Discover real experiences from our bipolar community on the potential benefits and challenges of ketogenic therapy for mood stability and metabolic health.
Metabolic psychiatry is a growing field that looks at how our body’s metabolism affects mental health, leading to new ways to treat mental health issues. By focusing on this connection, researchers are exploring new ways to treat mental health conditions.
One innovative approach gaining attention is metabolic ketogenic therapy. This method uses a diet high in fats, moderate in proteins, and low in carbohydrates to induce nutritional ketosis, where the body switches from burning sugar to burning fat for energy. While this diet has a long history of helping with treatment-resistant epilepsy, its potential benefits for mental health are now being actively studied.
It’s essential to differentiate metabolic ketogenic therapy from the popular keto diet often promoted on social media. The social media version typically focuses on quick weight loss and just reducing carbs, while metabolic ketogenic therapy is a clinically supervised treatment designed for specific medical conditions. Importantly, those trying this diet alongside their regular medication regime should consult their healthcare provider to ensure safety and balance.
RELATED: Could Ketogenic Therapy be a Game Changer for Bipolar Disorder? New Study Investigates
Initial case studies and personal reports suggest that metabolic ketogenic therapy may help alleviate symptoms of certain mental illnesses and address related metabolic issues like insulin resistance and obesity. Although more comprehensive research is needed, early findings are promising, showing improvements in mood stability, weight control, and overall metabolic health. Numerous clinical trials are now underway.
When we asked our bipolar community on bpHope and Facebook if they’ve tried a ketogenic diet for their mood or weight, here’s what they had to say about what worked — and what didn’t.
Editor’s note: The following comments — edited for length and clarity — reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individuals who have tried these approaches, and results may vary, as what works well for one person may not work for another.
From Carbohydrate Withdrawal to Energy Highs
I tried keto dieting several times and experienced carbohydrate withdrawal, which caused mild headaches for the first week. While I did lose weight, most of it was initially water weight. It’s important to note that weight loss can be slow and inconsistent. Additionally, I experienced dehydration and had to drink more water and find electrolyte-rich beverages to stay healthy. The high-protein diet also led to significant mania, as the increased energy from healthier, high-protein foods created a natural high.
— E.T., Colorado
Doing the Keto Diet Can Help Improve Your Mood
It definitely works for both weight and mood, especially when combined with regular exercise. I also find that having one ‘cheat meal’ or day a week helps with the diet’s sustainability and gives you something to look forward to. I consistently see amazing results. I cycle between doing keto for a few months and taking breaks when I need carbs for training purposes.
— J.T., Facebook
It made my mind sharp and improved how I felt overall. I fell off track during a vacation but am slowly getting back into it. If you can get past the first three to six days, you’ll feel great and can stick with it. It’s worth it, especially for the amount of weight you lose.
— V.M.G., Facebook
When I started keto, I noticed — in about two weeks — that I no longer needed to take Ativan. I’ve not been doing well with keto the last few years, though, and in periods of eating a lot of grains and sugars, my mental health suffers.
— S.N., Facebook
Doing the Keto Diet Can Help You Feel Stable
Yes, the keto diet has been a game-changer. My mood greatly improved; I’m much more stable now.
— M.B., Facebook
Losing Weight and Gaining Clarity With Keto
After taking Quetiapine for five years, I gained 100 pounds. Even after bariatric surgery, I continued to gain weight. Since starting a metabolic ketogenic therapy diet in January of this year, I have not only lost 55 pounds but also noticed significant improvements in recognizing and managing mood changes. Without sugar and carbs — substances that are like addictive drugs to my brain — I am much better at identifying when I shift out of rational and emotional mindsets and can take action without anxiety to switch to clearer thinking. It has been a life-changer and a valuable new tool in my life.
— Y.W., Alberta
Diet Changes Bring Stability and Relief from Bipolar Symptoms
I am a 49-year-old woman with bipolar II. Despite being on numerous medications, I was still struggling with rapid cycling and frequent mixed episodes. I decided to try changing my diet. While I don’t strictly follow the keto diet, I follow a similar approach. Since January, I’ve given up sugar and gluten and eat very few carbs. It has been life-changing. My bipolar is much more stable now. I still have episodes, but they are less severe and shorter in duration. Overall, I feel very stable and don’t anticipate changing my eating habits. I can’t believe how much better I feel.
— B.G., Wisconsin
I Tried the Keto Diet, But I’m Not a Fan
I did Lindora several times [which looks at various aspects of weight control, including mental, physical, and lifestyle issues]. It was medically supervised and worked for weight loss. It controlled my appetite 89 percent of the time; I had energy and hope. However, a keto diet — like Lindora — severely limits healthy fruits, vegetables, and fats. Although I was in ketosis, I was depriving my body of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. I’m not sure how depriving my body of nutrients is helpful to my brain.
— C.K., California
It’s too complicated; plus, I can’t do diets — they always set me up for failure. This goes back to my childhood and my mother forcing Weight Watchers down my throat, literally!
— A.G., Facebook
I don’t want to eat that much meat, and I don’t like beans.
— R.E., Facebook
I tried it and gained weight. So no, thank you!
— J.A.
