The ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat, low-carbohydrate regimen originally developed to treat epilepsy, has garnered attention for its potential benefits in managing cognitive disorders, including bipolar. By shifting the body's primary energy source from glucose to ketones, the diet may offer neuroprotective effects that extend beyond its traditional use.
The KD induces a state of ketosis, where the liver produces ketones from fats, providing an alternative energy source for the brain. This metabolic shift may enhance mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate neurotransmitter activity, all of which are implicated in mood regulation and cognitive function .
Emerging clinical studies suggest that the KD may have therapeutic effects on individuals with bipolar disorder. A pilot study conducted at Stanford Medicine found that patients with severe mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, experienced improvements in metabolic health and psychiatric symptoms after adopting a ketogenic diet. Another retrospective analysis reported significant reductions in depression and psychosis symptoms among patients with treatment-resistant mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, following a ketogenic diet intervention .
The ketogenic diet presents a novel approach to managing cognitive disorders like bipolar disorder, particularly in patients who have not responded adequately to conventional treatments. While the underlying mechanisms and long-term efficacy require further investigation, the existing evidence confirms a nutritional approach is essential in treating long term conditions and reducing the impact of their symptoms on our lives.
Resources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28373848/, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11174630/
