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Explore every episode of the podcast Metabolic Mind

Dive into the complete episode list for Metabolic Mind. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
BITESIZE: Two LDL Trials. Two Different Results.17 Sep 202600:08:14

Should LDL be treated? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher explains why the better question is who may benefit from LDL lowering, how aggressively it should be treated, and what outcomes matter most to the individual patient.

Dr. Scher reviews two major trials that studied aggressive LDL lowering in very different populations. VESALIUS-CV looked at high-risk patients with serious vascular disease and found that adding a PCSK9 inhibitor reduced both cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. STAREE studied older adults without known cardiovascular disease and found fewer cardiac events with statin therapy, while overall survival and hospitalizations did not change. Disability-free survival also showed no difference

He covers:

  • Why LDL treatment depends on the person, not just the number
  • What VESALIUS-CV found in high-risk patients with vascular disease
  • Why STAREE tells a different story in older adults without known heart disease
  • The difference between reducing cardiac events and extending life
  • Why vascular disease should shape how aggressively LDL is treated
  • How age, frailty, cognition, cancer risk, and independence affect the risk-benefit conversation
  • Why LDL may need a different discussion for someone using ketogenic therapy
  • How metabolic health, insulin resistance, and direct evidence of vascular disease fit into the decision

These trials illustrate why LDL treatment should be individualized with a healthcare provider. For some patients, aggressive lowering may save lives. For others, the benefits may be smaller or less connected to the outcomes they care about most.

🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.

#LDL #CardiovascularHealth #MetabolicMind #MetabolicHealth

Expert Featured:

Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast


Resources Mentioned:

Effects of Evolocumab on Mortality Outcomes in Patients Without Previous Myocardial Infarction or Stroke: A Prespecified Analysis of the VESALIUS-CV Randomized Clinical Trial


Atorvastatin, Cardiovascular Events, and Disability-free Survival in Older Adults


https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzWI83-NWCL5V7N6MjywX5QbkVn9Svi3q&si=oKVT518X1u0rUcMk

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.

Vegan Keto and Bipolar Disorder: Dyane Harwood’s Story15 Sep 202600:32:21

Is it possible to follow a diet that’s both vegan and keto? And can a diet like that be used as part of a care plan for bipolar disorder? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with author and advocate Dyane Harwood about how she uses a vegan ketogenic diet as part of her treatment for postpartum bipolar disorder.

Dyane shares how she first discovered vegan keto, why she started tracking ketones and net carbs, and what she eats in a typical day, from her vegan keto smoothie to tofu, avocado, nut butter, and carefully chosen supplements. She also discusses the practical challenges of vegan keto, including protein intake, B12, omega-3s, magnesium, vitamin D3, eating out, social pressure, and finding a clinical team that understands metabolic psychiatry.

They cover:

  • How Dyane discovered vegan keto for bipolar disorder
  • Why ketosis became more important to her than dietary labels
  • What a typical vegan keto day looks like
  • How changing her protein intake affected her ketone levels
  • Why tracking net carbs, glucose, and ketones helped her personalize the diet
  • The supplements she uses, including B12, DHA/EPA, magnesium, vitamin D3, and acetyl-L-carnitine
  • What Dyane reports about changes in her energy, activity level, cravings, and mood
  • Why support, resources, and mentorship can make the process easier
  • How she thinks about progress, flexibility, and improving over time

Dyane’s experience offers a personal example of how a vegan ketogenic diet can fit within a broader treatment plan. Her approach is practical and grounded in the idea that progress can start before everything feels perfect.

👉 Learn more about vegan and vegetarian ketogenic approaches on our blog: Is Vegetarian or Vegan Ketogenic Therapy Possible?

🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.

#VeganKeto #BipolarDisorder #MetabolicPsychiatry #MetabolicMind

Expert Featured:

Dyane Harwood


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.

Q&A: Why Protein Shakes Leave You Hungry, Fasting, Basal Metabolic Rate & More13 Sep 202600:24:45

Can therapeutic ketosis be considered for type 1 diabetes and bipolar disorder? In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher and producer Erica Gerard answer viewer questions about ketogenic therapy, type 1 diabetes, Parkinson’s medications, omega-3s, fasting, protein intake, metabolic rate, and why some protein foods are more filling than others.

They cover:

  • The association between type 1 diabetes and serious mental illness
  • Why ketogenic therapy may be possible for some people living with type 1 diabetes, but only with careful medical supervision
  • How Parkinson’s medications can interact with protein timing
  • Whether cooking salmon changes the benefits of omega-3 fats
  • How intermittent fasting can affect protein intake and ketone levels
  • Why MCT oil in coffee may change the meaning of a “fast”
  • What basal metabolic rate means and how ketogenic diets may affect it
  • Why a protein shake may feel less satisfying than meat, even with the same grams of protein

From medication timing to protein needs, this episode explores why metabolic therapies work best when they are personalized, measured, and guided by the realities of each person’s health goals and daily life.

🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.

🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners

No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.

#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine

Expert Featured:

Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast


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.

BITESIZE: Cholesterol Results Explained: Beyond the LDL Number10 Sep 202600:13:53

A red flag next to your LDL number can feel alarming, but LDL is only one part of a much larger cardiovascular risk picture. In this episode of Metabolic Mind, cardiologist and lipidologist Dr. Bret Scher explains how to read a cholesterol panel with more context and less fear.

Dr. Scher walks through LDL, triglycerides, HDL, non-HDL cholesterol, ApoB, Lp(a), and the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio. He also explains how the 2026 cholesterol guidelines use the PREVENT risk calculator, where LDL targets currently stand, and why individual risk factors, metabolic health, family history, and direct measures of vascular disease can change the conversation.

He covers:

  • Why LDL should not be read in isolation
  • What triglycerides and HDL can reveal about metabolic health
  • Why Dr. Scher pays attention to the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio
  • When LDL above 190 may raise concern for familial hypercholesterolemia
  • Why Lp(a) should be measured at least once in adulthood
  • How ApoB differs from LDL cholesterol
  • What the PREVENT risk calculator includes
  • How coronary calcium scans and CT angiograms act as tools that may help refine risk
  • Why LDL targets vary by risk category
  • Why metabolic health, insulin resistance, and individual preferences and priorities should be part of the discussion

A cholesterol panel can start a thoughtful conversation with your healthcare provider. One number rarely tells the whole story, and better decisions come from looking at the full cardiometabolic picture.

🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.

🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners

No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.

#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #Cholesterol #HeartHealth

Expert Featured:

Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast


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.

Carnivore vs. Vegan Keto: Can Both Work?08 Sep 202601:00:33

Can carnivore and vegan diets both be used as ketogenic therapies?

In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with registered dietitian Denise Potter about two widely debated approaches to nutrition. They explore how each can be evaluated when someone is considering a ketogenic diet to support psychiatric, neurological, or metabolic health.

Denise brings more than 30 years of clinical experience, including approximately 20 years working with medical ketogenic therapies. She explains the importance of risk-benefit analysis, how clinicians can assess potential nutrient gaps, and how lab testing, supplementation when indicated, and individualized support may help identify and manage potential risks.

