Metabolic Mind

Bret Scher

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.

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July 26 · 20 min
Dr. Ford Brewer on the Future of Heart Health & The Cholesterol Code
What does it take to truly understand and assess cardiovascular risk in modern medicine? Dr. Bret Scher joins Dr. Ford Brewer at the Collaborative Science (CoSci) conference to discuss the recent screening of The Cholesterol Code documentary and the bigger picture of metabolic health, cardiac imaging, and the future of risk assessment. In this conversation, you'll learn: Dr. Ford Brewer's reaction to The Cholesterol Code documentary and what stood out most Why metabolism, not just plumbing, drives cardiovascular disease How CT angiogram with AI analysis is becoming the gold standard in cardiac imaging What CIMT (Carotid Intima-Media Thickness) measures and where it fits in evaluating risk Why calcium scores can miss important soft plaque What to look for when seeking a high-quality CIMT scan Dr. Brewer's personal story of being diagnosed with manic depression in medical school and how lifestyle and metabolic changes shaped his journey Why GLP-1 medications, when used responsibly, can be a useful tool rather than a stand-alone solution How the overuse of statins and GLP-1s reflects broader issues in modern medicine This discussion captures the value of bringing nuanced, individualized thinking into the conversation around cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and mental wellness. 🔎 Learn more about CIMT tests on our blog: Early Heart Disease Detection? Why You May Consider a CIMT Test 🎥 Watch The Cholesterol Code documentary and join the conversation shaping the future of metabolic health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57Z8bUb1P94 #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #HeartDisease Expert Featured: Dr. Ford Brewer https://prevmedhealth.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmoEsq6a6ePXxgZeA4CVrUw https://www.instagram.com/brewer.ford https://www.linkedin.com/in/fordbrewer/ https://www.facebook.com/DrFordBrewer/ 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.
July 23 · 6 min
BITESIZE: We Can Reverse T2 Diabetes. That Doesn’t Mean Patients Are at Fault
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that can often be put into remission. So why do so many people still struggle to get better? In this discussion, Dr. Bret Scher explores how the environments we create, from our food system to our healthcare system, shape metabolic health in ways that are often overlooked. Using a thought experiment as a starting point, he examines why remission is possible for many people with type 2 diabetes, why that shouldn't be confused with 100% personal responsibility, and what needs to change if we want to improve outcomes at scale. He covers: Why type 2 diabetes remission is possible for many people How ketogenic nutrition and other metabolic therapies can improve insulin resistance Why type 1 and type 2 diabetes require fundamentally different approaches How modern food environments contribute to metabolic dysfunction The limitations of decades of conventional nutrition advice Why clinician education and public policy matter for metabolic health How shifting the conversation from blame to biology can improve patient care Growing evidence continues to show that metabolic health can be improved through nutrition and lifestyle interventions when people have the right support. Building healthcare systems and food environments that reflect that science could help more people achieve better long-term health. 👉 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 #Diabetes #KetogenicTherapy 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.
July 21 · 47 min
Meet Dr. Bret Scher: The Host Behind Metabolic Mind
Dr. Bret Scher began his career practicing conventional cardiology, following the same guidelines taught in medical training. Today, he is Medical Director at Metabolic Mind, as well as The Coalition for Metabolic Health, and one of the leading voices advancing metabolic health, ketogenic therapy, and metabolic psychiatry. What changed? In this special episode, Metabolic Mind producer Erica Gerard turns the tables and interviews Dr. Scher about the experiences, patients, and pivotal moments that challenged his thinking and reshaped his approach to medicine. In this conversation, you'll learn: How a conventionally trained cardiologist became known as the "low-carb cardiologist" The patients who changed the way he thought about nutrition and metabolic health Why he believes medicine should treat individuals, not just follow guidelines What drew him from cardiovascular medicine into the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry How interviewing researchers, clinicians, and patients has influenced his perspective on evidence and clinical care His hopes for the future of metabolic health and what it could mean for medicine Along the way, Dr. Scher shares personal stories from his childhood, medical training, career, and family life, offering a rare look at his curiosity, humility, and willingness to challenge his own assumptions that continue to shape his work today. Whether you've followed Dr. Scher's work for years or meeting him for the first time, this conversation offers insight into the journey behind one of the most trusted voices in metabolic medicine. 👉 Learn more about Metabolic Mind, Dr. Scher, and the metabolic psychiatry movement at metabolicmind.org 🔎 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 #MetabolicPsychiatry Expert Featured: Erica Gerard - Metabolic Mind Producer Bret Scher, MD - 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 Expert Mentioned: Dr. Georgia Ede, MD- Author, Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemd/ https://x.com/GeorgiaEdeMD https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/ Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt https://www.youtube.com/user/eenfeldt/videos https://se.linkedin.com/in/dietdoctor Jan Ellison Baszucki https://www.metabolicmind.org/team/jan-ellison-baszucki/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/janellisonbaszucki https://www.instagram.com/jan_ellison_baszucki/?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.
