A revolutionary study published in BJPsych Open has revealed compelling evidence that a ketogenic diet can have a major impact on mental and physical well-being in bipolar disorder patients. The study, conducted by Dr. Iain Campbell, PhD, Baszucki Metabolic Psychiatry Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, investigates how a metabolic-based intervention might represent an exciting new strategy for treating this serious mental illness.

The research is the first in Europe to use neuroimaging methods, namely magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), to investigate changes in brain metabolism in people with bipolar disorder after a ketogenic diet. The imaging findings revealed decreases in excitatory neurotransmitters, which are normally increased in bipolar disorder. This indicates that the ketogenic diet can stabilize brain activity, possibly reducing mood swings and other symptoms of the condition.

The trial involved 27 participants diagnosed with bipolar disorder, 20 of whom successfully completed the 6-8 week program. A staggering 91% of these individuals maintained ketosis, the metabolic state where the body primarily burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. Those who provided consistent daily ketone and mental health assessments reported notable improvements in mood, energy levels, anxiety, and impulsivity.

Dr. Campbell, who personally adheres to a ketogenic diet himself in order to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder, discussed the importance of these results:

"We saw indicators of diminished excitotoxicity in the brain regions most implicated in bipolar disorder. These findings are consistent with the metabolic overdrive hypothesis that postulates energy dysregulation within the brain as central to the disorder. Treating the dysregulation by means of a ketogenic diet could be a game-changer in treatment-resistant patients.

Aside from the scientific evidence, personal accounts of study participants underscore the life-altering effect of a ketogenic diet.

"Quite literally, for the first time in years, I felt like my brain was finally fueled correctly," explained a participant.

Another participant called the diet "a lifeline, restoring my energy and sense of hope. I felt like I was finally healing my mind, not just coping with my bipolar symptoms."

One of the very vivid accounts described the impact of ketosis in terms of a relaxing mental atmosphere:

"Applying a ketogenic diet is akin to giving my mind a nice warm bath. The edginess disappears. I am more calm, more clear, and my brain function is restored again."

Aside from the psychological benefits of the study, the ketogenic diet was also seen to have beneficial effects on participants' physical health. Nineteen out of the 20 trial completers lost a total of 9.3 pounds (4.2 kg) on average and showed improvements in body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure.

These results are noteworthy in that numerous treatments for bipolar disorder, such as mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications, have been linked to metabolic side effects of weight gain and risk of cardiovascular disease. In contributing to the reduction of such risks, a ketogenic diet may provide a double dividend for patients with bipolar disorder.

Link Between Metabolism and Bipolar Disorder

Although the ketogenic diet has previously been known largely for its utility in treating epilepsy that is treatment-resistant, it is a somewhat new area to explore in conditions of psychiatry such as in bipolar disorder. It has come to be known that metabolic imbalance is an underlying factor in causing psychiatric disorders as energy production deficiencies have been recognized to contribute towards neural excitability and mood disruption.

One of the important findings of the study is that people with bipolar disorder tend to have sodium levels higher than usual within their cells. Lithium, a standard mood stabilizer, acts partly by reducing these sodium levels. The ketogenic diet seems to do the same thing, offering a metabolic explanation for its beneficial effect on mood stabilization.

What Is a Ketogenic Diet?

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that changes the body's main source of energy from glucose to ketones. As carbohydrate consumption is significantly decreased, the liver breaks down fats into ketones, which can be used as a substitute fuel by the brain and body.

First developed in the 1920s as a therapy for epilepsy, the ketogenic diet has been researched for its therapeutic applications in a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and most recently, bipolar disorder.

There's a critical need for bigger replication studies and well-designed randomized clinical trials to follow up on these findings," added Dr. Campbell. "Our findings indicate that a ketogenic diet may be a useful adjunctive treatment for bipolar disorder, bringing new promise to patients who have difficulty with standard therapies.

