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Understanding Experience: How the Ketogenic Diet and Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy Impacts Mental Health and Well-Being

Writer's picture: Dr Erin Louise BellamyDr Erin Louise Bellamy

Girl walking along country road towards the sun
Source: Unsplash

Overview 

Recent research has delved into the potential benefits of the ketogenic diet (KD) for mental health, particularly in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. This study, carried out by IKRT founder Dr Erin Bellamy uniquely focused on the non-calorie-restricted KD's impact on psychological well-being among individuals with varying degrees of depressive symptoms.


Participants who followed a strict KD regimen reported notable improvements in mood, cognition, and overall well-being, despite initial challenges in diet implementation. The findings align with an expanding body of evidence that supports KD as an adjunctive therapy for psychiatric conditions, suggesting that this diet could play a significant role in enhancing mental health and providing a new avenue for treatment.


This study's narrative approach provides a comprehensive view of the personal experiences and challenges associated with KD, offering valuable insights for future research and dietary interventions tailored to mental health needs.


“You know the song Park Life by Blur, where it says you should cut down on your pork pies mate get some exercise, and it talks about the birds and it giving him an enormous sense of well-being, and that always resonates with me in my head, it should be called “pork life” not park life, the enormous sense of well-being that you get.” (Mark).

What Did They Do?

The research aimed to explore the impact of a non-calorie-restricted ketogenic diet (KD) on depression and psychological well-being. The study involved nine participants who followed a KD for at least 12 weeks. Participants were divided into two groups: 'healthy adults' with no to low depressive symptoms and those with mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected from the participants.


What Did They Find?

  • Poor Health Prior to Program: Participants reported experiencing poor health before starting the ketogenic diet, which included both physical and mental health issues.

  • Hunger and Cravings - The Food and Mood Connection: Many participants noted a strong connection between food intake and mood, highlighting reductions in hunger and cravings as key benefits.

  • Psychological Well-Being Improvements: Participants experienced significant mental health improvements, such as increased self-esteem, confidence, motivation, and a sense of achievement. Those with depressive symptoms reported enhanced self-worth and renewed purpose in life.

  • It Becomes a Lifestyle: Initially, participants found the diet difficult to implement. However, over time, it became easier to follow and eventually integrated into their lifestyle.

  • Implementation Difficulties: The study also highlighted challenges faced by participants in adhering to the diet, particularly in the early stages.


Quotes from Participants

“If I do not have any sugar, I do not crave it but the minute I have some, then I just go off the scale again.” (Harriet).
“It seems to be really easy, it’s like the simplest thing in the world is to not eat, rather than worry about it…I’m not a scientist, but I put that lack of hunger down to the lack of carbs.” (Philip).
“I’m sleeping better, I struggle with insomnia and have done for four years and I’m definitely sleeping better.” (Amari).
​​“I feel like I can concentrate a lot better because before I could never study on a night, it would have to be during the day because by 7 or 8 o’clock at night I was just completely drained whereas now I’m quite happy to keep reading until 9 or 10 o’clock at night. I just feel like everything is, concentration levels are much better.” (Sarah).
“When I left work my confidence was just rock bottom, I just thought oh where is me gone? And now I just feel that me is coming back really.” (Jessica).

What Does This Mean for the Ketogenic Diet and Mental Health?

The study concluded that the ketogenic diet offers substantial benefits for mental health and psychological well-being, outweighing the initial difficulties of diet implementation.

Participants reported improved self-esteem, confidence, and a greater sense of control and reward in their lives.


There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of ketogenic metabolic therapy as an adjunct to standard treatment for various psychiatric illnesses. Studies dating back to the 1960s have explored the effects of the KD on conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. Despite mixed conclusions and an incomplete understanding of the biological mechanisms, recent research suggests that KDs warrant further investigation as an intervention for psychiatric conditions.


The current study aimed to provide a narrative from a mental health and psychological well-being perspective, addressing a gap in qualitative research on this topic. The thematic analysis indicated that participants, especially those with depressive symptoms, experienced improvements in self-esteem and overall mental health. Challenges in diet implementation were noted, particularly at the start, but support from peers or mentors and personalized approaches could help mitigate these difficulties.


The findings align with existing literature on the benefits of KD for psychological well-being and suggest that it could be beneficial even for those with low to no symptoms of depressive illness. This underscores the potential for broader applications of the KD, including in conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and OCD.


Further qualitative and larger-scale quantitative research is needed to understand the challenges and benefits of KD implementation fully. Personalized dietary approaches, ongoing support, and comprehensive resources can enhance adherence and effectiveness, ultimately improving both physical and mental health outcomes​


Read The Full Text Here

Bellamy, E. L., Hadjiefthyvoulou, F., Walsh, J., Brown, J., & Turner, J. (2024). Understanding the experiences of ketogenic metabolic therapy for people living with varying levels of depressive symptoms: a thematic analysis. Frontiers in nutrition, 11, 1397546. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1397546 

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