Discover how metabolic ketogenic therapy differs from the popular diet trend and its potential benefits for bipolar disorder. Is Ketogenic Therapy More Than a Fad? Is the ketogenic diet just a passing trend, or could it offer new options for those with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder? Managing this complex condition involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Yet, with around one-third of individuals finding conventional therapies insufficient, per research, exploring alternative therapies becomes crucial. Often mistaken for a fad weight loss craze, the ketogenic diet - or, more accurately, metabolic ketogenic therapy - actually stems from a medical regimen first developed to treat epilepsy more than a century ago. It was discovered that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet could mimic the effects of fasting, Supraketo which had been known to reduce seizure frequency in many people, especially children. Preliminary studies and Supraketo anecdotal evidence suggest that ketogenic therapy diets may help stabilize mood, reduce symptoms of depression, and potentially lessen the frequency and severity of mood swings in bipolar disorder.
Its potential for enhancing mental health is now capturing the attention of researchers and clinicians alike. To better understand this potential, we turned to Denise Potter, RDN, a seasoned dietician with more than three decades of experience, predominantly in ketogenic medical nutrition therapy. RELATED: Could Ketogenic Therapy be a Game Changer for Bipolar Disorder? Starting her career with pediatric epilepsy cases at the University of Michigan, Potter has expanded her expertise to her own practice at Advanced Ketogenic Therapies. Today, Potter’s work involves helping individuals use the ketogenic diet to address mental health and other medical conditions. She also engages in patient education, Supraketo Official collaborates on training programs for dietitians specializing in ketogenic therapies with Beth Zupec-Kania, RDN, and is developing a supportive community for her clients. Potter still hears ketogenic diet myths daily, so we asked her to dispel some of the most common misconceptions. "A lot of people have different impressions of what Supraketo Keto Pills is," says Potter.
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At its core, a ketogenic diet is one that allows your body to enter ketosis, a state where you’re burning fat to make ketones for fuel or brain energy. However, many people believe that as long as they’re only eating 20 grams of carbohydrates a day, they’ll automatically enter ketosis. "But if you’re consuming too many calories or too much protein, you’ll inhibit ketosis," Potter explains. There are also different types of ketogenic diets to consider. Potter outlines five variations, with intermittent fasting being a potential sixth type. These are listed by the Charlie Foundation for Ketogenic Therapies. Classic keto involves a very high-fat ratio and requires precise measuring. Modified keto maintains a high-fat ratio but is less strict. While it still requires measuring, the fat ratio is lower, and the goal isn’t to maintain the same extremely high-fat levels as classic keto. MCT oil diet is low carb, but 50 to 70 percent MCT oil, says Potter.
MCT stands for medium-chain triglyceride, a popular dietary supplement linked to increased energy and fat loss, per Cleveland Clinic. MCT is also found naturally in common keto foods like butter. Modified Atkins is not necessarily a keto diet but can still lead to ketosis, Potter explains. However, it requires following modified keto guidelines, and even then, some people may not enter ketosis on this diet. Low-glycemic index diet was coined by Potter’s colleague, dietician Heidi Pfeiffer, many years ago. It focuses on consuming low-glycemic index foods and tracking total carbohydrates instead of net carbs. Potter emphasizes that these diets are not all the same. In her practice, she often takes a modified approach to ketogenic therapy, incorporating MCT oil and focusing on low-glycemic index foods. One example of an individualized approach to ketogenic therapy is seen in the experience of advocate and author Dyane Harwood. After extensive research into metabolic psychiatry and her own personal journey, Harwood has been able to manage her postpartum bipolar disorder with a vegan form of ketogenic therapy.