Metabolic Health Summit

Recent research has explored how diet can influence mental health, particularly focusing on the ketogenic diet (KD) and its effects on mood and anxiety disorders. A comprehensive systematic review by Dietch and colleagues has highlighted some interesting findings that suggest potential benefits, although they emphasize the need for more rigorous studies. The Potential of Diet in Mental Health Treatment The review analyzed various studies involving low carbohydrate and ketogenic diets, mainly in adults with mood and anxiety disorders. Despite the diversity of the study types, some evidence supports the efficacy of the KD, particularly in conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. These benefits may include mood stabilization and reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms. Moreover, the KD can reduce inflammation in the brain, a contributing factor in several psychiatric disorders. Clinical Implications and Future Research The findings suggest that while the KD may offer some therapeutic benefits, there is a need for more rigorous randomized controlled trials to show clear benefits and any potential risks. This future research should seek to clarify which specific mood and anxiety disorders might benefit most from KD and identify any long-term implications of this dietary intervention. One of the main challenges highlighted by the review is the variability in diet definitions and adherence, complicating the ability to draw strong conclusions. Moreover, potential adverse effects and the risk of symptom relapse upon discontinuation of the diet are important considerations. In conclusion, while the KD shows promise as an adjunctive treatment for certain psychiatric disorders, more comprehensive studies are required to fully understand its potential and limitations. This area of nutritional psychiatry has a lot of promise for new therapeutic options for those with mood and anxiety disorders. Additional information and studies can be found in the review article here.

The Ketogenic Diet and Thyroid Cancer Thyroid cancer usually responds well to traditional treatments like surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression therapy. However, there is a subset of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) who develop resistance to radioactive iodine, known as radioiodine-refractory (RAIR) DTC, which is associated with limited therapeutic options and poor outcomes. Recent research published in The Oncologist investigates the metabolic differences between RAIR-DTC and non-RAIR DTC patients and explores the potential of acetoacetate (AcAc) and ketogenic diet (KD) in improving patient outcomes. Acetoacetate: A Promising Metabolic Modulator The study used liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to analyze the metabolite profiles of tissue samples from RAIR-DTC and non-RAIR DTC patients. AcAc, a primary ketone body, was found to be significantly lower in RAIR-DTC patients compared to their non-RAIR counterparts. AcAc is important for cellular metabolism and is produced under carbohydrate restriction via a KD or during starvation. The study showed that AcAc enhanced expression of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) and TSH receptor (TSHR) in thyroid cancer cells, which are crucial for iodine uptake and important for the efficacy of radioactive iodine therapy. Additionally, AcAc inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting cell death in thyroid cancer cells. Ketogenic Diet: A Viable Therapeutic Strategy The authors next explored the impact of a high-fat, low-carbohydrate KD on RAIR-DTC. In a mouse model, KD significantly raised serum AcAc levels and suppressed tumor growth. Tumors from mice on the KD showed decreased levels of Ki67, a marker of cell proliferation, and increased expression of NIS and TSHR, aligning with the in vitro findings. These results underscore the potential of KD as an adjunctive therapy for RAIR-DTC, leveraging metabolic modulation to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments, warranting the need for clinical trials to validate these findings. Read the study here: https://lnkd.in/gHnJYPWE

🎙️ We’ve just launched a new episode of The Metabolic Link and it’s a full presentation by Dr. Jeff Volek from Metabolic Health Summit 2024! In this episode, Dr. Jeff Volek, a pioneer in low-carb and ketogenic nutrition, dives into the Keto-Adapted Phenotype and its surprising impact on muscle performance and heart health. Did you know that keto-adapted athletes can maintain optimal glycogen levels without high-carb diets? Dr. Volek also shares fascinating research on how ketones enhance heart function, especially in those with heart failure: “A ketone-fueled heart functions more efficiently, improving cardiac output and providing protective effects—even in disease states like heart failure.”🔥 Key Topics Include: ✅ Keto’s impact on glycogen metabolism ✅ How ketones support muscle and heart health ✅ The surprising science of keto-adaptation Don’t miss this compelling episode! Listen to the lecture on any major podcast player or watch the full presentation with slides our YouTube channel by clicking the link below. 🔗 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gbrEG2jT #metabolichealth #ketosis #lowcarb #ketoadaptation #muscleperformance #hearthealth #themetaboliclink #nutritionscience

