“Going keto” seems to get more fashionable every year, but the low carb, the high-fat life is not without controversy. For example, some say that ketosis can trigger depression. Others claim the ketogenic diet increases mental health.
So is keto depression a thing? How does swapping carbs for fat really affect mental health?
Let’s dive deeper into the research on keto and depression. 🤓
Short answer? If something, keto could help relieve rather than cause depression.
Some things to know:
More research is needed to fully understand the link between keto and depression
It seems that ketogenic diets I might help manage depression symptom. But there are also anecdotal reports of keto depression: basically feeling low while on the ketogenic diet.
It’s no secret that what you eat can influence everything from hormones to cheer up. Investigate indicates that eating keto can ease epilepsy symptoms, but studies are ongoing on other benefits for the brain.
Here’s what we know so far about how keto affects mental health.
Increases GABA production
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter (a chemical that sends messages to the brain) that affects how your brain experiences stress and anxiety.
AN 2011 research review suggests that low GABA levels may cause or worsen depression. More recently, a little studio 2020 indicated that stimulating the production of GABA could relieve symptoms of depression.
So what stimulates GABA production? Yoga, apparently. But also ketosis.
Scientists are actively investigating whether a ketogenic diet could help the 30 per cent of people with major depressive disorder whose condition is resistant to drug-based therapies. Kind of cool, right?
Could improve mitochondrial functions
“The mitochondria is the nerve center of the cell.” — every high school biology teacher ever
As you can imagine, the energy source of your cells is a bit important. mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to many health problems, including depression.
But a keto diet It seems to have a positive impact on people with mitochondrial diseases. what about if He ketogenic diet turns out to be effective against mitochondrial dysfunction, diet could also improve depression caused by dysfunction.
More research is needed, but it’s a start!
Could decrease oxidative stress
Oxidative stress has been associated with a lot of problems, including depression. (Eat more antioxidantskids!)
There is something evidence what a ketogenic diet can reverse the damage of oxidative stress. In theory, this I might also relieve some symptoms of depression. But much more research is needed to learn more about this.
could regulate insulin
You probably know insulin as blood sugar patrol, but it can also alter your mood. And keto could help keep your levels in the safe zone.
insulin resistance plays a role in the development of major depression, especially in people living with type 2 diabetes.
is growing evidence that ketogenic restriction of sugar and starch could help address insulin resistance. Of course, we need more research to say that ketoThe effect of insulin can improve depressant symptoms, but there is a promising link.
could reduce inflammation
Chronic inflamation is associated with several health problems, including depression.
Inflammation I might they also increase the risk of insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. It even has a negative effect on the production of mood regulators like our good friend GABA.
As keen eyes will have noticed, these are all depression-related issues that keto I might Help with.
Even Better: How You Burn Energy on the Ketogenic Diet can be inherently anti-inflammatory.
More research is needed, but eating keto I might help prevent complications of inflammation that lead to depression or even prevent inflammation itself.
Probably not. But that doesn’t mean his feelings of sadness or irritability aren’t real.
Not everyone feels good while on keto. have you ever heard of keto headaches? Ketogenic breathing? And then there is the so-called ketogenic depression.
Let’s look at some possible explanations.
could be keto flu
What is a safe way to feel discouraged? keto flu.
The ketogenic diet aims to put your body into ketosis, which happens when you switch from burning carbs for energy to burning fat.
ketosis It is not easy for all bodies. Sometimes the transition may cause headaches, cramps, fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Then there’s the fact that ketogenic diets are often prescribed by doctors, which means that people on the diet may not always be that excited about it. Dissatisfaction with your food choices + flu-like symptoms = bad mood.
It may be a nutritional deficiency.
Drastically changing your diet can cause a sudden nutrient drop such as zinc, magnesium and selenium. Low levels of these micronutrients have been Linked to – you guessed it – depression.
Bottom line: Ketogenic depression is not a recognized medical condition. We don’t yet know if it’s a biological response to ketosis or a reaction to a restrictive and disruptive lifestyle change. Whether it is biologically, it could be due to micronutrient deficiencies.
Keto does not cause depression, but it can affect your energy levels and mood. If you have a case of the keto blues, you have options.
- Stop the diet. If eating keto makes you feel very sad, lethargic, or irritated, stop eating keto. If your doctor prescribed the diet for you, talk to him about alternatives. If you started it voluntarily, you can stop. Ketosis is not the only way to lose weight.
- Try the cyclical ketogenic diet (cycling carbohydrates). Don’t want the keto blues to hold you back? Try a lighter diet, like eating keto most of the week, but kick back for a day or two to reload on carbs.
- Get over the keto flu. The keto flu is not permanent. Your body will adapt and symptoms will subside. You can help shorten the duration by drinking plenty of electrolytes. fluids.
- Make it fun. None restrictive diet it can make you feel bad. And cutting out entire food groups (bye-bye, carbs) can lead to nutrient deficiencies. So stick to your favorite veggies, meats, and healthy fats. Investigate suggests that learning to cook can also help lift a low mood.
- Choose a different plan. Consider other less restrictive diets, such as Mediterranean diet. It is also good for the gut and the brain.
Keto does not cause depression, but it can still affect your mood.
The ketogenic diet can make you feel physically ill, especially if you don’t get enough nutrients. It is also quite restrictive. These factors can lead to the “keto blues” that some people report experiencing.
A growing body of research suggests ketogenic diets can help manage some depressive disorders. But more studies are needed to understand whether eating keto would benefit people with situational sadness, irritability, or mood dysregulation.
If you’re dealing with chronic sadness, irritability, or other signs of depression, it’s important to ask for help. A health professional can discuss possible treatments, including dietary changes that might help you feel better.
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