) How to use ketone data without becoming overwhelmed or obsessive Ultimately, there isn't one "perfect" ketone number for everyone. The value of ketone testing depends on your goals, your health condition, and how you respond to ketosis. The most useful data is the data that helps you make informed decisions and better understand your own metabolism. 🔎 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 #KetoneTesting Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Director https://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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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, intermittent fasting, and repeated five-day fasts alongside standard chemotherapy and radiation. Together, these strategies were designed to lower the Glucose Ketone Index, or GKI, by reducing glucose and increasing ketones. In this conversation, they explore: Why cancer cell metabolism is becoming an important area of research How glucose, ketones, and mitochondrial function may influence cancer growth Why the GKI was a central target in the study How fasting and ketogenic therapy were integrated with standard cancer treatment The difference between intentional weight loss and cancer cachexia Why quality of life deserves as much attention as survival What the study’s long-term survivors may teach researchers Why larger randomized trials are still needed Participants following the metabolic protocol achieved an average GKI of 1.88, and every participant completed all eight five-day fasts. The metabolic therapy group also had a median survival of 21 months compared with 14 months in the control group, along with a higher rate of survival beyond three years. These results offer a compelling reason to keep studying this approach, particularly in a cancer with such limited treatment options and a difficult prognosis. Since the trial was small and nonrandomized, it can’t provide definitive answers, but it does give researchers a strong foundation to build on. 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine Expert Featured: Dr. Matthew Phillips https://www.metabolicneurologist.com/ https://x.com/drmclphillips Resources Mentioned: Intensive multimodal ketogenic metabolic therapy in glioblastoma: A clinical trial https://doi.org/10.1093/noajnl/vdag165 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 individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.