July 19 · 29 min
Psychiatry Research Priorities: Keto, GLP-1s, Exercise & Mental Illness
What questions matter most to people living with serious mental illness when it comes to metabolic interventions? Dr. Dina Farran and Dr. Toby Pillinger from King's College London set out to answer exactly that through a Priority Setting Partnership, an extensive collaborative process bringing together people with lived experience, family members, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers to identify the top research priorities in metabolic psychiatry. Their findings reveal a powerful shift in how patients and clinicians think about mental illness, and what the future of treatment may look like. In this conversation, you'll learn: What a Priority Setting Partnership is and why it matters for psychiatric research How over 450 participants and 1,400 submissions were narrowed down to a top 10 list Why 8 of the top 10 priorities focused on mental health outcomes, not just physical health Why ketogenic diets ranked as the number one research priority How GLP-1 medications, exercise, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies entered the conversation Why patients and caregivers may have a more integrated view of mental illness than the research field What this roadmap means for the future of metabolic psychiatry research and care This interview captures a meaningful turning point in how the field of metabolic psychiatry is beginning to align with what truly matters to the people it serves. Interested in learning more about metabolic psychiatry? Check out our blog: What is 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 #MetabolicPsychiatry #KetogenicTherapy Expert Featured: Dr. Dina Farran https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dina-farran-225028288 Dr. Toby Pillinger https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/toby-pillinger http://uk.linkedin.com/in/toby-pillinger Resources Mentioned: PSP has been previously run by: https://www.jla.nihr.ac.uk/ https://www.nih.gov/ Where the manuscript will be published: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/home Experts mentioned: Danny Smith https://edwebprofiles.ed.ac.uk/profile/professor-daniel-j-smith 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.
July 16 · 8 min
BITESIZE: Lipidologist Questions the New Keto and Liver Disease Study
A recent study made headlines for claiming a ketogenic diet may worsen fatty liver disease and raise triglycerides. But when you take a closer look at the research, it’s clear that the conclusions are far less supported than the coverage suggests. To clear things up, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down what the study actually found, where the methodology falls short, and what the broader body of research has to say about ketogenic therapy and liver health. In this discussion, you'll learn: What the study examined and how the data was collected Why the lack of ketone measurement makes it impossible to confirm anyone was actually in ketosis How reverse causality may explain the findings entirely What baseline differences in BMI and adiposity reveal about the study population Why cross-sectional observational studies sit lower on the evidence hierarchy than RCTs What a meta-analysis of 62 randomized controlled trials shows about ketogenic diets and triglycerides What a 12-week supervised intervention revealed about ketogenic therapy and fatty liver reduction Why higher-quality controlled trial evidence should take precedence over headline-grabbing observational studies For clinicians, researchers, and anyone navigating conflicting headlines about ketogenic therapy, this conversation is a reminder that the quality of evidence matters as much as the findings themselves. 🔎 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 #FattyLiverDisease Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Director https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: Association between dietary patterns and lipid profile in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a retrospective cross-sectional study https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1794910 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.
July 14 · 42 min
How One CGM Changed This Cardiologist’s Life
Is a plant-based diet the best for supporting metabolic health? Cardiologist Dr. Jaimela Dulaney spent years practicing plant-based nutrition before her own experience with insulin resistance, blood sugar swings, and endurance running led her to rethink what personalized nutrition can look like. In this episode, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Dulaney about what changed her perspective, both personally and professionally. They cover: How CGMs helped reveal unexpected blood sugar patterns Why insulin resistance can show up even in active, normal-weight individuals How Dr. Dulaney thinks about LDL cholesterol in the context of metabolic health Why low-carb and ketogenic diets may help some people improve energy, recovery, and blood sugar stability Why there may not be one “best diet” for every patient This conversation highlights the importance of listening to patients, tracking meaningful lab trends, and staying open to new evidence when personal experience and clinical outcomes begin to tell a different story. 👉 Interested in learning more about metabolic health, cholesterol, and heart disease? Check out our article: Beyond LDL: New Insights into Metabolic Health and Heart Disease. 🔎 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 #HeartDisease Expert Featured: Dr. Jaimela Dulaney https://doctordulaney.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@jjd862 Expert Mentioned: Andrew Koutnik https://www.instagram.com/andrewkoutnikphd/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBoAR4gzVC5Y0e5raQLPkQ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkoutnikphd111/ Dr. Noakes https://register.cpso.on.ca/physician-info/?cpsonum=50902 https://surgery.utoronto.ca/faculty/jeffrey-noakes Resources Mentioned: Additional resources Dr. Noakes book: Lore of Nutrition: Challenging Conventional Dietary Beliefs Dr. Esselstyn - https://www.dresselstyn.com/site/ Dean Ornish: Ornish program — http://ornish.com/ Nina Teicholz Book: The Big Fat Surprise 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.