Ready to dive into the cutting edge of metabolic health research? On September 10th at 12pm PT/3pm ET, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Nick Norwitz on our medical education platform, The Metabolic Initiative, for a Live Q&A as a follow up to his podcast episode. Dr. Dominic D'Agostino and Victoria Field will host the session, and you'll be able to enjoy an intimate opportunity to engage with this emerging leader in metabolic health! Bring your burning questions about lean mass hyper responders, ketogenic and carnivore diets, obesity, sweeteners, and the microbiome! Register on The Metabolic Initiative to join for free! You'll also gain access to over 100 video lectures on metabolic health and therapy (including Dr. Norwitz’s MHS 2024 presentation), private ad-free episodes of our podcast The Metabolic Link, comprehensive reviews of the latest research in metabolic health, and much more! Click here to join the Q&A: https://lnkd.in/gGyvE33g Submit your questions: https://lnkd.in/gzNMacAa Check out Dr. Norwitz’s recent publications here: > Case report: Carnivore–ketogenic diet for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: a case series of 10 patients: https://lnkd.in/gKJ4WdfQ > Carbohydrate Restriction-Induced Elevations in LDL-Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis: The KETO Trial: https://lnkd.in/gDVikpJf

Ready to dive into the future of medicine? We've just released our newest episode of The Metabolic Link! Join Dr. Nick Norwitz, an emerging leader in the metabolic health field, as he explores groundbreaking shifts in personalized medicine and the evolution of metabolic research with host Dr. Dominic D'Agostino! This episode dives into the rise of individualized health protocols and the transformative potential of multiomics and continuous glucose monitoring. A passionate advocate for science communication and education, Dr. Norwitz shares his vision for how emerging technologies can empower individuals to take control of their metabolic health. In this clip, Dr. Norwitz predicts a revolutionary change in healthcare by advocating for a more personalized, data-driven approach. Whether you’re a medical professional, medical student, or health enthusiast, this episode offers a thought-provoking look into the next frontier of medicine. Listen on any major podcast player or watch the full episode on YouTube by visiting this link: https://lnkd.in/gjq4FztS

Join us for an in-depth exploration of individualized medicine with Dr. Kyle Gillett on Friday, August 23rd at 1pm PT/4pm ET! This exclusive Live Q&A session on The Metabolic Initiative’s medical education platform will dive into hormone optimization, precision medicine, Dr. Gillett’s six pillars of health, and much more! Dr. Gillett’s practice is a comprehensive blend of preventative medicine, aesthetics, sports medicine, hormone optimization, obstetrics and infertility, integrative medicine, and genomics-based precision medicine. His six-pillars of health- exercise, diet, sleep, stress management, sunlight, and spiritual well-being- form the foundation of his holistic approach to health. This session, hosted by Dr. Dominic D'Agostino and Victoria Field, is your gateway to The Metabolic Initiative platform, where your first 7 days of access are free (cancel anytime). As a member, you’ll also unlock access to over 100 video lectures on metabolic therapy, including Dr. Gillett’s recent presentation, Hormones 101. In this CME-eligible course, Dr. Gillett breaks down the science of sex hormones, covering hormone optimization, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and the underlying biology of androgens, estrogens, and progesterones. The course also highlights the critical role of lifestyle interventions in hormone management and dives into topics like androgen receptor sensitivity and testosterone management, making it an essential resource for clinicians looking to enhance their practice. Don’t miss this opportunity, space is limited! Register for your free trial to view Dr. Gillett’s new lecture, ask him questions during the Live Q&A, and enjoy ad-free private episodes of The Metabolic Link, along with in-depth reviews of the latest research in metabolic health. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gRvbh4pq

