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.

In one of his recent podcasts, GP and The Doctor Will See You Now author, Dr Amir Khan claims that cod liver oil is not the best source for omega-3 and it is best to consume algae oil instead.

He said, “I know it’s hard to believe that fish are not the real source of omega-3. They are basically like the middleman. This simply implies that fish don’t make their own omega-3. So where do they get it from?

"The real omega-3 factories are microscopic marine algae and phytoplankton, and fish build up those omega-3 by eating them in the food chain but it all starts with them. So when you take a fish oil supplement, you’re getting omega-3 second-hand.”

What Is Cod Liver Oil?

Extracted from the liver of cod fish, this oil is an incredibly efficient source of essential omega-3 fatty acids. It is also loaded with vitamins A and D. One tablespoon of cod liver oil delivers 170 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin D and 453 percent of vitamin A.

Vitamin A prevents cellular damage from oxidation, which contributes to the development of glaucoma while acids like DHA and EPA lower pressure and increase blood circulation in the eye, which also helps stall the progression of glaucoma.

Since cod liver oil contains both vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, it’s a powerful weapon in fighting cancer, as its anti-inflammatory properties help prevent cancer cell development, but it could also be used to treat cancer.

Cancerous tumors need to create new blood vessels to grow, a process called angiogenesis. Cod liver oil prevents angiogenesis and disrupts cancer cell reproduction, interfering with tumor growth.

One tablespoon of cod liver oil contains:

• Calories: 123
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 14 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Sugar: 0 grams

How Is Algae Oil Better?

Additionally, since it is produced in controlled environments (fermentation), algae oil is free from ocean-borne contaminants like mercury, PCBs, and microplastics that can accumulate in fish.

Moreover, while cod liver oil provides Vitamins A and D, algae oil provides a more concentrated source of omega-3 DHA, which is highly beneficial for brain and heart health.

Experts also note that algae oil is very high in omega-9 fatty acids, a type of monounsaturated fat that helps reduce inflammation and the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Pads are made of synthetic fibres that cause rashes and bacterial infections that further lead to serious problems such as Reproductive Tract Infections, skin irritation, Urinary Tract Infections and Bacterial Vaginosis.

Every month millions of synthetic pads are discarded and many suffer from serious menstrual hygiene problems. Officials note that about 70 percent of reproductive diseases in India are linked to poor menstrual hygiene, affecting nearly 120 million adolescent girls.

Dr Richa Singhal, senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, at Cloud Nine Hospital in Delhi's Patparganj notes: ''A sanitary pad's top-sheet contacts sensitive intimate skin for several days each month."

Poor hygiene, such as reusing unclean cloths or not changing materials frequently, causes infections and itching, rashes, foul odor can increase the chances of cervical cancer.

Here are some alternatives that can replace synthetic pads and prevent serious health issues:

Moringa PadsMoringa, also known as miracle tree, can be consumed in the form of powder, leaves or tablets. Used for its medicinal properties, it has as a 5,000-year history, deeply rooted in Ayurveda for medicinal use.

In modern times, gynaecologists recommend moringa based pads to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections during menstruation.

It is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which make it suitable for intimate areas and menstrual care.

Packed with high levels of Vitamin E and fatty acids which strengthen skin barriers and prevent chafing, viable for those who have extended periods. Rich in bioactive compounds, it supports vaginal health by balancing PH level making it suitable for menstrual pads.

These pads can reduce the risk of skin infections, UTIs and yeast infections.

Cotton Reusable Pads

Period Underwear

The switch from white sugar to natural sweeteners like honey, dates and coconut sugar are becoming popular as people grow more away of the side effects of refined sugar.

Among these, monk fruit stands out as a low-calorie alternative that supports metabolic health.

According to National Institutes of Health, consuming white sugar results in allergic reactions and severe metabolic effects and cardiovascular effects. Medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver diseases.

Monk fruit

Monk fruit sweeteners are produced by removing the seeds and skin, crushing the fruit, and then extracting its sweet portions into liquid and powdered forms. Its extracts are being used in sweeteners, packaged foods and beverages.

The International Food Information Council recommends this fruit-based sweetener to diabetic individuals to satisfy their desire for sweet taste while managing sugar intake.

Which Other Natural Sweeteners Can You Use?

Natural sugar is the naturally occurring sweetness in food, they are derived from natural sources like plants, fruits or tree ap, rather than being refined chemically.

They are packed with nutrients that help offset some of the negative aspects of the sugar content. They are comparatively less processed and contain lower glycemic acid which prevents sudden blood sugar spikes.

The key is not eliminating sugar from your diet but replacing it with healthier options like:

1. Fruit JuiceFruit juice is a healthier alternative when made without preservatives or added sugars, but fibre content is low compared to raw fruit.

Bananas, berries and mangoes are good as fruits that contain natural sweetness, they are packed with nutrients that boost immunity.

2. Honey and Maple Syrup

They act as an effective cough remedy and can be added to oatmeal, yogurt or act as a substitute of sugar in tea and coffee. It also helps in lowering blood pressure and stabilizing digestive health.

3. Dates and Rasins

Whole or powdered dates can be added to hot milk or even cakes to make them healthier.