They cover:

  • The difference between a carnivore diet and a carnivore ketogenic diet
  • Why some people report mental and physical health improvements with carnivore ketogenic approaches
  • Common questions about vitamin C, iodine, electrolytes, fiber, calcium, omega-3s, and LDL
  • Why bowel habits and the microbiome require clinical context
  • How a vegan ketogenic diet can be formulated, including Denise’s recommendation to pay close attention to B12 supplementation
  • Protein quality, bioavailability, and amino acid considerations in vegan ketogenic diets
  • The role of tracking, lab work, and follow-up testing
  • How clinicians can evaluate restrictive dietary patterns through a medical risk-benefit lens

This conversation offers a practical look at how different ketogenic approaches may be designed, monitored, and adjusted with individualized guidance and appropriate clinical support.

💡 Whether you’re considering a carnivore ketogenic approach or a more plant-based one, the quality of the diet itself can make a significant difference in outcomes. Learn more about what a well-formulated ketogenic diet looks like on our blog: metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/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.

🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners

No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.

#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #VeganKeto #Carnivore

Expert Featured:

Denise Potter RDN, CDCES


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.

Dr. Peter Ballerstedt on Animal Foods & Malnutrition06 Sep 202600:15:46

Animal-sourced foods are often framed as a problem for human health and environmental sustainability. In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with forage agronomist and ruminant nutritionist Peter Ballerstedt, PhD (@GrassBased) about livestock, malnutrition, chronic disease, and why restoring metabolic health may require a broader conversation about nutrition and sustainability.

Peter shares his reaction to The Cholesterol Code documentary and explains why its message extends beyond cholesterol. He discusses how animal-sourced foods can fit into dietary patterns that may help restore metabolic health, why malnutrition can exist even when calories are abundant, and why the health impact of food deserves a place in the sustainability conversation.

They cover:

  • Why diet and metabolic health matter for rural communities
  • How animal-sourced foods may support health restoration
  • Why LDL can be one part of a broader health conversation
  • How obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction can reflect malnutrition
  • Why calories and nutrition are not the same thing
  • How protein quality and indispensable amino acids shape the food systems debate
  • Why livestock and ruminants may play an important role in sustainable agriculture
  • Why restoring metabolic health may require different strategies than maintaining it

This conversation offers a deeper look at animal-sourced foods, metabolic health, and sustainability in a world where chronic illness and metabolic dysfunction are increasingly common.

🎥 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

🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.

🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners

No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.

#MetabolicMind #TheCholesterolCode #HeartHealth

Expert Featured:

Peter Ballerstedt, PhD


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.

BITESIZE: Low-Carb vs. Keto: Why the Difference Matters03 Sep 202600:05:03

The terms “low-carb” and “ketogenic” are often used interchangeably, but are they the same thing?

Not quite.

A low-carb diet can be a powerful tool for improving blood sugar, triglycerides, insulin levels, inflammation, and overall metabolic health. Ketogenic diets, on the other hand, involve a deeper level of carbohydrate reduction that shifts the body into nutritional ketosis, where ketones become a significant source of fuel for the brain and body.

That metabolic shift can be especially relevant when ketosis itself is part of the therapeutic goal.

In this video, Dr. Bret Scher walks through:

  • How low-carb and ketogenic diets are typically defined
  • The amount of carbohydrate that may support nutritional ketosis
  • What changes in the body once ketone production increases
  • How each approach may be used for different metabolic goals
  • Why ketosis is being studied for serious mental illness and other brain-based conditions
  • How clearer terminology can help people set more realistic expectations

The right level of carbohydrate reduction depends on the person, the condition being addressed, and the intended outcome. Someone looking to improve general metabolic health may do very well with a low-carb approach. Someone using ketogenic therapy for a clinical purpose may need closer monitoring, greater precision, and support from an experienced healthcare team.

Understanding which approach you’re following gives you a clearer way to track progress, interpret results, and discuss next steps with your clinician.

👉 Learn more about ketogenic therapy and how it may support mental illness on our blog: What is Ketogenic Therapy? A Comprehensive Guide

🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.

🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners

No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.

#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #LowCarb

Expert Featured:

Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast


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.

Making Keto Work on a College Campus01 Sep 202600:26:47

Starting college can change almost everything about your routine, including how, when, and what you eat. For students using ketogenic therapy as part of their mental health treatment, that transition can take some planning.

In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with licensed mental health counselor Nicole Laurent about how students using ketogenic therapy with clinical support can navigate a college setting, where dining halls, dorm rooms, busy schedules, social events, and limited budgets can all affect food choices.

Nicole shares practical ideas for:

  • Keeping simple foods that support nutritional ketosis in a dorm room
  • Making dining hall options work
  • Planning ahead for busy weeks
  • Using meal prep or delivery services strategically
  • Talking with roommates and friends about dietary choices
  • Asking for support when staying consistent gets difficult

They also talk about the importance of paying attention to food quality. For students who are not using ketogenic therapy, reducing ultra-processed foods and eating more whole foods may still be a meaningful place to start.

If ketogenic therapy is part of a student’s mental health care plan, the transition to college may require some adjustments. Planning ahead, building a support system, and working with an experienced care team can help students stay consistent as their routines and environment change.

If you’re using ketogenic therapy for a psychiatric condition, work closely with an experienced healthcare provider before making treatment changes.

👉 Looking for more back-to-school mental health resources for college students? Explore our Back to School blog for stories, science, and practical support for navigating campus life: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/stories/back-to-school-metabolic-mental-health-guide/

🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.

🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners

No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.

Expert Featured:

Nicole Laurent, LMHC


Resources Mentioned:


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.

BITESIZE: Dr. Explains: It’s Not the Fat, It’s Not the Processing, It’s THIS30 Aug 202600:06:36

Every day, we make choices about what to eat. But how often do we realize how deeply these choices affect both our physical and mental health?

Today, an estimated 93% of adults in America are showing signs of poor metabolic health, which is a major contributor to many chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and many psychiatric disorders.

The good news is that more people are recognizing the powerful role food plays in metabolic health. But with all the conversations about what to do next, like limiting ultra-processed foods or reconsidering saturated fat guidelines, are we overlooking one of the most impactful steps we can take?

In this video, cardiologist Dr. Bret Scher explores why focusing on reducing or eliminating ultra‑processed carbohydrates may be one of the most powerful ways to address the chronic disease epidemic.

Dr. Scher breaks down:

  • What refined carbohydrates are and how they can wreck metabolic health
  • How constant glucose spikes and crashes can fuel hunger, fatigue, and poor mood
  • What insulin resistance is, how it develops, common symptoms, and how it contributes to chronic diseases
  • How visceral fat packs on and contributes to chronic disease
  • Why we can’t stop eating refined carbohydrates
  • Why low fat and high carb diets don’t work for most people
  • What the science says about cutting processed carbs
  • Practical advice on how to eat to improve metabolic health

🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners

No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.

Expert Featured:

Dr. Bret Scher


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 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.

Do We Really Eat Too Much Protein?27 Aug 202600:07:49

Do most people really need to eat less protein to live longer? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher responds to a new review getting attention for the claim that protein restriction may extend lifespan, and explains why that message can be misleading for older adults, active people, and anyone focused on metabolic health.

Dr. Scher walks through the biology behind the headlines, including mTOR, FGF21, animal research, and the limits of applying rodent data directly to humans. He also explains why adequate protein becomes more important with age, especially for preserving muscle, reducing frailty risk, supporting insulin sensitivity, and maintaining independence.

