PsychRounds: The Psychiatry Podcast Introduction to Metabolic Psychiatry with Dr. Matthew Bernstein
46 snips
Jun 4, 2025 Join Dr. Matthew Bernstein, a Harvard-affiliated psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Accord and Ellenhorn Clinics, as he dives into metabolic psychiatry, a groundbreaking field blending mental health with metabolic processes. He shares insights on the ketogenic diet, detailing its history and potential benefits for psychiatric disorders. Learn about the vital role of ketone levels in treatment and the relationship between diet and heart health. Dr. Bernstein also advocates for nutritional reforms in mental health care, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Ketone Levels Guide Therapy
- Any diet generating significant ketone levels (above 0.5 mmol/L) can be considered ketogenic.
- More severe psychiatric conditions may require ketone levels around 2 to 3 mmol/L for therapeutic effect.
LDL Rise Doesn’t Always Mean Risk
- LDL cholesterol may increase on ketogenic diets but does not necessarily raise cardiovascular risk.
- Some lean individuals called "hyper responders" have high LDL but low heart disease scores on angiograms.
Start Ketogenic Diet Safely
- Transition gradually to the ketogenic diet to avoid keto flu and electrolyte issues.
- Consult medical professionals before trying it, especially when on medications like lithium or antihypertensives.
