Tiles spell out KETO DIET. There is a knife  above the tiles and a fork below it.
Photo by Total Shape on Unsplash

Ketogenic Diet Shows Promise for Schizophrenia: Research & What It Means for Patients

Michael Hunter, MD
BeingWell
Published in
4 min readMay 8, 2024

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MILLIONS GRAPPLE WITH THE REALITIES OF SCHIZOPHRENIA, a complex mental health condition.

Traditional medications can be very effective, but they also come with side effects.

New research is exploring alternative approaches, and one surprising contender is the ketogenic diet.

A plate of food consistent with a ketogenic diet.
Photo by Eduardo Roda Lopes on Unsplash

This high-fat, low-carb diet has become popular for weight loss, but recent studies suggest it might have other impacts.

A New Study

A pilot trial investigated the effects of keto on individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who also had metabolic issues.

The results are intriguing, and we’re diving deep into them in this article.

Let’s explore the science behind keto, its potential benefits for mental health, and what this research means for the future of treatment.

Study Design

Here’s a study breakdown:

  • Participants: 21 adults (18–75 years old) with schizophrenia (5) or bipolar disorder (16). All were on…

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Michael Hunter, MD
BeingWell

I have degrees from Harvard, Yale, and Penn. I am a radiation oncologist in the Seattle area. You may find me regularly posting at www.newcancerinfo.com