He covers:

  • Why “eat less protein” headlines can miss important context
  • What mTOR and FGF21 have to do with protein restriction and longevity
  • Why rodent studies do not always translate cleanly to human health
  • How sarcopenia and anabolic resistance change protein needs with age
  • Why the protein RDA is a minimum, not a personalized target for health optimization
  • How muscle supports glucose control and insulin sensitivity
  • Why protein needs depend on age, activity level, metabolic health, pregnancy, recovery, and training status
  • How exercise, fasting, and lower insulin may influence similar cellular pathways without sacrificing adequate protein

Protein needs are personal. A sedentary 35-year-old, a 70-year-old trying to preserve muscle, an athlete, and someone recovering from illness are not all aiming for the same target. Age, activity, metabolic health, and muscle goals should shape the conversation.

🎙️ We want to hear from you! Take our quick podcast survey at the link and enter for a chance to win. No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners

👉 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 #KetogenicTherapy #ProteinNeeds

Expert Featured:

Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast


Resources Mentioned:

The hallmarks of protein and amino acid restriction in aging and longevity


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.

Q&A: Keto Safety After a Stent, During Pregnancy, and in Serious Mental Illness25 Aug 202600:27:35

Can ketogenic therapy be safe for someone with heart disease, atherosclerosis, or a stent? Can you follow a ketogenic diet without losing weight? In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher answers viewer questions about ketogenic therapy, cardiovascular risk, anorexia recovery, pregnancy and nursing, schizophrenia remission, keto on a budget, and whether doctors learn about ketogenic therapy in medical school.

He covers:

  • Ketogenic therapy and cardiovascular disease after a stent or atherosclerosis
  • How to follow a ketogenic diet without unwanted weight loss
  • What early research suggests about ketogenic therapy for weight-restored anorexia
  • Ketogenic therapy during pregnancy or nursing, and why clinical supervision is essential
  • Lab markers that may change during sustained nutritional ketosis
  • Why schizophrenia symptom remission is different from a cure
  • How genetics and metabolism may both contribute to serious mental illness
  • Budget-friendly ways to approach a well-formulated ketogenic diet
  • Why keto is rarely taught in medical school

The big takeaway is that ketogenic therapy is best understood as a clinical tool, not a one-size-fits-all template. Heart history, weight goals, symptoms, labs, pregnancy, medications, budget, and support all shape what the right approach looks like.

🔎 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 #FoodAsMedicine

Expert Featured:

Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast


Resources Mentioned:


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.

Obesity Medicine Doctor on Metabolic Health and Ketosis23 Aug 202600:14:16

How can clinicians use real-world patient data to personalize metabolic health care? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Jeff Pua, an internal medicine and obesity medicine physician, about obesity medicine, metabolic syndrome, nutritional ketosis, and what clinicians can learn from patient outcomes in everyday practice.

Dr. Pua shares how his approach has evolved from relying only on broad research categories to also paying close attention to individual patient experiments, blood tests, and lived experience. In his practice, he sees patients improve not only in weight and metabolic markers, but also in mood, mindset, mental sharpness, and confidence as they begin to see measurable changes in their own health.

They cover:

  • How obesity medicine is evolving beyond the number on the scale
  • Why metabolic syndrome is a major focus in Dr. Pua’s practice
  • How N-of-1 patient data can help clinicians personalize care
  • What blood tests can reveal about real-world metabolic improvement
  • Why nutritional ketosis can be a helpful benchmark for some patients
  • How nutrition, physical activity, and behavior change work together
  • Why exercise may become more accessible once metabolic health improves

This conversation offers a clinician’s view of how metabolic health care can become more personalized, measurable, and empowering for patients.

👉 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 #KetogenicTherapy #ObesityMedicine

Expert Featured:

Dr. Jeffrey Pua


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.

BITESIZE: How Chronic Stress Disrupts Metabolic Health20 Aug 202600:07:58

Can chronic stress undermine metabolic health, even when nutrition, sleep, and exercise are in place?

In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher explains why stress recovery is an important part of metabolic health and how chronic cortisol and adrenaline activation may affect insulin resistance, blood pressure, inflammation, sleep, and long-term cardiometabolic health.

Dr. Scher breaks down the difference between short-term stress that helps us respond to challenges and chronic stress that keeps the body’s alarm system switched on. He also shares why stress recovery doesn’t have to mean an hour of meditation or a weekend nature retreat. Even brief, consistent practices like 10 minutes outside, a short walk, sunlight exposure, calming music, or nature sounds may help the nervous system reset.

In the episode, Dr. Scher covers:

  • How chronic stress can affect blood sugar, insulin resistance, and blood pressure
  • Why cortisol and adrenaline are helpful short term but harmful when constantly elevated
  • How stress can disrupt sleep, cognition, inflammation, and metabolic health
  • Why meditation works for some people, and why consistency matters more than duration
  • How nature exposure, sunlight, and natural sounds may support stress recovery
  • Why recognizing early stress signals can help prevent bigger health consequences
  • How small daily recovery practices can support cardiovascular, metabolic, and brain health

Regular recovery practices give your stress response somewhere to land. A few minutes of meditation, a walk outside, sunlight, music, or even nature sounds can help support steadier blood sugar, better sleep, and a brain and body that aren’t constantly running on high alert.

👉 Ready to build your own metabolic mental health plan? Explore THINK+SMART, our free, evidence-informed program designed to help you work with your care team and take practical steps toward supporting metabolic and mental health: metabolicmind.org/thinksmart/

🔎 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 #NationalWellnessMonth

Expert Featured:

Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast


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.

Could GLP-1s Help Treat Bulimia and Binge Eating?18 Aug 202600:38:55

Could GLP-1 medications play a role in treating bulimia or binge eating disorder? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Paige Gordon and psychiatrist Dr. Michael Lutter about Paige’s personal experience using a GLP-1 medication for treatment-resistant bulimia, and why researchers are beginning to explore the neurobiology of binge eating.

Paige shares how years of therapy and medication never quieted the overwhelming binge urges that drove her bulimia. After hearing someone describe their experience on a podcast, she began exploring GLP-1 medication and saw a profound change in her urges and eating patterns. Dr. Lutter adds the scientific context, including genetic findings that may help explain why some people with binge eating or bulimia respond strongly to GLP-1 medications.

They cover:

  • How Paige’s bulimia began and why standard treatments didn’t fully help
  • What “food noise” felt like in her lived experience
  • Why GLP-1 medications may affect appetite, reward pathways, and binge urges
  • How genetics may help identify who responds to GLP-1s
  • Why eating disorder treatment needs more precision-focused research
  • The risks of using GLP-1 medications in people with restrictive eating disorders
  • Why stigma keeps many people from discussing this treatment openly

This conversation explores an emerging area of eating disorder research with hope, caution, and a clear need for larger clinical trials.

👉 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 #GLP1 #EatingDisorderTreatment

Expert Featured:

Paige Gordon


Dr. Michael Lutter


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.

First Keto RCT for Serious Mental Illness: Hear from the Study Authors16 Aug 202600:28:24

Can ketogenic therapy improve symptoms, cognition, and metabolic health in people living with serious mental illness?

In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Judy Ford, Juliette Kyner (previously Juliette Ward), and Dr. Shebani Sethi about the first-ever randomized controlled trial of a ketogenic diet intervention in individuals living with schizophrenia spectrum disorder or bipolar I disorder with psychotic features.

The conversation explores what made this trial possible, from prepared meals and coaching to the structured support that helped participants stay engaged. It also highlights encouraging four-month findings across metabolic health, cognition, depressive symptoms, and both positive and negative psychiatric symptoms.

