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If you’ve been scrolling through health headlines lately, you’ve probably noticed a lot of noise about the keto diet. Some people swear by it. Others warn it’s extreme or unsustainable. And yet, there’s growing evidence that this high-fat, low-carb approach might have surprising benefits—not just for your waistline, but for your mental health too.

I know how confusing it can be when every week brings a new “miracle” diet. That’s what made my own experience with the keto diet so surprising: what began as an attempt to heal a lifetime of IBS soon revealed something unexpected—my clarity improved, my mood lifted, and I felt calmer in my own head. This personal shift sparked my curiosity and led me to explore the science behind how food affects the brain and mental wellbeing.

That experience opened my eyes to the possibility that food could influence mental clarity, mood, and overall wellbeing. Wanting to understand more, I was fortunate to do some training with psychiatrist Dr Georgia Eade, which deepened my insights into how nutrition and brain function are connected and reinforced how powerful a holistic approach to food and mental wellbeing can be.

As Dr Eade herself says, “The ketogenic diet is the most powerful therapeutic tool I have at my disposal.”

What Science Reveals About the Keto Diet

Scientists and clinicians are discovering inspiring links between the ketogenic diet and improvements in serious mental health conditions.

One noteworthy 2022 study co-authored by Dr Eade found that among 31 adults hospitalised for treatment-resistant conditions like major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder, a ketogenic diet led to remarkable outcomes:

• 43% of participants achieved clinical remission

• 64% left the hospital on fewer psychiatric medications

They also experienced improvements in weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, and triglycerides—a blend of mental and metabolic wellness. Read the study in Frontiers in Psychiatry

A technique pioneered in France by Dr Danan with support from Dr Eade empowered severely ill patients to follow a keto protocol of under 20 g of carbs daily. The results were striking. All 28 patients who stuck with it for more than two weeks showed improvements in symptoms, and nearly half achieved clinical remission, with consistent metabolic gains.

In the U.S., Stanford psychiatrist Dr Shebani Sethi conducted a small but telling study on adults with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who were on antipsychotics. After four months on a keto diet, 75% experienced notable reductions in psychiatric symptoms, along with improved metabolic health.

These findings are still early, but they echo what I noticed in my own life and what I hear from clients—the way we fuel our bodies can profoundly influence our minds.

Food as a tool for the mind

The keto diet may be controversial, but its potential for supporting mental wellbeing is worth noticing. Food isn’t just fuel—it can also nurture our brains and emotions. 

It’s not a magic cure—it takes time to heal the brain, and it’s definitely not for everyone. But for people struggling with persistent low mood, brain fog, or mood swings, it might be worth exploring under the guidance of a knowledgeable health professional.

If you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or just mentally foggy, remember: sometimes the answers lie in small, intentional changes. Exploring how your body and mind respond to different foods can be empowering—and surprisingly healing.

My thoughts on starting the keto diet

I always want to emphasise balance and self-compassion. Jumping into a strict diet overnight can feel stressful and overwhelming—especially if your brain is already feeling fragile. If you’re curious about keto for mental health, consider small, gradual changes. Experiment with replacing seed oils with healthy fats like avocado, butter, and lard, while reducing refined carbs and sugar. See how your energy, sleep, and mood respond.

And please, check in with a healthcare professional before making major changes—especially if you’re taking medication or have other health conditions. Your mental health is too important to leave to trial and error alone.

Curious about a calmer, more balanced approach?

Are you ready to explore the keto diet for your mental health—without the overwhelm? I offer holistic counselling that looks at the whole picture of your wellbeing, working alongside your GP or other health providers. Together we can explore gentle, sustainable changes that support both your emotional and physical health.