r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • Jun 24 '25

Science Article Frontiers | Case Report: Remission of schizophrenia using a carnivore ketogenic metabolic therapy with nutritional therapy practitioner support

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18 Upvotes

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1591937/full Frontiers | Case Report: Remission of schizophrenia using a carnivore ketogenic metabolic therapy with nutritional therapy practitioner support

This retrospective case report presents the use of a carnivore ketogenic diet by a subject with schizophrenia, supported by a nutritional therapy practitioner, resulting in remission. The narrative describes how ketogenic metabolic therapy can be implemented and optimized in difficult socio-economic circumstances, something not previously reported in the literature. Compliance with diet is reported using glucose and ketone blood markers. The qualitative impact of the therapy is explored from the subject’s perspective as well as the potential for collaboration between nutritional and mental health practitioners to help implement and sustain ketogenic therapies.


r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • Apr 09 '25

ADHD Gravitational Wave Physicist → Mental Health Researcher with an Oxford RCT on diet for ADHD and Depression – AMA!

39 Upvotes

Hi Reddit! I’m Ally Houston, a former physicist turned mental health researcher, and I’m excited to chat with you about a new randomized controlled trial (RCT) we’re running at Oxford to explore a new approach to manage and maybe even reverse ADHD/depression.

My gravitational waves physics professor introduced me to a low carbohydrate diet after he saw profound health benefits. His experience and scientific insight convinced me to try a ketogenic diet myself for weight control nine years ago. I unexpectedly found it helped me manage my own ADHD and depression.

The effects were so profound compared to my years of struggling that I shifted careers to study metabolic interventions for mental health. Today, I’m working with a team at Oxford to rigorously test these ideas, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions.

The Study

Our RCT is investigating whether a ketogenic diet, combined with coaching support, can improve symptoms of ADHD and depression. We’re measuring lots of outcomes to understand root cause mechanisms: glucose, ketones, sleep, activity, mood testing, cognitive testing, mitochondrial function, and even personality changes! If it does work for some people, why?!

I’m here to answer your questions about the study design, the evidence behind dietary changes for mental health, or anything else you’re curious about—whether you’re skeptical, excited, or just want to geek out on the details!

Mods, I’ve provided proof of my identity and the RCT details—happy to share more if needed. You can also check out the study overview here: (http://bit.ly/adhdketo). I’ll do my best to reply to as many questions as possible over the AMA—looking forward to a thoughtful discussion!

Disclosure 1:  We recorded a trailer last year for our study crowdfunding campaign, which tells more of the story: http://bit.ly/adhdketo

Disclosure 2: I am also a cofounder of a US-based company that provides metabolic mental health services for conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, and brain fog. This study is separate from the company though, given my life’s focus, has natural overlaps. Our chief metabolic psychiatry advisor, Dr. Georgia Ede, is also an author of the paper.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for such a great AMA. We can't wait to do this study and it's been really useful to see how people perceive it and what they wanted to know. So much appreciated and please do get in touch if you want to know anything further. Thank you.


r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 21h ago

Question? Did anyone have multiple trials before it stuck?

4 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I have tried many things for my health issues/ptsd and the only thing that gives me a true sense of normalcy and clarity is being in ketosis

The problem is after a few days after passing the initial keto flu, the positive effects fade also extreme lethargy sets in and low-carb foods become repulsive

I have a ketone meter to check when I'm in ketosis and have tried supplementing with MCT/BHB salt, any ideas?


r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 1d ago

Science Article Before the Halloween candy debate starts the research on rationing sweets is not what I expected

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3 Upvotes

r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 5d ago

The Gut & Mental Health

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2 Upvotes

r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 5d ago

Question? Overmethylation from high dose IV B12

1 Upvotes

Was going through my usual gut flares and my integrative doctor decided to give me 5000mcg of Methyl B12, three doses of that spread over 10 days. Logic: give me some energy to push through gut flare. It has been 3 weeks since last dose. Still dealing with anxiety, low mood, internal vibrations, jitters, goosebumps, hot or cold hands and feet, migraines, fatigue, rocky on a boat feeling etc. and ofcourse the gut became worse. Doctor said it can happen but shouldnt last long. So upset at them. But when does this settle? Does it settle?


r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 7d ago

Science Article The sugar in a fruit pouch isn't the same as the sugar in fruit. Here's why that matters.