They discuss:

  • Why this trial is an important step for metabolic psychiatry
  • How participants adhered to a ketogenic diet with structured support
  • What changed in metabolic health markers like BMI, A1C, and HOMA-IR
  • Why cognitive improvements were especially meaningful
  • How positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and depressive symptoms changed over time
  • What family members noticed as participants re-engaged with daily life
  • Why future studies may need to be longer, larger, and more mechanistic

This trial marks an important step for metabolic psychiatry and points to the need for larger, longer, fully controlled studies that can better clarify how ketogenic interventions may affect metabolic, cognitive, and psychiatric outcomes.

👉 Learn more about this trial on our study page: 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.

#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #Schizophrenia #BipolarDisorder

Expert Featured:

Dr. Judy Ford


Juliette Kyner, Research Assistant at UCSF


Dr. Shebani Sethi


Resources Mentioned:

Metabolic Improvements with a Ketogenic Diet Correlate with Symptom Improvement in Psychosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial


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.

BITESIZE: New GLP-1 Study Raises Metabolic Health Questions13 Aug 202600:05:25

Do GLP-1 medications improve metabolic health as much as they support weight loss? A new observational study in the Annals of Internal Medicine raises an important question about semaglutide, insulin discontinuation, type 2 diabetes, and what meaningful metabolic improvement may require.

In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down a real-world study of more than 9,000 veterans with type 2 diabetes who were using insulin and then added either a GLP-1 receptor agonist, SGLT2 inhibitor, or DPP4 inhibitor. Despite semaglutide’s stronger association with weight loss, the study found similar insulin discontinuation rates across all three groups over three years.

Dr. Scher covers:

  • Why weight loss and metabolic health improvements may not always move together
  • What insulin discontinuation can reveal about insulin resistance and beta cell function
  • Why semaglutide did not outperform older diabetes medications in this study
  • The limitations of observational research and real-world medication data
  • How GLP-1 medications and therapeutic carbohydrate reduction may work through complementary mechanisms
  • Why combining GLP-1s with therapeutic carbohydrate reduction may be an important area for future research and clinical practice

This conversation takes a closer look at what metabolic health means, and why the path from weight loss to insulin independence may be more complex than the scale alone can show.

👉 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 #KetogenicTherapy #GLP1

Expert Featured:

Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast


Resources Mentioned:

Comparative Effectiveness of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Versus Oral Agents for Insulin Discontinuation in Type 2 Diabetes : A Target Trial Emulation


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.

Q&A: Insulin Resistance, Reaching Ketosis, Bone Density, and Rating Popular Keto Products11 Aug 202600:23:41

The questions around ketogenic therapy keep getting more layered, and your latest submissions reflect that. In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher and producer Erica Gerard tackle some of the most common questions about insulin resistance, ketosis, bone health, and a fun rapid-fire round on popular ketogenic products and practices.

In this discussion, you'll learn:

  • The difference between pathologic and physiologic insulin resistance and why insulin levels matter most
  • Why someone in deep ketosis may fail a glucose tolerance test and how to interpret it
  • How metabolic health affects how strict your ketogenic approach needs to be
  • Why some people can stay in ketosis at 75 grams of carbs while others need under 25
  • Why claims about ketogenic diets causing bone loss don't hold up under scrutiny
  • The role of protein intake, resistance training, and walking in supporting bone density
  • A rapid-fire round covering MCT oil, electrolytes, caffeine, diet sodas, keto bread, creatine, exogenous ketones, intermittent fasting, and artificial sweeteners

This conversation captures the nuance that ketogenic therapy and metabolic health really call for, while keeping the practical realities of everyday life in view.

🔎 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 #MetabolicPsychiatry

Expert Featured:

Dr. Bret Scher


Resources Mentioned


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.

Robyn Dobbins Reflects on Her Story in The Cholesterol Code09 Aug 202600:08:03

What does it look like to put bipolar II disorder into remission and become a voice of hope for others living with serious mental illness? Robyn Dobbins joins Hannah Warren from Metabolic Mind to reflect on how ketogenic therapy transformed her life, and what it was like to see her own story featured in The Cholesterol Code documentary.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

  • What it was like for Robyn to see her personal story on the big screen
  • Why she has always been open about her mental health journey, even at the time of her bipolar II diagnosis
  • How her psychiatric symptoms showed up before ketogenic therapy, including persistent anger, exhaustion, and the urge to escape her own life
  • What changed once she began ketogenic therapy and how her day-to-day experience shifted
  • Why she continues to advocate for awareness around metabolic therapies for mental illness
  • How The Cholesterol Code documentary could expand awareness of ketogenic therapy beyond current circles
  • What inspires Robyn to keep sharing her story and how she hopes it reaches others still suffering

Robyn's openness about her journey is helping break the stigma around serious mental illness and expand awareness of what recovery can look like.

🎥 Watch The Cholesterol Code documentary and join the conversation shaping the future of metabolic health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57Z8bUb1P94

🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.

#MetabolicPsychiatry #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicMind #BipolarDisorder

Expert By Experience Featured:

Robyn Dobbins


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.

*Disclaimer: Tapering psychiatric medication isn’t the goal for everyone, and adjusting doses too quickly can be dangerous. Medications should never be stopped abruptly, and changes should always be made with your prescriber.


BITESIZE: Keto 101: Everything You Need to Know About Ketone Testing06 Aug 202600:05:24

How do you know if you're actually in ketosis? Should you test ketones? And if so, what's the best method: blood, breath, or urine?

Dr. Bret Scher breaks down everything you need to know about ketone testing, including when testing matters, which tools are most accurate, and how to interpret your results based on your goals. Whether you're using a ketogenic diet for metabolic health, weight loss, or therapeutic ketosis for mental health and neurological conditions, understanding ketone testing can help you personalize your approach.

In this video, you'll learn:

  • Why ketone testing can be a valuable tool
  • When ketone levels matter, and when they may not
  • The differences between urine strips, breath meters, and blood ketone monitors
  • Pros and cons of each testing method
  • How often to test and the best times of day to measure ketones
  • Why ketone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day
  • The emerging role of continuous ketone monitors (CKMs)
  • How to use ketone data without becoming overwhelmed or obsessive

Ultimately, there isn't one "perfect" ketone number for everyone. The value of ketone testing depends on your goals, your health condition, and how you respond to ketosis. The most useful data is the data that helps you make informed decisions and better understand your own metabolism.

🔎 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 #KetoneTesting

Expert Featured:

Dr. Bret Scher


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.

Targeting Cancer Metabolism With Ketogenic Therapy and Fasting04 Aug 202600:36:46

Could metabolic therapies become part of the future of cancer care?

That question sits at the center of Dr. Bret Scher’s conversation with neurologist and researcher Dr. Matthew Phillips, whose recent study explored a metabolic approach in people with glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.

Rather than relying on a single intervention, the study combined a ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, and repeated five-day fasts alongside standard chemotherapy and radiation. Together, these strategies were designed to lower the Glucose Ketone Index, or GKI, by reducing glucose and increasing ketones.

In this conversation, they explore:

  • Why cancer cell metabolism is becoming an important area of research
  • How glucose, ketones, and mitochondrial function may influence cancer growth
  • Why the GKI was a central target in the study
  • How fasting and ketogenic therapy were integrated with standard cancer treatment
  • The difference between intentional weight loss and cancer cachexia
  • Why quality of life deserves as much attention as survival
  • What the study’s long-term survivors may teach researchers
  • Why larger randomized trials are still needed

Participants following the metabolic protocol achieved an average GKI of 1.88, and every participant completed all eight five-day fasts. The metabolic therapy group also had a median survival of 21 months compared with 14 months in the control group, along with a higher rate of survival beyond three years.

