Fix Your Brain by Fixing Your Body: Metabolic Psychiatry Explained by Dr. Shebani Sethi
Mark Hyman
Sep 24, 2025
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Implement ketogenic diet to reverse metabolic syndrome and improve mental health
In a pilot study, a ketogenic diet for bipolar and schizophrenia patients reversed 100% of metabolic syndrome cases and dramatically reduced psychiatric symptoms in four months.
Address insulin resistance to reduce depression risk
Having insulin resistance doubles your risk of developing depression, even if you have had no previous psychiatric history.
Address cerebral glucose hypometabolism in mental health conditions
In conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, the brain can't use glucose for energy even when it's available, a state called cerebral glucose hypometabolism.
Combat insulin resistance to protect brain health
Insulin resistance in your body can lead to the degeneration and atrophy of brain neurons, structurally altering your brain over time.
Address four pillars of metabolic disease: plasticity, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction
Metabolic disease operates through four main mechanisms: loss of plasticity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Leverage Metformin for neuroprotection and enhanced psychiatric treatment
The diabetes drug Metformin crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it has a neuroprotective effect and can help psychiatric medications work better.
Monitor triglyceride-to-HDL ratio to assess depression severity
The triglyceride-to-HDL ratio is a biomarker strongly associated with both the severity and chronicity of depression.
Protect brain health by managing energy consumption
The brain makes up only 2% of our body weight but consumes 20% of our energy, making it extremely vulnerable to metabolic problems.
Utilize ketogenic diet to improve eating disorders
Contrary to conventional wisdom, a ketogenic diet is being studied for anorexia and has shown preliminary improvements in binge eating by changing neurocognition.
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