How Ketogenic and Mediterranean Diets Improved My Health
A ketogenic diet, along with reducing carbohydrates, increasing protein, and following a Mediterranean-style diet with more veggies and fish, has repeatedly saved the day for me. As a Type 1 diabetic with bipolar since I was twelve, these dietary models have greatly improved my clarity of thought, mood stability, and overall well-being. I focus on self-care and enjoy making tasty and healthy meals, like pancakes from flax meal, psyllium husk, bananas, eggs, and walnuts. There are endless quick options for meals that are easy to prepare or pack.
— A.F., California
From Bipolar Struggles to Stability
I’m not certain if the food I’m eating is strictly keto, but it’s probably close. My brain has been functioning remarkably well for at least a year, leading me to wonder if I might be in an extended manic state. I’ve been free from the depressive side of bipolar for over 99 percent (or more) of the time, and I manage the manic side surprisingly well. As a religious person, I sometimes wonder if this is a spiritual gift or a miraculous act. Regardless, I’m very grateful and preparing to help others with my experience. A short prayer would be appreciated!
— R.S., Florida
Other Types of Diets Seem to Work Better
I do mostly plant-based, organic, eggs, limited dairy, whole foods, no sugar, no sodas, no red meat, no fried foods, and only whole grains; it has been awesome for me. It healed my fatty liver! Lost lots of weight. Feel great! My advice? Make one change at a time.
— P.S.E., Facebook
How MCT Oil and a Clean Diet Transformed My Health at 64
For years now, I’ve taken MCT oil [a fat supplement], low-carb, higher fat, and clean protein organic fruits and vegetables — no processed foods and almost zero sugar and caffeine. I’m stable for long periods of time for the first time in my life. My weight is stable, too, without gaining more. I also have better concentration and sleep. It’s been amazing and not very hard to do. I’m 64 years old and the healthiest I’ve ever been.
— C.K., California
Doing the Keto Diet Can Help You Feel Better Physically, Too
I do keto for weight loss. My aches and pains went down by 80 percent (obviously a rough guess), and my weight went down about 12 pounds in six weeks. I also have more energy, and my moods feel better.
— B.H., Facebook
The Joys and Challenges of Embracing Keto
I loved it — the food, fasting, and exercise. The problem is that I went too far and fast and got the keto flu [flu-like symptoms that may occur in the first week]. Still thinking of going back, though.
— S.F., Facebook
The Impact of Sugar and the Importance of Water
Sugar is poison and addictive — it changes your mood and affects your entire day — so I eliminate it, except on special occasions. I also find water is dire. It nourishes you more than you think. You don’t have to diet. Eat healthy and avoid sugar or foods high in carbs; not veggies, though, as they are healthy carbs.
— D.T., Facebook
Why a Restrictive Keto Diet Didn’t Work
I tried keto. Too restrictive. No carbs made me feel worse. I do better on a balanced diet with all food groups included. I exercise, too.
— P.P., Facebook
The Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet and Therapeutic Gardening
I mostly follow a Mediterranean diet. There’s a strong connection between the brain and the gut, or gut and brain. Sugar and alcohol are definitely not beneficial. I also have a garden, so produce doesn’t get more organic than that, and gardening is extremely therapeutic, too.
— S.I., Facebook
Stabilizing Moods and Health With Intermittent Fasting and Keto
I am doing intermittent fasting with a keto-based diet. My moods have become more stable, with the added bonus of losing weight and bringing down my A1c (I also have type 2 diabetes). Intermittent fasting is also believed to reverse nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which I have. Here’s hoping things continue to improve!
— L.L.S., Facebook
High-Fat Diet Benefits and the Challenge of Processed Foods
I used to follow a keto diet and found that a high-fat diet really helped. Now, I just keep my fat intake high, but I feel better enjoying fruit for dessert at night. Processed food, however, causes my mood to go haywire.
— C.N.P., Facebook
Balancing Diet and Mental Health Without Guilt
Given the direct link between bipolar disorder and binge eating, I believe in practicing self-control, willpower, organization, discipline, and finding joy in food choices. I’ve tried keto but found it too difficult to maintain, both for weight and mood. Why punish ourselves for the smallest cheat or skip? I prefer a balanced diet — without guilt — even when enjoying cheesecake. Eating disorders are a big part of dieting. Don’t put the cart before the horse.
— A.D., Facebook
The Downsides of Keto and the Search for Healthier Alternatives
It made me manic.
— S.S., Facebook
I prefer WeightWatchers, which just limits sugar and tracks every meal.
— A.W.D., Facebook
Keto made me feel horrible. I follow a modern Mediterranean diet and exercise regularly. These have been a game-changer for me.
— E.B., Facebook
Finding Focus and Stability With a Carnivore Diet
I’m on the carnivore diet. I have debilitating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar 1, traumatic brain injury, celiac, and mold illness. So I only eat beef, salt, and water. This diet is intended to reboot the DNA in my mitochondria, which affects brain function. Four days into the diet, I stopped needing my 4:30 a.m. Ritalin and I realized I wasn’t spending hours just making coffee. I’m hopeful that as my system keeps absorbing nutrients, my bipolar symptoms can also improve. Right now, I take lithium daily, and I won’t stop taking that for any diet. Discontinuing prescribed bipolar medications can lead to serious risks.
— R.A., Facebook
Additional reporting by Tanya Hvilivitzky