Growing scientific interest in the ketogenic diet’s effects on brain health

The ketogenic diet, known for its very low-carb approach, is gaining momentum in the scientific community for its potential to boost mental well-being by positively affecting the body’s metabolism. Harvard psychiatrists Dr. Georgia Ede and Dr. Chris Palmer are leading the charge in this area. At the University of Leiden, the Lifestyle Brain Interaction (LBI) group is delving deeper into how diet and lifestyle impact brain health.

We spoke with Femke van Doesburg, our senior scientific writer, but also a lifestyle expert outside her role at Winclove. She has been closely involved in one of these studies. She shares her personal experience with various diets, her gut health journey, and the key role of gut microbiota in brain health. 

Femke, what exactly is a ketogenic diet? 

“The ketogenic diet is high in fat, moderate in protein, and really low in carbohydrates. It gets your body into a state called ketosis. This isn’t something new; it actually has historical roots and was a common state during human evolution, especially in the Paleolithic era with hunter-gatherers. In ketosis, your body starts burning fat, or ketones, for fuel instead of carbohydrates. By shifting the brain’s main energy source from glucose to ketones, this diet can help optimize brain function, reduce inflammation, and stabilize brain networks.” 

How did this diet become so popular recently? 

“I believe this is mainly due to the work of two Harvard psychiatrists, Dr. Georgia Ede and Dr. Chris Palmer. Their books, Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind and Brain Energy, have already been translated into multiple languages.” 

What is the set-up and aim of the research you were part in and where does it stand? 

The study I was involved in, is still ongoing. It is looking at how different dietary interventions affect things like attention, mood, distractibility, and sleep quality, all through online self-reported questionnaires. On top of that, participants complete a cognitive computer task so the researchers can track their performance over time. Plus, they get guidance from lifestyle- experts to help them stick to their new diet.” 

Do you have personal experience with the ketogenic diet?

“Yes, a few years ago I started eating a ketogenic diet because I’m always interested in trying out new trends. I have to say, I felt more clear and  alert. Overall, I had a lot more energy, and I literally noticed more brain energy.” 

Are you still following the ketogenic diet? 
I’ve actually taken it a step further and now eat a carnivore diet. I have a specific gut issue that makes it hard for me to handle fiber. The interesting thing about a low carbohydrate diet is that the liver starts producing beta-hydroxybutyrate, which takes over the role of the butyrates produced out of fiber by bacteria in the gut. And we know that butyrate is really important for gut health. So, there’s definitely another link to gut health here.”  

Do you think the gut microbiota is involved here? 

There’s already solid evidence showing that certain gut bacteria can positively affect metabolic health, particularly by improving insulin resistance. Right now, though, scientists don’t have enough data on the long-term effects of a ketogenic diet on the gut microbiota. Researchers at James Cook University are looking into this link in a clinical study on ketogenic therapy for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, where they’re analysing changes in the gut microbiome during dietary interventions. So, we will have to wait for the results.” 

Do you see the mental effects of the ketogenic diet as support for the gut-brain axis? 

“Yes, absolutely. I experience it myself and hear it from others too. You’re less dependent on food, you’re not hungry all day, and you can focus better on other things. That’s a clear connection between what’s happening in your gut and your brain. It works the other way around too. When I am stressed, I tend to crave carbs, which is a physiological response. Then, I eat those carbs and it affects my gut and my brain energy negatively. So, the gut-brain connection definitely works both ways.”  

Do you think the ketogenic diet is a promising trend in this area? 

“The ketogenic diet has a lot to offer to the general public, but it can be challenging to maintain. Personally, I see it as having more therapeutic value. For those with conditions like depression or bipolar disorder, experiencing positive results makes it easier to stick with. However, for most people, simply reducing processed foods and lowering carbs can be very effective, without the need to enter ketosis. In my practice as a lifestyle expert, my personal advice to clients is, “cut the crap, rather than “cut the carbs.”