Ketogenic diet: Can it improve bipolar disorder symptoms?

Hello everyone! 😊

A new study has found that a ketogenic diet may have mental and physical health benefits for people living with bipolar disorder. The research used brain imaging to show how ketosis (a metabolic state induced by a low-carb, high-fat diet) might help regulate brain function in bipolar disorder.

✔️ Participants who followed the ketogenic diet for 6–8 weeks reported improvements in mood, energy, anxiety, and impulsivity.

✔️ Neuroimaging showed changes in brain metabolism linked to lower excitatory neurotransmitter activity, which may help stabilize mood.

✔️ Many participants also experienced weight loss and improved metabolic markers, which are often affected by bipolar medications.

Have you ever tried dietary changes to manage bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions?

What do you think about metabolic approaches to mental health treatment?

Would you be open to trying a ketogenic diet if more research supported its benefits?

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This study is just the beginning, but it opens the door to exciting new possibilities for mental health care. Let’s share our thoughts and experiences! 💬

Take care,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

Source: Campbell, I. H., Needham, N., Grossi, H., Kamenska, I., Luz, S., Sheehan, S., … Smith, D. J. (2025). A pilot study of a ketogenic diet in bipolar disorder: clinical, metabolic and magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings. BJPsych Open, 11(2), e34.