These results offer a compelling reason to keep studying this approach, particularly in a cancer with such limited treatment options and a difficult prognosis. Since the trial was small and nonrandomized, it can’t provide definitive answers, but it does give researchers a strong foundation to build on.

👉 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 #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine

Expert Featured:

Dr. Matthew Phillips


Resources Mentioned:

Intensive multimodal ketogenic metabolic therapy in glioblastoma: A clinical trial


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.

BITESIZE: JAMA Psychiatry Analysis: What 50 Studies Tell Us About Nutrition For Depression & Anxiety02 Aug 202600:06:45

Can a ketogenic diet help improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms?

A new meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry examined 50 different keto studies, totaling over 40,000 participants, that included depression and anxiety outcomes. The results of the review demonstrated a modest improvement in depression symptoms across different populations and diagnoses in both controlled and real-world scenarios, and greater symptom improvement was observed in trials that included ketone monitoring. Improvements in anxiety were also observed in most studies, but with less consistency than depressive symptoms.

While many of these studies weren't originally designed to treat depression or anxiety, the consistent improvements associated with verified ketosis as well as the larger effect seen in “very low carbohydrate” diets compared to just “low carbohydrate” diets, tell us that ketogenic therapy for depression warrants further investigation. And when we combine the findings with the results of another recent additional study on keto for depression (not included in the analysis), we can’t help but wonder how many people could benefit from ketogenic therapy.

In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down:

  • What the JAMA Psychiatry paper actually reviewed
  • How ketosis may support mood and brain function
  • Key findings from both randomized and non-randomized trials
  • How measuring ketosis was associated with better depression improvements
  • Safety considerations and medication interactions to watch for

This JAMA review highlights growing scientific interest in ketogenic therapy for serious mental illness, driven by early scientific evidence and thousands of individuals worldwide reporting significant improvements in mental health with ketogenic therapy.

Looking for more information on ketogenic therapy for depression? Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to be notified when our brand-new Keto for Depression Resource Hub is available!


Expert Featured:

Dr. Bret Scher


Resources Mentioned:

Ketogenic Diets and Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis


Blog: A Ketogenic Diet was Associated with improvements in Depression in College Students


Edinburgh Trial Showing Improvements in Depression Symptoms in Patients Living with Bipolar Disorder


Stanford Study Shows Keto Improves Symptoms of Serious Mental Illness


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 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.

BITESIZE: New Study: Could GLP-1 Medications Be Reducing Physical Activity?30 Jul 202600:07:27

Do GLP-1 medications like Ozempic reduce physical activity? Preliminary research suggests they might, raising important questions about how exercise should be supported alongside treatment.

GLP-1 medications are helping many people achieve meaningful weight loss and metabolic improvements. At the same time, findings presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting showed declines in daily steps and moderate-to-vigorous activity after treatment began. In this video, Dr. Bret Scher examines those results, explores why activity levels may fall, and explains how similar concerns can arise with medications such as statins and antipsychotics.

He covers:

  • What the study found about physical activity
  • Why side effects and rapid weight loss may reduce movement
  • How muscle loss can affect long-term metabolic health
  • Why resistance training and protein intake matter
  • How clinicians can provide more structured exercise support

These findings highlight the importance of pairing GLP-1 medications with proactive support for physical activity and muscle preservation. More broadly, they suggest that when a treatment can affect appetite, energy, or body composition, those effects should be monitored and addressed as part of ongoing care.

👉 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 #KetogenicTherapy #GLP1

Expert Featured:

Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast


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.

GLP-1s + Ketogenic Diet: The Future of Weight Loss?28 Jul 202600:28:41

Could a ketogenic diet and low-dose GLP-1 medications work better together? A new case series suggests they might, while highlighting a more personalized approach to metabolic health.

GLP-1 medications have transformed obesity treatment, but they aren't the only tool available. In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with physician assistant Bill Jensen about a newly published case series exploring the combination of a ketogenic diet and low-dose semaglutide. Together, they discuss how this approach may help preserve lean mass, improve insulin resistance, reduce side effects, and empower patients to take an active role in their health.

In this video:

  • Why low-dose GLP-1s may complement a ketogenic diet
  • The importance of preserving muscle during weight loss
  • Which patients may benefit most from this approach
  • Why this case series is hypothesis-generating, not definitive
  • How lifestyle and medication can work together to improve metabolic health

This conversation examines how a more personalized approach to care could improve long-term health outcomes. Rather than asking whether medication or lifestyle is "better," it explores how combining the right tools for the right person may help improve body composition, support metabolic health, and empower patients to play an active role in their care.

💡 Not all ketogenic diets are the same. If you’re interested in learning more about what a well-formulated ketogenic diet looks like, check out our blog: 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 #GLP1

Expert Featured:

Bill Jenson PA-C, MMS


Resources Mentioned:

Personalized Combination of a Ketogenic Diet and Low-Dose Semaglutide for Cardiometabolic Health: A Retrospective Case Series


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.

Dr. Ford Brewer on the Future of Heart Health & The Cholesterol Code26 Jul 202600:20:02

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


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.

BITESIZE: We Can Reverse T2 Diabetes. That Doesn’t Mean Patients Are at Fault23 Jul 202600:06:23

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


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.

Meet Dr. Bret Scher: The Host Behind Metabolic Mind21 Jul 202600:47:44

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


Expert Mentioned:

Dr. Georgia Ede, MD- Author, Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind


Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt


Jan Ellison Baszucki


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.

Psychiatry Research Priorities: Keto, GLP-1s, Exercise & Mental Illness19 Jul 202600:29:33

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


Dr. Toby Pillinger


Resources Mentioned:


Experts mentioned:

Danny 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.

BITESIZE: Lipidologist Questions the New Keto and Liver Disease Study16 Jul 202600:08:04

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


Resources Mentioned:

Association between dietary patterns and lipid profile in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a retrospective cross-sectional study


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.

How One CGM Changed This Cardiologist’s Life14 Jul 202600:42:53

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


Expert Mentioned:

Andrew Koutnik


Dr. Noakes


Resources Mentioned:

Additional resources


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.

Dr. Dom D'Agostino on Why Metabolic Health Matters for the Brain12 Jul 202600:13:33

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


Resources Mentioned:


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.

First RCT of Keto for Schizophrenia & Bipolar Disorder: Results & Future Directions10 Jul 202600:21:07

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


Dr. Bret Scher


Resources Mentioned:

Metabolic improvements with a ketogenic diet correlate with symptom improvement in psychosis: A randomized controlled trial


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.

BITESIZE: Results from first RCT of Keto for Schizophrenia + Bipolar: Metabolic Wins & Mental Health Signals08 Jul 202600:04:13

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


Resources Mentioned:

Metabolic improvements with a ketogenic diet correlate with symptom improvement in psychosis: A randomized controlled trial


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.

Q&A: Are Seed Oils Dangerous? Anhedonia, Ketoacidosis, Ketone Levels & More05 Jul 202600:22:38

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


Erica Gerard

Resources Mentioned:

Papers


Additional resources


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.

BITESIZE: A Cardiologist Weighs In on the NATURE-CT Vs. Ketogenic Diet Debate01 Jul 202600:07:45

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


Resources Mentioned:

NATURal history of coronary PlaquE on cardiac computed tomography in individuals without MACE or lipid-lowering therapy: NATURE-CTstudy


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.

