Metabolic Mind

Is food addiction a mental illness? Should ultra-processed foods rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates be classified alongside alcohol, nicotine, and other addictive substances linked to substance use disorders?Food addiction (especially to processed, packaged, carb-heavy foods) is real, widespread, and often misunderstood by both the public and healthcare professionals.Dr. Bret Scher and Dr. Georgia Ede sit down with Dr. Jen Unwin, a psychologist with over 30 years of NHS experience, to explore the science, diagnostic challenges, and recovery strategies for ultra-processed food addiction.In this interview, you’ll learn:Why food addiction isn’t yet formally recognized as a substance use disorderHow food addiction differs from emotional or disordered eatingBiological mechanisms driving addictive patterns, such as dopamine spikes from refined carbohydratesThe six WHO criteria for substance use disorder and how they apply to foodThe role of ketogenic and low-carb diets in recovery from food addictionThe influence of artificial sweetenersThe importance of defining the addictive substances involvedYou’ll hear practical strategies for treatment, including abstinence-based approaches, personalized dietary plans, group support, and brain-retraining education. The conversation also explores the rise of GLP-1 medications—where they can help, where they fall short, and how they compare to dietary interventions in addressing root causes.If you or your patients struggle with cravings, cycles of relapse, or feelings of helplessness around food, this discussion offers hope, clarity, and actionable next steps toward lasting recovery.Expert Featured:Dr. Jen Unwinhttps://x.com/drjenunwinwww.the-chc.orgDr. Georgia Ede‪@GeorgiaEdeMD‬Resources Mentioned:The International Food Addiction Conferencewww.the-chc.org/fas/conferenceDr. Unwin’s Bookhttps://www.amazon.com/Fork-Road-Hopeful-Guide-Freedom-ebook/dp/B08XZL1LLJ/CME’s Mentioned:Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hopehttps://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illnesshttps://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615Follow 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.

Ketogenic therapy for mental health is gaining traction, but what happens when it doesn’t seem to work or even makes things worse?In this episode, Dr. Georgia Ede and Dr. Bret Scher answer some of the most common questions about ketogenic diets, including what to do when your mental health doesn’t improve, how to properly enter ketosis, and why sweeteners, snacks, and dairy might be holding you back.They break down the difference between a ketogenic diet and ketogenic therapy, and why things like ketone levels, medication adjustments, and lifestyle factors matter. You’ll also learn why some people experience initial worsening symptoms, how to transition more gradually, and when to seek support from experienced clinicians.From food choices to long-term outcomes, this episode covers key troubleshooting strategies for making ketogenic therapy work for your brain and body.Have questions about ketogenic therapy and mental health? Drop them in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!Expert Featured:Dr. Georgia EdeFollow 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.

Is high protein intake responsible for chronic kidney disease? Have you ever heard that ketogenic diets are harmful to your kidneys?These are just a few of the common kidney health myths debunked in this interview with Dr. Thomas Weimbs, who says that traditional views on what causes chronic kidney disease are “definitely not founded in science.”Dr. Thomas Weimbs, professor and vice chair at UC Santa Barbara, has spent decades studying chronic kidney disease (CKD). His recent research explores the impact of ketogenic interventions on kidney function, and the findings may surprise you. Rather than harming the kidneys, Dr. Weimbs is finding that keto can actually improve kidney function in people living with CKD.According to Dr. Weimbs, “Clearly, the number one cause of chronic kidney disease is not protein in excess—it’s, of course, carbohydrates in excess and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is causing chronic kidney disease.”In this episode, you’ll learn:Why longstanding myths about protein and kidney function need to be re-examinedWhy misconceptions around keto and kidney health existHow ketogenic diets are showing promise for chronic kidney disease (including PKD)About results from randomized controlled trials and the 2-year Virta Health studyHow ketones may directly benefit kidney healthDr. Weimbs also shares insights from his lab’s ongoing research—findings that challenge conventional thinking and call for a re-examination of how we understand and treat chronic kidney disease.Expert Featured:Dr. Thomas Weimbshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/256099897773551/https://santabarbaranutrients.com/CMEs Mentioned:Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hopehttps://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illnesshttps://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615Follow 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. Georgia Ede, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, shares her insights on ketogenic diets for mental health. She explains the crucial difference between low-carb and ketogenic diets, discussing why being in ketosis is vital for mood stability. They touch on the importance of measuring ketone levels and suggest optimal ranges for mental health benefits. Georgia also advises on addressing factors that affect ketosis, like stress and exercise, and whether ketogenic therapy should be lifelong. Prepare for a fresh perspective on diet and mental wellness!