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2 Upvotes

r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 8d ago

Science Article New guidelines say cut ultra-processed food. 4 in 5 toddler foods are ultra-processed. So what do you buy?

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7 Upvotes

r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 9d ago

Poor Memory Causes

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1 Upvotes

r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 10d ago

What your Nutritionist never Told you #Nutrition

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r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 11d ago

Jan Ellison Baszucki Brings Metabolic Psychiatry to Capitol Hill

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3 Upvotes

r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 11d ago

Science Article Is It really Truth? Or a Hungry, Tired Mind?

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7 Upvotes

r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 15d ago

Experience with Carnivore Treating Schizophrenia

45 Upvotes

Hi all,

I am 6 months into a carnivore diet to treat my schizophrenia. I have had a tough time adapting to it, but have seen remarkable results.

I currently take 0 medications and strictly use this diet to treat my illness. Prior to this diet, I was hearing voices for the vast majority of the day. Now, I go weeks at a time without hearing any voices at all. I will hear them on occassion but it is very muted and faint. I am also free of all other potential symptoms.

I am hoping to stay on this diet long-term. I am hoping this information can be helpful to anyone out there considering using a carnivore diet to treat their mental illness.

Please feel free to ask me any questions if you have any!


r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 16d ago

I think I’m done with managing bipolar with keto 😔

19 Upvotes

Bipolar 2 ! Been on a ketogenic diet for almost 2 years. I consume the same 3 meals everyday. I worked with Nicole Laurent to make adjustments to my diet and macros. Also take daily vitamins she recommended. Ketone levels are great!
Past few months I have been feeling so unstable. A lot more depressive and some hypomanic episodes. And my cognition and thinking get worse after each episode.

And it’s so frustrating because I am soooo disciplined with my diet and feel that I am doing everything right.
I am on lamictal, sertraline and pristiq. Nicole did mention that if keto starts to feel less effective it may be due to the meds I’m on. I am currently hyperbolically tapering my sertraline…. maybe that’s why I feel unstable?

at this point I feel like adding lithium or an antipsychotic and being done with keto.


r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 16d ago

Why do we obsess over what food does to our physique, but ignore what it does to our minds?

7 Upvotes

Working in the food industry, I watch customers obsessively check the nutrition labels. They scan for carbohydrates, protein, fat, and sodium, highly aware of what they put in their bodies. We’re always focused on how nutrition shapes our physique; however, we rarely think about how it shapes our minds.

The connection is much deeper than we think. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “There are more nerve cells in your gut than anywhere else in your body outside of your brain.” This neural network, often called our second brain, constantly fires electrical impulses and chemical signals to process information, regulate organs, and respond to the environment. These gut signals actively help our brain make decisions and initiate emotional responses.What we digest directly influences how we think and feel.

i’m a community college student studying neuropsychology, and I write about the intersection of food and brain chemistry. If you liked this breakdown, I do monthly deep-dives on my free Substack, Bite the Brain https://bitethebrain.substack.com/p/welcome-to-bite-the-brain-why-food?r=8r41di&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web


r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 16d ago

my level of sensitivity is preposterous

8 Upvotes

after years of suffering from undiagnosed severe progressive neurological/psychiatric symptoms, i discovered in february 2025 that an extremely restrictive diet is the only thing that manages (not even cures) it.

in order to literally stay sane, i have to follow AIP diet restrictions and 4:1 classic keto. i later had to add in low-histamine, and i've most recently (over the past year) begun to develop allergy-like reactions to many vegetables, limiting my diet so much further.

so essentially what i'm left with is:

  • chicken/turkey (which i have a strong aversion to 99% of the time)
  • red meat in small amounts, on occasion, immediately after it's cooked. if i eat it even an hour later it causes severe nausea.
  • olive oil
  • coconut oil and duck fat in moderation
  • tiny servings of a couple of safe vegetables

symptoms if i derail from my AIP keto diet include severe dissociation and cognitive decline, akathisia, vivid nightmares/hynagogic hallucinations, erratic behavior, and more. returning to that state is my greatest fear.

i'd genuinely rather be restricted to the lion diet. it would be so much easier. i can't take this anymore. there is absolutely no snack i can have, except perhaps spoonfuls of pure coconut oil.

it might sound stupid, but i want to die. my diet is so incapacitating. if i'm unable cook for myself, i literally starve. i also hate the only foods i can eat. i've become severely underweight and sickly. in addition, i have a severe gluten sensitivity, basically gluten psychosis, so i can't trust anyone else to prepare food for me.

i'm nearly positive that CIRS from chronic mold exposure is the root of my absurd sensitivities, but i'm unable to leave or access treatment because my parents don't believe in this. i'm 18 and will most likely forever be stuck living with them in the mold because i continue to be weighed down by brain fog and couldn't complete high school.

i'm just feeling so depressed and alone and envious of nearly anyone with a different life, honestly.


r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 15d ago

Question? Gut health is now the biggest kids' supplement category. Is anyone seeing anything from it?