Water Stacking, a new term , a new trend comes up, after we have already reached the peak of "maxxing". If you have been keeping up with social media wellness trend, then you must be aware of the water stacking trend. For the uninitiated, this is a viral #WaterTok trend which started on the social media platform TikTok, that involves elevating plain water with various supplements, electrolytes, collagen, and flavoring the enhance hydration. For those who struggle to drink water and keep themselves hydrated, this is a trend which could help them stay on top of their hydration game.

Who Created Water Stacking Trend?

The trend was created by food scientist and content creator Jeffrey Ma. Ma says stacked water is a combination of different functional ingredients and juices added to water that enhances the hydration experience. Ma has worked in natural product industry for more than a decade and this is how he has come up with this idea that lets you get all your nutrients, simply through water.

In an interview with Vogue, he says, "It really came from me being lazy and wanting to mix everything into one tasty all-in-one drink." How did he come up with the ingredients, you ask? This is his answer: "I'm in my mid-30s and once you get past your 20s, it feels like there are more preventative supplements to think about (collagen for skin, joints and hair; vitamin C for immunity; fiber; protein; creatine; probiotics; electrolytes), while also trying to eat enough fruit and drink enough water each day. At the same time, I was working out a lot for Hyrox (a fitness competition), running, playing pickleball, and doing HIIT, so I genuinely needed daily electrolytes."

Read: Why The Social Media Trend Of Parents Shaving Children's Facial Hair Could Go Wrong

How To Make Your Own Stacked Water?

Think of it as a detox drink. You can customize your drink as per your needs. A bottle of stacked water does not have to be the same for everyone. Yours might include the nutrients you need, whereas someone else could have a completely different set of ingredient. The aim is to ensure that you get all your nutrients and the tasty water will make it easier for you to stay hydrated.

Jeffrey Ma on his Instagram (@heyjeffreyhouse) shared how people can use ingredients to make their own stacked water:

• Blended carrot
• 2 tsp Collagen peptides
• Lime or orange juice
• 1 Yakult
• 1 scoop creatine (optional)
• ½ tsp sea salt for electrolytes
• ½ tsp vanilla
• Lots of ice
• Just mix everything, and your stacked water is ready

You can customize your drink using chia seeds to add more fiber or chopped fruits to give it a little texture. The best part? It suits best for a summertime drink!

Note: Please consult your nutritionist and doctor before adding any extra supplements or nutrients to your daily water intake. Health and Me Does NOT promote a user-generated content as a substitute for medically verified hydration techniques.

David Protein Bars is facing a lawsuit that alleged that the company misrepresented the calorie and fat contents. It is a challenge for a company which is known for catering health-conscious customers.

The complaint was filed on January 23 in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. Three individuals who bought David bars claimed that the protein bars contained "way more" calories and fat than the label noted.

Also Read: What Is the Viral Water Stacking Trend?

As per CBS News, independent and third-party testing used a method called Atwater factors. The result showed that the number of calories exceeded the amount listed on the label as much as by 83 per cent.

Fat Content In David Protein Bars

The lawsuit alleged that David Protein underestimated the fat content, as the testing revealed that the fat content exceeded by as much as 400 per cent.

As per the David Protein's website and the product label, the bar is supposed to contain 150 calories, 28 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar. The lawsuit also stated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines that dictate that a product is misbranded if the "nutrient content of the composite is greater than 20% in excess of the value for that nutrient declared on the label."

The lawsuit names Linus Technologies as the primary defendant. The nutrition-focused company was founded by entrepreneur Peter Rahal in 2023, according to market intelligence platform Tracxn. It operates under the brand name David Protein.

Neither Linus Technologies nor David Protein immediately responded to requests for comment as reported by CBS News. However, on Wednesday the company posted a statement on Instagram that said, “No one is getting Regina Georged,” referencing the film Mean Girls, where the character Cady Heron tricks Regina George into eating a protein bar that leads to weight gain.

After the lawsuit was filed in January, Rahal told Vanity Fair that the company stands by the accuracy of its product labeling and plans to strongly contest the claim.

The David Protein bar was launched in 2024. According to Forbes, its name is inspired by Michelangelo’s famous 16th-century sculpture David.

