Keto diet comprises high fat, low carbohydrate, and moderate protein intake and is regarded potentially good for metabolism.
After a 4-month ketogenic regimen and standard treatment, a recent pilot study from Stanford Medicine also reported improved symptoms in patients with severe mental illness.
The new research further explores the potential psychological benefits of the diet for the general public based on these findings.
Medical News Today spoke with Jasmine Sawhne, MD, a board certified psychiatrist, who was not involved in the study. She explained how a keto diet may help with psychological well-being.
She noted: “(Keto) Diet could increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, promoting calmness and relaxation similar to the effects of benzodiazepines — medications used to treat various conditions, including anxiety.”
However, she also emphasised: “Future studies could benefit from incorporating biological markers to complement self-reported data, especially regarding neurotransmitter levels, stress hormones like cortisol, and gut microbiome composition.”