July 12 · 13 min
Dr. Dom D'Agostino on Why Metabolic Health Matters for the Brain
Metabolic health may be the foundation of a healthy brain, and a growing community of researchers, clinicians, and educators is working to bring that message into mainstream medicine. In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher talks with Dr. Dom D'Agostino at the Citizen Science Initiative (CoSci) conference to discuss everything from the recent screening of The Cholesterol Code documentary to the rise of N-of-1 research, the future of metabolic psychiatry, and the urgent need for nutrition education in medical schools. In this conversation, you'll learn: Dr. D'Agostino’s reaction to The Cholesterol Code documentary and what stood out most How N-of-1 citizen science is reshaping the way we think about metabolic health Why metabolic health may be a stronger predictor of cardiovascular outcomes than LDL alone How nutrition education made its way into the USF College of Medicine curriculum What the latest research is revealing about ketogenic metabolic therapy and cancer, brain health, and immune function Why metabolic psychiatry is one of the most exciting emerging fields in medicine How exogenous ketones and ketogenic diets fit into clinical practice and ongoing research This discussion offers a thoughtful look at where metabolic medicine is headed and why prioritizing whole-body health is becoming central to supporting the brain. 🎥 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 #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine 🔎 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. Dominic D’Agostino https://drdominicdagostino.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dominic.dagostino.kt/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/dominic.dagostino.1/ http://linkedin.com/in/dominic-d-agostino-156014b https://x.com/DominicDAgosti2?lang=en Resources Mentioned: https://www.metabolicinitiative.com/ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL27U85_g28NlX2RAWCiz6us2SW_9OW4VA 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.
July 10 · 21 min
First RCT of Keto for Schizophrenia & Bipolar Disorder: Results & Future Directions
New results from first-of-its-kind randomized controlled trial on a ketogenic diet for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with psychosis offer important insights into metabolic psychiatry and mental health treatment. In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Julie Milder to walk through the study results, recently published in Schizophrenia Bulletin. As the first RCT in psychosis-spectrum conditions to publish in the peer-reviewed literature, it’s an important step toward understanding how metabolic interventions may play a role in serious mental illness. Key insights from the study: In the 1-month randomized portion of the trial, the ketogenic group showed significant improvements in metabolic health markers compared to diet-as-usual Psychiatric symptoms trended toward improvement, but were not statistically significant at 1 month Participants who opted into the ketogenic extension part of the study (4 total months of keto), saw improvements in depression, cognition, and positive and negative symptoms. In this video, Dr. Milder also breaks down important additional context about the limitations of the study, including the length of the randomized portion of the trial and the variance in dietary support between the two diet groups. This study adds to growing evidence linking metabolic health and psychiatric conditions and explores whether ketogenic therapy may play a role in addressing underlying mechanisms. 👉 Want to learn more about the trial? Visit our study page: https://www.metabolicmind.org/trials/featured-post/peer-reviewed-results-of-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. Expert Featured: Dr. Julie Milder Baszucki Group Director of Neuroscience http://linkedin.com/in/juliemilder Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Director https://x.com/bschermd 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.
July 8 · 4 min
BITESIZE: Results from first RCT of Keto for Schizophrenia + Bipolar: Metabolic Wins & Mental Health Signals
New evidence from the first-ever RCT shows ketogenic therapy can rapidly improve metabolic health in schizophrenia-spectrum and bipolar I disorders, and shows early signals of psychiatric improvement. In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down this newly published study led by Dr. Judith Ford at UCSF: the first randomized controlled trial with peer-reviewed results investigating ketogenic therapy in people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and bipolar-1 disorder with psychotic features. You’ll learn: How the study was designed (a 1-month randomized phase plus an optional 3-4 month single-arm extension) What happened in the first 30 days (clear improvements in metabolic markers; psychiatric outcomes showed trends that did not reach statistical significance in the randomized portion) What improved over longer follow-up in the extension phase (encouraging changes in metabolic health, cognition, and psychiatric measures) Why this matters for patients and families today, and what future, longer controlled trials need to confirm Published in Schizophrenia Bulletin and funded by the NIMH and Baszucki Group, this study adds to the growing literature on the potential benefit of ketogenic therapy for psychiatric disorders. These results indicate the need for larger, extended randomized controlled trials to test the safety and efficacy of ketogenic therapy in patients living with serious mental illness. 👉 Learn more about the study by visiting our website: https://www.metabolicmind.org/trials/featured-post/peer-reviewed-results-of-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. Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher, MD, FACC Baszucki Group Medical Director https://x.com/bschermd 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.