The bars are sold in several flavors, including chocolate chip cookie and fudge brownie. A pack of 12 bars retails for $39, which works out to about $3.25 per bar.

Clear Information On Labels

FDA last year announced that in the coming next few years, food manufacturers have to put nutritional labels on the front of packaged foods. This proposal by FDA comes in the content of chronic diseases and the need for combating the same. The front-of-package labels are required for "most packaged foods", said the announcement.

Read: FDA Wants Nutrition Labels Of Saturated Fat, Sodium, And Added Sugar On Food Packaging

This announcement makes it easier for the customer to read the nutrition box that could otherwise go unnoticed, with many thinking that they are consuming something healthy. In most cases nutrition boxes are placed behind the packaging, and many ignore the content and thus continue to consume products with the presumption that it is healthy.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious, long-term condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood effectively, while placing immense strain on the cardiovascular system, leading to heart disease and chronic inflammation.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), for CKD patients, food becomes more than just an energy source; health is determined not only by foods but also by their quality.

There is no universal diet for people with CKD. In its early stages, dietary restrictions may be minimal. But as the disease progresses, patients often need to adjust their dietary choices and intake.

Experts advise people with CKD to work closely with a healthcare professional or dietitian. Nutritional needs can shift as kidney function changes and personalized guidance ensures that patients receive adequate calories while avoiding foods that strain the kidneys.

1. Salt And Sodium

Doctors recommend reducing sodium intake as the most effective way to lower the pressure on these organs while preventing fluid buildup in the body. Additionally, cooking meals from scratch using natural alternatives like fresh herbs and spices provides flavor while significantly reducing systemic strain and helps maintain stable fluid levels.

2. Protein

Balancing protein intake is a delicate decision for those with CKD. While protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, its metabolism creates a waste product called urea. When kidneys are functioning well, they easily flush this nitrogen-based waste from the blood. However, in patients with kidney disease, this process becomes significantly impaired.

As a result, it puts an unnecessary burden on the remaining functional units of the kidney accelerate further damage. Therefore, shifting toward plant-based proteins, which are typically easier for the body to process than the high-phosphate proteins, is a good choice.

It is important to note, though, that this approach is not best for those undergoing dialysis treatment, as they require increased protein to compensate for the significant amount lost during the treatment process.

3. Potassium

Potassium plays a vital role in helping muscles and nerves function properly but can become a serious health risk when damaged kidneys are unable to remove the excess from the blood. This messes up with electrical signals that control the heart's rhythm, which may lead to dangerous heart palpitations or even sudden cardiac arrest.

Moreover, potassium is hidden in many healthy-looking foods like bananas and potatoes; patients must be extremely cautious with their dietary choices. That's why it's good to consult a doctor who may recommend specific preparation techniques, such as leaching or boiling vegetables in large amounts of water, to pull the potassium out before eating. Managing intake through careful food selection and modified cooking methods is a fundamental step in preventing life-threatening complications.

4. Phosphorus

As a result, phosphorus levels in the blood skyrocket, and the body begins to pull calcium out of the bones to compensate leading to osteoporosis.

Furthermore, this excess mineral buildup can settle in the blood vessels, causing them to stiffen and increasing the risk of heart disease. Therefore, patients need to prioritize fresh foods and carefully check ingredient labels for hidden additives to protect both their skeletal and cardiovascular systems.

5. Daily Fluid Intake

6. Heart-healthy Fats

The heart and the kidneys have an interconnected relationship. While the kidneys clean the blood from waste, the heart circulates that blood to the body. However, in CKD patients kidney fail to do so, the heart would be working too hard, leading to chronic inflammation with toxins in the blood.

That's why dieticians suggest not eating saturated fat foods such as butter, fried food and fatty meats, creating blockages called cholesterol in blood vessels, making it harder to let blood flow freely. whereas heart-healthy foods such as fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil help in smooth blood flow.

7. Eat Enough Calories

Additionally, inadequate nutrition causes extreme fatigue, weakened immunity and fatal nutrient imbalances. Dietitians encourage patients to obtain energy from nutritious foods so the body maintains strength while coping with the disease.