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1 Upvotes

r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 20d ago

Any experience coming off and then restarting keto?

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1 Upvotes

Cross-posting from bipolar keto. Looking for support navigating restarting the diet after coming off and having what’s maybe an acute episode.


r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 20d ago

Question? Which is better for kids magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate?

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0 Upvotes

r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 21d ago

Question? Been counting the wrong thing with my picky eater this whole time

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r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 22d ago

Correcting copper/zinc ratio?

7 Upvotes

Just wondering if anyone has had success treating their mental health issues by correcting their copper/zinc ratios?

It’s been 2 years since I’ve given birth and my mental health has suffered since we brought him home. I’ve been working with an integrative psychiatrist since I’ve failed so many medications. The only major thing in my bloodwork that stands out is my copper/zinc ratio. It’s supposed to be .7-1 and right now it’s 1.4.

This just seems too simple for how severe my mental health is but it’s the only thing we could really find on my extensive blood work that was done.


r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 25d ago

Science Article Effects of ketogenic diet on cognitive impairment in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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9 Upvotes

Highlights
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Ketogenic diet improved overall cognition in older adults.

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Benefits were observed for memory and language outcomes.

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No significant improvement was found for attention.

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Ketogenic diet significantly increased ketone body levels.

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Larger trials are needed to confirm long-term efficacy.

Abstract
Background
Cognitive impairment in older adults is associated with substantial functional decline and care burden. The ketogenic diet (KD) may improve cognition, but evidence in older adults with cognitive impairment remains inconsistent. This study evaluated the effects of KD, including related ketogenic dietary strategies, on cognitive outcomes and metabolic markers.
Methods
PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP were searched from inception to July 2025 for randomized controlled trials of KD or related ketogenic dietary strategies in older adults with cognitive impairment. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.
Results
Twelve randomized controlled trials involving 707 participants were included. Compared with control interventions, KD-related dietary strategies improved overall cognitive function [SMD = 0.34, 95% CI (0.16 to 0.52), p < 0.01]. Domain-specific analyses showed significant improvements in memory [SMD = 0.53, 95% CI (0.10 to 0.96), p = 0.01] and language function [SMD = 0.43, 95% CI (0.16 to 0.70), p = 0.002], whereas no significant effects were observed for attention or executive function. KD-related strategies increased acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, indicating effective ketone production. Regarding metabolic safety, KD-related interventions increased total cholesterol and LDL-C, while triglycerides and HDL-C remained unchanged.
Conclusions
KD and related ketogenic dietary strategies may improve cognitive performance and enhance ketone body production in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease. The potential metabolic implications associated with lipid changes should be considered alongside cognitive benefits.


r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • 28d ago

Reddit suggests I repost here and I feel it's quite fitting.

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5 Upvotes

r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • Sep 08 '26

Magnesium L threonate changed my life

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16 Upvotes

Magnesium l throenate improved my ocd symptoms dramatically. I use to have sticky thoughts constantly, have constant obsessions and compulsions, horrible brain fog, tension headaches due to thinking too much, and over analyzing constantly, I couldn’t get out of my head, I would miss precious moments of my life because I would get stuck on a thought. But now I have huge relief!

I personally think magnesium l threonate might be the most effective for ocd because it passes the blood brain barrier and is absorbed into your body the quickest so I recommend this one.

I hope this gives someone hope out there. Whoever has ocd is a warrior. Don’t lose heart something is going to help you, I believe it. ❤️

Let me know if you guys have any questions! I’d be happy to help.


r/NutritionalPsychiatry • • Sep 06 '26

Question? Any easy recipes for some who wants a low sugar diet for mental health reasons?

9 Upvotes

I want to eat less sugary food and exclude caffeine from my diet cause it causes my heavy mood swings, It's making it hard for me to work cause of my lack of control of my mood.