July 5 · 22 min
Q&A: Are Seed Oils Dangerous? Anhedonia, Ketoacidosis, Ketone Levels & More
Why are seed oils suddenly everywhere in nutrition debates? What is anhedonia? Is the dawn phenomenon something to worry about? And how can you tell the difference between nutritional ketosis and ketoacidosis? In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher and producer Erica Gerard answer some of the most common questions from our community about ketogenic therapy, mental health, metabolism, and nutrition science. Topics discussed include: Why seed oils have become such a controversial topic and what the evidence actually shows Whether seed oils deserve their negative reputation What anhedonia is and why it can be one of the most challenging symptoms in mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia Emerging research on ketogenic therapy and improvements in anhedonia Why debates between plant-based and ketogenic diets often miss the bigger picture The limitations of observational nutrition research Why there may not be one “best” diet for everyone What the dawn phenomenon is and why it may mean different things for people eating high-carb versus ketogenic diets The difference between nutritional ketosis and diabetic ketoacidosis Whether there is a specific “therapeutic” ketone level for brain health and mental health interventions Throughout the conversation, Dr. Scher emphasizes an important theme: context matters. The same biomarker, food, or dietary approach can have very different implications depending on an individual’s health status, goals, and metabolic health. Whether you're exploring ketogenic therapy for mental health, trying to better understand ketone levels, or simply looking for evidence-based answers to common nutrition questions, this episode offers practical insights and helpful nuance. 🔎 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. Bret Scher https://www.metabolicmind.org/team/bret-scher-md/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ Erica Gerard Resources Mentioned: Papers Re-evaluated Minnesota Coronary Experiment: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27071971/ Anhedonia improviments mentioned: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41475571/ https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2844388#google_vignette Additional resources Dawn Phenomenon by Dr. Bret Scher: https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/the-dawn-effect 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.
July 1 · 7 min
BITESIZE: A Cardiologist Weighs In on the NATURE-CT Vs. Ketogenic Diet Debate
A newly published study called NATURE-CT is generating significant attention in the cardiovascular and ketogenic communities, but some of the conclusions being drawn online don't hold up to scientific scrutiny. Dr. Bret Scher walks through what the study actually shows, what it doesn't, and why comparisons being made to ketogenic therapy are scientifically misleading. In this discussion, you'll learn: What the NATURE-CT study examined and what its findings mean for coronary plaque progression Why the average LDL of 111 mg/dL still showed substantial plaque progression What this data may suggest about looking beyond LDL as the sole driver of coronary disease Why comparisons being made between NATURE-CT and KETO-CTA are scientifically flawed Why the original KETO-CTA manuscript was retracted and what that means for current claims How baseline coronary artery calcium scores influence valid scientific comparisons Why findings in lean mass hyper-responders cannot be extrapolated to all forms of ketogenic therapy How metabolic health, not just LDL, may be a critical factor in understanding cardiovascular risk This conversation underscores the importance of evaluating studies on their actual design and findings, rather than the conclusions being layered on top of them. For clinicians, researchers, and anyone navigating the cardiovascular and ketogenic conversation, the precision of the science matters. 🔎 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 #CardiovascularHealth Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Director https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: NATURal history of coronary PlaquE on cardiac computed tomography in individuals without MACE or lipid-lowering therapy: NATURE-CTstudy https://www.journalofcardiovascularct.com/article/S1934-5925(26)00097-3/fulltext 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.
June 26 · 6 min
BITESIZE: Keto 101: Beginner’s Guide to Meals, Snacks, and Carb Limits
What should you eat on keto? A ketogenic diet shifts your body from burning carbs to burning fat and ketones, and it can be a powerful tool for supporting metabolic health as well as mental health. But knowing what to eat, what to avoid, and how to get started makes all the difference. Here, Dr. Bret Scher walks you through the essentials: The best proteins, fats, and low-carb vegetables for keto Foods that can kick you out of ketosis A full sample day of meals with net carb counts Smart snack options and lifestyle factors that affect ketosis Whether you're new to a ketogenic diet or exploring it as part of a broader ketogenic therapy plan, the right foundation can make a significant difference in outcomes. Want to dive deeper into the specifics of a high-quality ketogenic diet? Check out our blog to learn more: Understanding the 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. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine 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.

Showing 21–32 of 32 episodes