In recent years, the high fat low carb ketogenic diet has attracted attention for its weight loss benefits. But even as the number of Atkins and Paleo dieters grows, experts are discovering ways in which to use the plan for improved mental and physical health. And the results of those expert studies indicate that ketogenic diets offer special hope for those with depression and bipolar disease.
Although it’s a new field, the research reports “are unusually consistent, and they show a link between diet quality and mental health,” revealed Michael Berk, a professor of psychiatry at the Deakin University School of Medicine in Australia.
Dr. El-Mallakh, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Louisville, concurs, and contends that a “strong link” exists between ketogenic diets and mental health. He described a woman who found relief from bipolar disease by following the Atkins diet. He’s also written about the use of the ketogenic diet for that purpose: “Bipolar Depression: A Comprehensive Guide”.
Other uses of the ketogenic diet include relief for epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cancer. In addition, a physician says that she overcame progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) by using a Paleo-style diet. Dr. Terry Wahls discussed her medical ketogenic diet approach for MS in a March 25 podcast.
Dr. Wahls developed her own protocol in response to her concern that the medications prescribed for her MS had serious side-effects and didn’t provide relief from her symptoms. She designed her ketogenic diet based on Paleo principles and the latest research on autoimmune disease. She details the protocol, including different levels of Paleo diets and low carb diets, in her new book: “The Wahls Protocol: How I Beat Progressive MS Using Paleo Principles and Functional Medicine”.
Another expert emphasizing how nutrient-dense ketogenic diets can heal the brain: Dr. David Perlmutter. He says that high fat, low carb diets can reverse multiple diseases, boost weight loss and prevent Alzheimer’s, describing the diet and his research in “Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar–Your Brain’s Silent Killers.”
In addition, Dr. Perlmutter notes that ketogenic diets can alleviate depression, anxiety and related concerns.
If weight loss is your concern, celebrities such as Kim Kardashian have been providing testimony for the way in which ketogenic diets boost fat-burning while suppressing appetite.
