2024-04-13 00:40:59
▲ Research has shown that the ketogenic diet, when combined with standard treatment, can alleviate psychiatric symptoms and improve metabolic health in people with severe mental illness. (Photo = DB)
[메디컬투데이=최재백 기자] Research has shown that the ketogenic diet can alleviate psychiatric symptoms and improve metabolic health in people with severe mental illness.
Research results were published in ‘Psychiatry Research’ showing that the ketogenic diet can alleviate psychiatric symptoms and improve metabolic health in people with severe mental illness when combined with standard treatment.
The ketogenic diet, which is high in fat, low in carbohydrates, and an appropriate amount of protein, is known to be effective in managing various diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and psychiatric disorders.
A Stanford Medicine research team reported that when a ketogenic diet was combined with standard treatment for four months, the symptoms and quality of life of patients with severe mental illness were significantly improved and metabolic health was improved.
The research team conducted a four-month study on 21 adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder (76%) or schizophrenia (24%), taking antipsychotic medication, and who were overweight or had metabolic problems such as insulin resistance. Of the 21 adults, 62% were female and 76% were white, and the average age of the participants was 43 years old.
The research team had participants follow a ketogenic diet consisting of 10% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 60% fat. Although calories were not counted, they were required to consume at least 1,200 calories per day and limit total carbohydrate intake to 20 grams (g) per day. instructed to do so.
They tested dietary compliance by measuring blood ketone levels every week, and the participants maintained their usual psychiatric treatment and medication and received regular psychiatric examinations by a psychiatrist.
As a result of the study, 14 of the 21 participants who strictly followed the ketogenic diet showed fewer severe psychiatric symptoms.
Meanwhile, participants who did not follow the ketogenic diet relatively strictly had higher rates of obesity, poorer cholesterol levels, and longer episodes of mental illness.
In addition, the research team found that while 29% of participants met the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome before the start of the study and more than 85% had obesity, hyperlipidemia, and pre-diabetes, by the end of the study, 29% of participants met the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome. It was reported that there was no participant.
They added that on average, participants experienced a 10% reduction in body weight and body mass index, an 11% reduction in waist circumference, a 17% reduction in adiposity, and a 6% reduction in systolic blood pressure.
They explained that the ketogenic diet showed the effect of improving metabolic health by improving various metabolic indicators such as visceral fat, inflammation, glycated hemoglobin, neutral fat, and insulin resistance.
In addition to improved metabolic health, the severity of mental illness according to the Clinical Global Impressions Scale was reduced by 31%, and 79% of symptomatic participants showed significant improvement compared to baseline, especially in those who followed a strict ketogenic diet. The effect has been confirmed.
Researchers concluded that a ketogenic diet may counteract the metabolic side effects common in antipsychotics while alleviating psychiatric symptoms.
Experts explained that through a ketogenic diet, the brain’s energy source changes from glucose to ketone bodies, thereby stabilizing mood and improving cognitive function. They also estimated that these metabolic changes reduce neuroinflammation and increase levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, thereby alleviating psychiatric symptoms.
They say the anti-inflammatory effects of the ketogenic diet may be particularly helpful for people with treatment-resistant mental illness, as ketosis promotes mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress.
Meanwhile, some experts questioned whether the ketogenic diet was sustainable in the long term despite positive research results, and emphasized the need for larger randomized controlled trials to understand the psychiatric effects of the ketogenic diet.
They raised concerns that maintaining a ketogenic diet over the long term might lead to deficiencies in certain nutrients and changes in the gut microbiome. Therefore, they recommended following a more sustainable version of the Mediterranean diet or a plant-based diet, and be sure to consult a professional if adjusting your diet for psychiatric purposes.
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