BITESIZE: Keto 101: Beginner’s Guide to Meals, Snacks, and Carb Limits26 Jun 202600:06:48

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


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.

David Baszucki: What My Son's Recovery Taught Me About Mental Illness24 Jun 202601:25:21

David Baszucki - founder and CEO of Roblox - sits down with his son Matthew for the first time on a podcast together. They walk through Matthew's five-year journey with severe, treatment-resistant bipolar I disorder: the first manic episode in 2016, multiple hospitalisations, the dozens of medications, the 2017 incident in Los Angeles when David flew down on a rescue mission to find Matt homeless on the streets, and the discovery by Matthew’s mother Jan of ketogenic therapy that sent Matt's symptoms into remission.

David and Matthew talk about how their family journey led to the establishment of the rapidly growing field of metabolic psychiatry their family now funds, and the daily metabolic practices both father and son use today.

👉 Learn more about Matthew Baszucki and his incredible journey with metabolic psychiatry on his THINK+SMART page: metabolicmind.org/thinksmart/explore-strategies/matt-baszucki/

🔎 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 #BipolarDisorder

Expert Featured:

Dr. Iain Campbell


Matthew Baszucki


David Baszucki


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.

Dr. Eric Westman on the Future of Metabolic Medicine22 Jun 202600:22:09

The Cholesterol Code documentary is challenging long-held assumptions about LDL cholesterol, ketogenic diets, and what really matters for cardiovascular risk.

In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Eric Westman, internist and low-carb researcher, to discuss the film's impact and what it could mean for the future of clinical practice.

From Dave Feldman's citizen science journey to the growing body of evidence on type 2 diabetes reversal, this discussion explores why the conversation around cholesterol is finally starting to shift.

You'll learn:

  • What stood out most about The Cholesterol Code documentary
  • Why elevated LDL on a ketogenic diet may not carry the risk many assume
  • How citizen science is reshaping nutrition and metabolic health research
  • Why type 2 diabetes reversal deserves far more clinical attention than it gets
  • How GLP-1 medications and lifestyle interventions can work together responsibly
  • Why the future of medicine depends on diet-focused research, not just drug trials

For physicians, patients, and anyone interested in metabolic health, this conversation captures a pivotal moment in how the medical community is beginning to rethink cardiovascular risk, ketogenic therapy, and the power of lifestyle change.

🎥 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

🔎 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 #CholesterolCode

Expert Featured:

Dr. Eric Westman


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.

Q&A: Does Keto Help or Hurt AFib? KETO-CTA Study, Ketone levels & More19 Jun 202600:17:49

Can ketogenic therapy help atrial fibrillation? What should you make of the KETO-CTA study? And do higher ketones always mean better results?

In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher answers audience questions about cardiovascular health, ketosis, ketone levels, and how to personalize a ketogenic approach based on your goals and metabolic health. From AFib concerns to cholesterol controversies and troubleshooting low ketone readings, this episode tackles some of the most common questions in the keto community.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Ketogenic therapy and atrial fibrillation (AFib)
  • The latest update on the KETO-CTA study
  • LDL cholesterol, plaque, and cardiovascular risk
  • Why ketone levels don't tell the whole story
  • Raising ketones without sacrificing energy or muscle
  • Carbohydrate intake and metabolic flexibility
  • Fasting, protein, and thyroid considerations
  • MCT oil, exogenous ketones, and other strategies to increase ketosis

One of the biggest takeaways: context matters. Whether you're evaluating cholesterol, ketone levels, or cardiovascular risk, there is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer. Understanding your goals, metabolic health, and individual response is often more important than chasing a specific number.

🔎 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:

Bret Scher


Experts Mentioned:

Dave Feldman


Resources Mentioned:

Papers


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.

BITESIZE: Do Eggs Actually Cause Heart Disease?17 Jun 202600:10:04

Are eggs bad for you because they may raise cholesterol?

It's one of the most common nutrition questions in cardiology, and one of the most misunderstood. The reality is that raising cholesterol and harming your health aren't always the same thing, and when it comes to eggs, the data tells a much more nuanced and reassuring story than most people have been led to believe.

In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher walks through the science of eggs, cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk, cutting through decades of nutritional confusion to help you understand what it actually means for your individual dietary choices.

You'll learn:

  • Why the original "eggs cause heart disease" logic doesn't hold up under scientific scrutiny
  • What happens to LDL and HDL when most people eat whole eggs
  • Who the "egg hyper responders" are and what genetics has to do with it
  • Why hazard ratios in observational egg studies are often clinically unhelpful
  • What the American Heart Association now says about eggs and cardiovascular risk
  • Why eggs are one of the most nutrient dense whole foods available
  • How to think about egg quality, quantity, and individual response

The takeaway: eggs can be part of a healthy whole foods dietary pattern for most people. Context, metabolic health, and the totality of your diet often matter far more than any single food.

💡 Learn more about markers for heart health (beyond LDL), on our blog: Beyond LDL: Exploring Calcium Scores and CTAs for Better Cardiac Insights

🔎 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 #HeartHealth #KetogenicTherapy

Expert Featured:

Dr. Bret Scher


Resources Mentioned:

Dietary Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association


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.

Dr. Ken Berry on the Medical Landscape of Chronic Disease15 Jun 202600:14:22

Can ketogenic therapy challenge mainstream thinking on cholesterol, diabetes, and evidence-based medicine? At the CoSci conference, Dr. Ken Berry shares his reaction to The Cholesterol Code documentary and explains why more clinicians are questioning long-standing assumptions about metabolic health, LDL cholesterol, and the treatment of chronic disease.

In this conversation, Dr. Berry discusses the growing tension between clinical guidelines, pharmaceutical influence, and real-world patient outcomes, while making the case for curiosity, individualized care, and the power of “citizen science” in medicine.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Dr. Ken Berry’s reaction to The Cholesterol Code documentary
  • Why ketogenic therapy challenges conventional risk-benefit analysis
  • The role of anecdotal evidence and N=1 experimentation
  • Pharmaceutical influence on clinical guidelines
  • Why many diabetes patients feel stuck despite following standard advice
  • The launch of the American Diabetes Society
  • Type 2 diabetes remission and low-carbohydrate nutrition
  • Why doctors need to stay curious and continue learning

One of the biggest themes throughout this conversation is that medicine works best when clinicians and patients stay open-minded, ask better questions, and focus on addressing root causes as opposed to just managing symptoms or lab numbers.

👉 Interested in watching The Cholesterol Code documentary? Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0GS8ZFCYN/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #AmericanDiabetesSociety

Expert Featured:

Dr. Ken Berry


Dr. Bret Scher


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.

BITESIZE: The New Protein Guidelines Reignited the Plant vs. Animal Debate12 Jun 202600:06:54

Protein recommendations have changed and not everyone is happy about it. Here's what the new federal protein guidelines actually mean for your health, and why the pushback is missing the point.

A recent PBS article argued that doubling the current protein guidelines would push people toward junk food and processed products. But as a cardiologist, Dr. Bret Scher explains why that concern, while understandable, is misplaced. The real issue isn't the target. It's the message around how to hit it.

In this discussion, you'll learn:

  • Why the original 0.8g/kg recommendation was never designed for optimal metabolic health
  • What research shows about protein intake in the range of 1.2 to 1.6g/kg
  • How higher protein supports satiety, body composition, and glucose control
  • Why certain groups like teenagers, athletes, and older adults need even more
  • How plant vs. animal protein sources differ in bioavailability and practicality
  • Why whole food sources like eggs, fish, meat, and legumes are the answer, not protein bars and packaged products

Getting more protein doesn't mean reaching for a bar or a wrapper. It means eating real food that your body knows how to use. The old 0.8g recommendation was designed to prevent decline, not to support metabolic thriving.

