I just spent over 6 hours researching Depression and the Keto Diet. And what I found truly astounded me. I scoured the internet to see what I could find. And there was a lot of information but at the same time, there was not.
Studies Depression, Anxiety and the Keto Diet
Of all the studies and articles that I did read though they all had one consistent theme – the higher carb lifestyles are to blame for a lot of things.
That change came about when USDA changed the food pyramid to having people eat more whole grains and starches as the basis of their diets. And with that change, there was an increase in diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and a lot of gluten based diseases.
Also, the higher carb that people are eating has shown an influx of neuro disorders. Such as ADHD, Parkinson, Sleep disorders, Autism, Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia and Epilepsy.
There really has not been very many studies on humans and the effect of Keto in Depression and Anxiety. There has however been a quite a few on mice. And they have shown that mice that are on a keto style diet are more active and overall happy.
Keto & Inflammation
Now, I know many of you know that the Keto diet was used on Epileptic patients. That they found that reducing carb intake and increasing fats in epileptic pediatric patients help stop or reduce the number of seizures they have.
Dr. McMurray reported his findings in 1916 to the New York Medical Journal stating that since 1912 he had been treating his patients with fasting followed by a diet free of starch and sugar.
As studies have continued they have learned that following a Ketogenic diet reduces inflammation. Inflammation in the body is linked to some forms of Depression.
Keto & Blood Sugar
Also, studies show that having spiked blood sugar levels contribute to chronic inflammation. Which in turn caused a wide range of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
The different theories known on how consuming too much sugar contributes to developing depression namely that sugar causes serotonin crash. And that sugar increases brain inflammation and that sugar depresses the natural antidepressant brain-derived neurotrophic behavior.
Keto & Depression
There is no hard scientific evidence yet as I stated, but there is in rats and in testimonials from others. One Reddit user started a viral thread willilikeit Under the title “Depression is gone” wrote “Six months on keto. Have lost 40 pounds. But the best result is how I feel. I’ve gone from waking up with dread and fighting suicidal thoughts off and on most days, to feeling energetic, positive, and only a rare, passing, suicidal thoughts. It is night and day!”
After finding that comment. I looked up more on reddit. I love the proof there. Here is another that I loved. “TLDR : A very happen accident when trying keto was the discovery of how well it treats my depression. Give it a try if you feel depressed or anxious ???? “ (link to thread)
I loved reading through that thread. It is proof enough. I don’t need the scientists to tell me whether or not Keto helps with depression. I need real people to tell me. Ones not concerned with the lining their pockets with drug money from the prescriptions they want to put you on to help you with all that ails you.
Everyone knows that food is what fuels our bodies. And what we put into it is basically what we get back. So if you are putting junk in then that’s exactly what you’ll get back. If you put in clean whole foods you will feel a lot better.
My Opinion
Think about it though… if sugar causes spikes in blood sugar and your happy chemical serotonin crashes. Then removing sugar from your diet and food that causes your sugars to spike and only eating whole foods that keep your sugar levels at an even keel then wouldn’t that help with your anxiety and depression.
By reducing the inflammation in your body caused by those higher carb foods would help get rid of some of the unwanted pain which would help with moods. So, all in all, it is a win-win.
Start your Keto Journey now. Check out my Speed Keto Journey post.
Articles of Interest
Check out some of these articles for more information. They are really quite informative.
https://medium.com/@drstephanie/how-the-ketogenic-diet-helps-with-depression-d888e96b43a3
https://thenoakesfoundation.org/news/blog/the-ketogenic-diet-and-depression
https://bigthink.com/mind-brain/keto-diet-and-depression
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19969172/ketogenic-diet-depression/