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are changing how the medical system approaches obesity and metabolic disease. But are they a replacement for dietary intervention? Or are dietary interventions a replacement for these medications? Could they be used together for even better outcomes?In this conversation, Dr. David Ludwig (Harvard, Boston Children’s Hospital) and journalist Gary Taubes explore the science behind GLP-1s, their impact on insulin, weight loss, and chronic disease, and where dietary strategies like low carb or ketogenic therapy fit in.They break down:The overlap between GLP-1 drugs and low carb dietsWhy long-term use of these drugs may come with hidden costsHow shared mechanisms open the door to combination therapyWhat current studies are missing and the urgent need for better trialsWhy metabolic health (not just weight loss) should be the focusThis conversation challenges the idea that the answer is either medication or nutrition therapy. The reality is that every individual is different, and for many, the most effective path to healing may involve a thoughtful combination of both. Rather than choosing one over the other, we should focus on tailoring care to the unique needs of each individual with the goal of getting the best outcomes.Expert Featured:Dr. David LudwigX: https://x.com/davidludwigmdGary Taubeshttps://x.com/garytaubeshttps://uncertaintyprinciples.substack.com/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.

Ketogenic therapy for mental illness is changing lives. And now, it’s becoming more accessible than ever.Dr. Bret Scher chats with licensed mental health counselor Nicole Laurent about her innovative online program and nonprofit initiative aimed at providing low-to-no-cost metabolic therapy support to people with serious mental illness.Nicole shares how her own journey through cognitive impairment led her to ketogenic therapy, and how that experience transformed her clinical practice. Today, her Brain Fog Recovery Program is helping individuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, early Alzheimer's, and more—many of whom are on disability and unable to access traditional care options.We at Baszucki Group were proud to offer a matching grant to help Nicole expand access to more people in need, and we’re happy to report that the matching goal has been reached between the time of recording and posting. However, that is not the end of the support needed to expand the capabilities and awareness of this life-changing program.Topics discussed:Why ketogenic therapy can be so effective for mental illnessHow Nicole’s program offers structured, compassionate supportHer nonprofit’s mission to serve low-income and disabled populationsWhat the fundraising campaign is doing to expand accessHow to sign up for the program or contribute to its growthExpert Featured:Nicole Laurent, LMHCResources Mentioned:Visit: https://www.every.org/brain-fog-recovery-source📩 Email for nonprofit access: nonprofit@mentalhealthketo.com📩 Email for private consultation: nicole@mentalhealthketo.comFollow 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.

In this conversation, Dr. Mark Horowitz, a psychiatrist and researcher specializing in medication withdrawal, shares his firsthand insights into the complexities of antidepressant tapering. He argues that current clinical guidelines severely underestimate the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, leading many patients to feel gaslit. Dr. Horowitz clarifies the critical distinction between withdrawal and relapse, highlights the need for improved research methodologies, and advocates for a more personalized approach to depression treatment, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes.

David Kessler, former FDA commissioner and author, dives deep into the crisis of visceral fat and its role in chronic health issues. He argues that ultra-processed foods are harming our biology and that addiction to these foods is misunderstood. Kessler shares his personal struggles with weight, stressing the importance of targeted dietary strategies like ketogenic diets. The conversation critiques current dietary guidelines, reveals the connection between metabolism and mental health, and warns that GLP-1 drugs are merely a short-term fix.

Dr. Ben Bikman, a metabolic health researcher and professor at BYU, discusses innovative ways to use GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. He suggests microdosing these drugs to curb cravings instead of high doses long-term. Bikman emphasizes the benefits of low-carb diets and the importance of habit changes for sustainable health. This approach aims to preserve muscle while facilitating fat loss, rethinking traditional obesity management as a temporary solution rather than a lifelong dependency on medication.

Dr. Cristina Nigro, a Neuroscience Program Officer at the Baszucki Group, dives into groundbreaking research on personalized nutrition. She reveals that blood sugar responses to foods can vary dramatically between individuals, spotlighting the study that categorized people as 'potato spikers' or 'grape spikers.' Further, she discusses how continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can tailor dietary guidelines and improve mental health management. By emphasizing our unique metabolic profiles, Nigro challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to diet and health.