💡 Curious what a well-formulated ketogenic diet looks like? Check out our blog: 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 #Protein

Expert Featured:

Dr. Bret Scher


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.

BITESIZE: Omega-3 Supplements and Cognitive Decline? Here’s the Full Story10 Jun 202600:07:33

A new Alzheimer’s study linked omega-3 fish oil (EPA & DHA) supplement use to faster cognitive decline, but the real story is far more nuanced than the headlines suggest.

In this discussion, cardiologist Dr. Bret Scher breaks down the study and explains why the quality, freshness, and source of omega-3s may matter more than most people realize.

The study used data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and found that omega-3 supplement users experienced greater cognitive decline over five years compared to non-users. But the details matter:

  • The study did not assess supplement quality, oxidation, dosage, or dietary habits
  • Oxidized fish oil may behave very differently from high-quality DHA and EPA
  • Whole food omega-3 sources like salmon, sardines, and mackerel consistently show different outcomes in research
  • Lifestyle factors like sleep, exercise, stress, and metabolic health remain critical for brain health

One of the biggest takeaways: supplements are not interchangeable with whole foods. And no supplement can replace the foundation of metabolic health, including nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and social connection.

👉 Emerging research shows that ketogenic therapy may slow cognitive decline in those with Alzheimer's disease. Explore what a balanced ketogenic diet looks like on our blog: 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 #AlzheimersDisease

Expert Featured:

Dr. Bret Scher


Resources Mentioned:

The association between omega-3 supplementation and cognitive decline in older adults


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.

Whole-Person Psychiatry Is Changing Mental Health Care—with Meru Health’s Kristian Ranta08 Jun 202600:31:20

After losing his brother to suicide despite being in psychiatric care, entrepreneur Kristian Ranta began asking difficult questions: Why do so many people struggle despite treatment? What if mental health care is overlooking key drivers of recovery?

In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Kristian Ranta, founder of Meru Health, to explore a model that approaches mental health care differently by combining psychiatry, therapy, nutrition, metabolic health, sleep, exercise, coaching, and data-driven care.

They discuss:

  • Why nutrition and metabolic health are often overlooked in psychiatry
  • The connection between physical and mental health
  • Why “treatment-resistant” may not tell the whole story
  • How comprehensive lab testing can uncover hidden contributors to symptoms
  • The role of ketogenic and low-carbohydrate interventions in mental health care
  • Wearables, biofeedback, and personalized treatment approaches
  • Outcome-based care and the future of psychiatric treatment
  • How virtual care can expand access to underserved communities

This conversation highlights a growing movement toward whole-person mental health care, one that seeks to go beyond symptoms and understand the underlying factors that may be contributing to them.

👉 Learn more about the potential benefits of metabolic therapies for depression on our Depression Topic Page: metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/keto-for-depression/

🔎 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 #Depression

Expert Featured:

Kristian Ranta


Resources Mentioned:


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.

New Study from 25-Year Eating Disorder Expert05 Jun 202600:35:43

Anorexia nervosa has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric illness, yet effective biological treatments remain limited. For many people living with the condition, even after successful weight normalization, persistent psychological symptoms, including obsessive thoughts about food, shape, and weight, continue to drive relapse.

In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Guido Frank, Professor of Psychiatry at UC San Diego with over 25 years of experience in eating disorder treatment, to discuss results from the first-ever clinical trial of ketogenic therapy in anorexia nervosa.

This 14-week supervised feasibility trial enrolled 22 individuals with weight-normalized anorexia nervosa. Among the 18 study completers:

✅ 72% scored in the recovered range on eating disorder assessments, no longer meeting the criteria for an anorexia nervosa diagnosis

✅ 100% of study completers saw improvements in depression symptoms, with 72% scoring within the normal range.

✅ Participants did not experience significant weight change throughout the study

In this conversation, Dr. Frank also discusses:

  • What led a self-described skeptic to investigate ketogenic therapy for anorexia nervosa
  • How the study was structured, who it enrolled, and what the weekly supervision looked like
  • What participants experienced as symptoms improved, including reports of mental clarity and relief
  • How weight remained stable throughout the ketogenic intervention
  • The pushback from colleagues and how to engage with the skepticism
  • What comes next, including ongoing brain imaging research and plans for a randomized controlled trial
  • Early observations in bulimia nervosa and what they may suggest about metabolic factors in eating disorders

This trial demonstrated that ketogenic therapy is well tolerated by this population. Larger, controlled studies are needed to better evaluate efficacy.

This intervention was conducted under close supervision by a licensed eating disorder specialist, with weekly check-ins, ketone monitoring, and regular psychiatric assessments. Anyone interested in exploring this approach should do so under close medical supervision and in partnership with their care team. If you or someone you care for is living with anorexia nervosa, please speak with your healthcare provider before making any changes.

👉 Want to learn more about this study? Visit the Study Page on our website: https://www.metabolicmind.org/trials/featured-post/ketogenic-therapy-feasibility-trial-in-anorexia-nervosa-shows-promise-in-weight-normalized-adults/

Expert Featured:

Dr. Guido Frank


Resources Mentioned:

Study


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.

First Keto Trial for Anorexia Nervosa: 72% Showed Recovery03 Jun 202600:03:54

A new study demonstrates that ketogenic therapy could be an option for individuals living with weight-normalized anorexia nervosa.

One of the primary goals of anorexia nervosa treatment is restoring weight, and while this is an important milestone, many individuals continue to experience psychological symptoms.

Dr. Guido Frank, Professor of Psychiatry at UC San Diego, has spent more than 25 years researching and treating eating disorders. For much of his career, the lack of effective biological treatments for anorexia nervosa has been one of his greatest frustrations.

That changed when he began investigating ketogenic therapy.

In this video, Dr. Frank shares results from the first-ever clinical trial of ketogenic therapy in anorexia nervosa, published in Communications Medicine.

This 14-week outpatient feasibility trial enrolled adults living with weight-normalized anorexia nervosa who, despite weight restoration, continued to struggle with persistent eating disorder symptoms.

Of the 22 individuals enrolled in the study, 82% completed the trial. Among those who completed, 40% experienced mild early side effects, all of which resolved by study end, providing early evidence that ketogenic therapy may be a well-tolerated option in this weight-normalized population.

Among the study completers:

✅ 72% no longer met the criteria for an anorexia nervosa diagnosis

✅ All showed improvement in depression scores, with 72% reaching the normal range

✅ Participants also showed improvements in self-esteem, anxiety, and clinical impairment

One of the most common concerns about keto in this population is whether it will cause weight loss.

For this reason, weight was closely monitored and participants did not experience significant weight change during the study. These findings suggest that under clinical supervision, ketogenic therapy can be implemented in a way that supports weight maintenance, while also delivering far-reaching effects on brain function and psychiatric symptoms.

These results are encouraging early evidence of feasibility, but larger, controlled studies are needed to further evaluate efficacy.

The outcomes should not be generalized to severely underweight patients, who were not included in this trial. Dr. Frank's team is now actively studying whether ketogenic therapy can be applied at lower weights.

