We specialize in improving mental health through metabolic healing. Our team of experts will guide you in using ketogenic ways of eating to improve your mental health.

About

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that often occur together and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It is characterized by a combination of factors, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist, abnormal cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance. This syndrome is commonly associated with sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, and obesity. If left untreated, metabolic syndrome can lead to serious health complications.

The Ketogenic Diet

Any diet that puts you in ketosis can be considered a ketogenic diet. Traditionally, it is a low-carbohydrate and high-fat eating plan, and has been shown to have a significant impact on metabolic syndrome. By restricting carbohydrate intake and increasing the consumption of healthy fats, the ketogenic diet helps the body enter a state of ketosis. In this state, the body utilizes ketones, produced from fat breakdown, as its primary source of energy instead of glucose. This metabolic shift leads to improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and better blood lipid profile. Studies have demonstrated that the ketogenic diet can effectively improve metabolic syndrome markers such as body weight, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and triglyceride levels. Most importantly to us, it improves mental health.

Improving Mental Health

You have likely heard of the amazing weight loss benefits of the ketogenic diet. You may also have heard about its ability to reverse type two diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, fight cancer and inflammation, and improve sleep quality.

Did you know that the ketogenic diet is also a cutting-edge therapy for mental health?

Psychiatrists are increasingly turning to the ketogenic diet as a potential treatment option for their patients. The ketogenic diet, which is characterized by low carbohydrate and high-fat intake, has shown amazing results in managing certain mental health conditions. By restricting carbohydrates, the body enters a state of ketosis, where it switches from using glucose as its primary fuel source to utilizing fat instead. This way of eating is much more similar to the way our early ancestors ate. This metabolic switch has neuroprotective effects, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. These benefits may help alleviate symptoms of conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and other conditions. Additionally, the ketogenic diet has been associated with improved energy levels, better sleep quality, and enhanced cognitive function. However, it is important to note that the ketogenic diet should be implemented under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as it may not be suitable for everyone and can have potential side effects.

Programs

Psychiatric Care Program

This 12 week program is for those in need of mental health support from our psychiatrist Christin McIntyre M.D., Ph.D.

(Available in Florida, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.)

$1,499 for 12 weeks

Metabolic Care Program

This 12 week program is for those who do not require the services of a mental health professional. Please note that this program can be suspended if it is determined that a professional healthcare provider is necessary. ​

$799 for 12 weeks

Metabolic Support Program

For those who have completed a Psychiatric or Metabolic Care Program listed above.

$100 per month or $1000 for a year

Anticipated additional costs

What to Expect

First, we will work together to examine not just your current diet, but also your relationship with food, your lifestyle and your habits. Next, we will come up with a plan tailored to your needs and desires. An initial goal will be for you to enter into ketosis through diet; however, many clients will find enough improvement even prior to entering ketosis that they may decide to adjust this goal. We will discuss supplements and other strategies that will help along the way, especially to avoid the “Keto Flu.”

You will learn how to monitor your glucose and ketones, and to understand what those measurements mean for your health. Additionally, we will discuss other lifestyle changes, including exercise and sleep habits, that will help you reach your goals.

You will be provided a plethora of meal plans and recipes. You will relearn how to shop for groceries. Perhaps most importantly, you will have the support of a nutrition specialist who has already gone on this journey. Truly, unless you have lived the ketogenic diet you cannot fully understand it, and very few health coaches understand the relationship between diet and mental health. At MMHC, all of our coaches have been through Dr. Georgia Ede’s “Ketogenic Diets for Mental Health Clinician Training Course” and have gained this understanding.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”

– credited to Hippocrates

Ketogenic Benefits You Can Expect

Questions

How many carbs can I have per day?

This varies from person to person; for example, my wife can maintain ketosis eating up to 50 grams of carbohydrate per day, while I myself need to stay closer to 20. Depending on your current metabolic condition you are likely going to find that 20 grams of net carbohydrate per day will have you comfortably in ketosis.

Can I stop my medication once I start feeling better?

Absolutely not!

Sorry for my curtness, but this is a very serious topic. Coming off psychiatric medication can pose significant risks and challenges for individuals. It is crucial to recognize that abruptly discontinuing medication without proper medical supervision can lead to serious adverse effects on mental health. These may include severe withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and even suicidal thoughts. Moreover, without the medication’s stabilizing effects, individuals may experience a relapse of their original mental health condition, leading to a worsening of symptoms and potential crisis situations. It is essential for individuals considering coming off any medication to consult with their prescribing physician to develop a gradual tapering plan, ensuring a safe and monitored transition. Close monitoring and support during this process are vital to minimize the potential dangers and facilitate a successful adjustment to life without medication.

Do I have to be in ketosis?

Possibly not. A low carb, not quite keto, diet offers numerous benefits for those looking to improve their health. It can be especially beneficial for individuals with obesity or those at risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes. Additionally, a low carb diet has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce cravings for unhealthy foods. It can also help lower triglyceride levels and increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, promoting heart health. Furthermore, a low carb diet may provide sustained energy levels throughout the day, preventing energy crashes and promoting better mental focus. It is likely that the more serious your mental health condition is, the more likely you are to require therapeutic ketosis in order to see meaningful improvements. You will learn about different levels of ketosis in your first metabolic counseling session.

Is this way of eating expensive?

The ketogenic diet, contrary to popular belief, can be relatively affordable. While it may seem that a diet focused primarily on animal products would be expensive, there are various ways to make it more budget-friendly. One of the key factors is buying in bulk. By purchasing larger quantities of meat, such as whole chickens or cuts of beef, you can save money in the long run. Additionally, opting for cheaper cuts of meat, like ground beef or chicken thighs, can significantly reduce costs. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that many experts consider ground beef to be a superior source of meat for a healthy diet, in part because it contains cartilage that would not otherwise be eaten.

Processed foods are undeniably costly. From the moment they hit the supermarket shelves, their prices reflect the extensive manufacturing processes they undergo. The convenience they offer, however, comes at a steep price. These pre-packaged items are often loaded with preservatives, artificial flavors, and unhealthy additives to prolong their shelf life and enhance their taste. These additional ingredients contribute to the higher price tag on processed foods. Moreover, the packaging and branding of these products, including eye-catching labels, flashy packaging and widespread ad campaigns, further increase their overall cost. While they may be tempting due to their convenience, it is important to consider both the financial and health implications of relying heavily on processed foods. Opting for fresh, whole foods can prove to be a more affordable and nutritious choice in the long run.

The ketogenic diet not only brings numerous health benefits but also provides significant financial advantages. Firstly, consuming nutritious food reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. This, in turn, leads to fewer medical expenses, lower insurance costs, and a decreased need for medications and time lost from work. Additionally, the ketogenic diet will enhance productivity and cognitive function, potentially leading to better job performance and potentially higher income. Moreover, by preparing meals at home using fresh ingredients, individuals can save money compared to constantly dining out or relying on convenience foods.

Resources

Where can I learn more about metabolic benefits for mental health?

I strongly recommend visiting the YouTube website: Metabolic Mind - YouTube and their website: Metabolic Mind as well as their benefactors: Baszucki Group - Toward the Greater Good

Two of the trail blazing psychiatrists in the field are:

Both have recently published groundbreaking books on the role of metabolism in mental health.

Research — Metabolic Psychiatry

Contact Us

To learn more, schedule a free consultation.