This intervention was conducted under close supervision by a licensed eating disorder specialist, with weekly check-ins, ketone monitoring, and regular psychiatric assessments. Anyone interested in exploring this approach should only do so under close medical supervision and in partnership with their care team. If you or someone you care for is living with anorexia nervosa, please speak with your healthcare provider before making any changes.

👉 Learn more about this study: https://www.metabolicmind.org/trials/featured-post/ketogenic-therapy-feasibility-trial-in-anorexia-nervosa-shows-promise-in-weight-normalized-adults/

Expert Featured:

Dr. Guido Frank


Resources Mentioned:

Study:


UC San Diego Website:


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.

BITESIZE: New Study: Why Did This Drug Lower Cholesterol But Not Heart Plaque?01 Jun 202600:03:33

Lower triglycerides, lower remnant cholesterol, lower ApoB. Zero change in coronary artery plaque. A new clinical trial is forcing a bigger conversation about how we treat cardiovascular disease.

The drug was Olezarsen, an APOC3 inhibitor. The blood work looked impressive. The heart scans did not. So why would lowering well-established cardiovascular risk factors fail to move the needle on plaque? Dr. Bret Scher argues there's a critical difference between what we want to fix and how we go about fixing it. Lowering a number with a drug is not the same as addressing the underlying metabolic dysfunction that caused that number to be high in the first place.

In this video, you'll learn:

  • What the Olezarsen trial actually showed and why the results matter
  • Why elevated triglycerides often signal deeper metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance
  • How this same drug-first thinking plays out in type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and weight management
  • Why narrowing our focus to "fix the number" can keep us from healing the whole system
  • How metabolic medicine reframes the conversation around root causes

This isn't an argument against medication. Responsible drug use has an important place in patient care. But the best outcomes come when we ask why a number is abnormal in the first place and what combination of lifestyle changes and targeted treatments will actually address it.

👉 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 #KetogenicTherapy #CardiovascularDisease

Expert Featured:

Dr. Bret Scher


Resources Mentioned:

Effect of APOC3 Inhibition With Olezarsen on Coronary Atherosclerosis: Essence-TIMI 73b Imaging Study


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.

Keto as an Adjunct to CBTp? Nicole Laurent Explains29 May 202600:22:32

Could ketogenic therapy help people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders engage more successfully with CBT? A new conceptual framework explores this powerful adjunctive approach.

CBTp is considered a gold-standard treatment for schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but many patients struggle to initiate, participate in, and complete it. Cognitive deficits, sleep disturbances, low distress tolerance, and ongoing psychotic symptoms can all stand in the way. In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with licensed clinical social worker Nicole Laurent to discuss her recently published paper in Frontiers in Psychology, exploring how ketogenic metabolic therapy could help bridge that gap.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

  • Why CBTp is so cognitively demanding and where patients tend to struggle
  • How ketogenic therapy may reduce key barriers like sleep issues, distress tolerance, and cognitive impairment
  • What a conceptual analysis paper is and why it matters for shaping future research
  • How clinicians and researchers can begin integrating these ideas into practice
  • Whether this framework could extend to CBT for depression, OCD, and anxiety

This discussion opens the door to thinking about ketogenic therapy not only as a direct treatment for psychiatric symptoms, but as a powerful adjunctive tool that could help patients engage more fully with the rest of their care.

👉 Research focused on ketogenic therapy and schizophrenia continues to grow, check out the latest on our Schizophrenia Topic Page: metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/schizophrenia/

🔎 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 #Schizophrenia

Expert Featured:

Nicole Laurent, LMHC


Experts mentioned:

Dr. Guido Frank


Dr. Albert Danan

Shebani Sethi, MD, ABOM


Resources Mentioned:



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.

Q&A: Keto for PCOS, Cravings, & Women’s Health with Temple Stewart27 May 202600:34:02

How many carbs should you eat on a ketogenic diet? Do ketone levels matter? And why do cravings hit so hard? Is Dairy recommended?

In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, registered dietitian and medical student Temple Stewart breaks down some of the most common challenges people face when starting and maintaining a ketogenic diet, especially for PCOS (PMOS), metabolic health, and long-term sustainability.

Temple brings a unique perspective to this conversation, combining clinical nutrition experience with current medical training and a deep focus on women’s metabolic health. Her approach is practical, individualized, and grounded in helping people build strategies they can realistically sustain over the long term.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Ketogenic therapy and the menstrual cycle
  • Cravings and the “sugar dragon”
  • PCOS and therapeutic ketone levels
  • Dairy, protein, and hunger
  • Vegetarian keto challenges
  • CGMs and ketone testing
  • How to personalize a ketogenic approach long term

One of the biggest takeaways: successful ketogenic therapy is about understanding your own metabolism, building sustainable habits, and learning which strategies help you feel your best over time.

🔎 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 #PCOS #FoodAsMedicine

Expert Featured:

Temple Stewart


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.

GLP-1s, Weight Loss, and the Stigma We Don’t Talk About25 May 202600:04:39

A recent report highlighted a surprising trend: individuals using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy may be facing even more social stigma than those who remain overweight. And while neither deserves any stigma at all, it raises an important question about how we judge health choices in modern medicine.

In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher reflects on whether his own critiques of GLP-1 medications stem from bias against the individuals using them. His conclusion is clear: the issue is not the patient, but the system surrounding care.

While GLP-1 receptor agonists can be powerful tools for weight loss and metabolic improvement, Dr. Scher emphasizes a deeper concern: the growing tendency toward a “drug-first” model that may overlook foundational lifestyle and metabolic interventions such as nutrition quality, protein intake, resistance training, and long-term behavior change.

Key themes discussed:

  • The stigma patients face regardless of whether they lose weight or not
  • The difference between criticizing a treatment and blaming the patient
  • Concerns about overprescribing without adequate lifestyle support
  • What happens when medications are stopped (and weight is regained)
  • The importance of metabolic health beyond the scale

This conversation also highlights the complexity of long-term care. While some individuals may benefit significantly from GLP-1 medications, sustainable metabolic health ideally integrates medical tools with lifestyle-based strategies that support long-term resilience.

🔎 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


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.

APA Hallway Talk: Are Psych Meds Overprescribed?22 May 202600:08:27

Psychiatric medication tapering* is becoming one of the most important and controversial conversations in mental health care.

In the wake of the American Psychiatric Association Annual Conference, Dr. Bret Scher explores the growing debate around psychiatric medication “deprescribing,” responsible tapering, overprescription, and the urgent need for better research and clinician guidance.

This discussion examines the real clinical questions:

  • When should psychiatric medications be reassessed?
  • How should tapering be approached safely?
  • How do we distinguish withdrawal symptoms from relapse?
  • Why is there still so little research on tapering protocols?
  • What role could metabolic psychiatry and ketogenic therapy play in supporting brain health during treatment?

Dr. Scher also discusses why every psychiatric prescription should include an ongoing plan for reassessment, not just indefinite continuation by default.

Importantly, this video does NOT encourage anyone to stop psychiatric medications on their own. Decisions about medication changes should always be made carefully with a qualified healthcare provider.

👉 To learn more about safe deprescribing, ketogenic therapy, and psych meds, visit our Keto and Psych Meds Topic Page: metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/keto-and-psych-meds/

🔎 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 #PsychMeds

*(Tapering medications can be extremely dangerous and should always be done gradually with the support of a care team. Visit Inner Compass Initiative for more information on safe tapering.)


Expert Featured:

Dr. Bret Scher


Resources Mentioned


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.

© My Podcast Data · Independent project · Data from Apple & Spotify