🚨 A new extra-special episode of The Metabolic Link is live! It’s a full presentation from Metabolic Health Summit 2024 by world-renowned Harvard psychiatrist, Dr. Christopher Palmer! We’re in the thick of a mental health crisis. In fact, mental health disorders now affect over a billion people globally, and the treatments we have often fall short. Our latest podcast episode with Dr. Palmer, dives deep into the complexities of mental health and introduces a groundbreaking theory that links mental disorders to metabolic dysfunction in the brain. This could change everything we know about treating mental illness! Join us as Dr. Palmer shares compelling research that could revolutionize mental health care. Topics covered include: ✅ The surge in prevalence of mental disorders ✅ Limitations of current treatments ✅ Metabolic dysfunction in the brain as a root cause ✅ Potential of the ketogenic diet and other new treatments Join us for an insightful exploration with Dr. Palmer as we examine how metabolism could reshape our understanding and treatment of mental health disorders. Listen to this episode on any major podcast player or watch the full episode with slides on our YouTube channel here: https://lnkd.in/dH2JS36U 👇Let us know below how you think metabolic therapy might change the future of mental health care?

We’ve just released a brand new episode of The Metabolic Link with Dr. Mary Newport! 🎙️ This week, join Dr. Dominic D'Agostino and Dr. Mary Newport MD as they uncover the fascinating link between infections, inflammation, and Alzheimer’s Disease. You’ll learn about Dr. Newport’s important work using ketogenic metabolic therapy and its potential to transform Alzheimer’s management. In this clip, Dom and Dr. Newport explore the potential role of pathogens like herpes simplex in the development of Alzheimer’s. Earlier in the episode, Dr. Newport also shares her personal and inspiring journey with her husband, Steve, whose battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s led her to discover the life-changing effects of MCT and coconut oil. Explore the vital role of nutrition, the promise of exogenous ketones, and how infections might be linked to Alzheimer’s. Watch the full episode on YouTube by visiting this link or listen on any major podcast player: https://lnkd.in/gWMCHY8M

Mitochondria, most well recognized for their role in energy production, also have a surprising role in controlling a process called apoptosis, or programmed cell suicide. This process is crucial for keeping our tissues healthy by getting rid of damaged or unnecessary cells. Picture mitochondria as the gatekeepers of cell survival. They have a family of proteins called Bcl-2 proteins, which come in two types: the ones that promote cell survival (anti-apoptotic) and the ones that encourage cell death (pro-apoptotic). Under normal conditions, the anti-apoptotic proteins, like Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, keep the cell alive by preventing the pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax and Bak, from initiating cell death. However, when a cell gets a signal that it's time to die—like DNA damage or lack of essential nutrients—it triggers the pro-apoptotic proteins. These pro-apoptotic proteins can overcome the anti-apoptotic ones, leading to a chain reaction. They change shape and poke holes in the outer membrane of the mitochondria. This step is like opening floodgates, releasing certain proteins like cytochrome c into the cell. Cytochrome c then acts as a signal for the cell to start its self-destruct sequence. It triggers the activation of enzymes called caspases, which break down the cell's components in an orderly manner. Other proteins released from the mitochondria, like Smac/DIABLO and AIF, help in this process by aiding caspase activation and causing DNA damage. Thus, mitochondria play a crucial role in deciding whether a cell lives or dies, which is why maintaining mitochondrial health is so important.

🎙️A new episode on metabolic therapy for serious mental illness is now live! On the latest episode of The Metabolic Link podcast, Victoria Field sits down with Dr. Deanna L. Kelly, PharmD, BCPP, an esteemed professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Kelly is pioneering nutritional interventions to treat serious mental illness and was leading a groundbreaking trial on the ketogenic diet for schizophrenia, the only inpatient study of its kind in the United States. Unfortunately, this privately funded trial was recently shut down by the Maryland Department of Health. You can support this important research by signing a petition organized by Harvard psychiatrist, Dr. Christopher Palmer, urging Maryland’s Health Secretary to reconsider her stance and permit this promising study to move forward. Despite this setback, Dr. Kelly's insights into metabolic therapies offer new pathways for treating serious mental illness. In this interview, you’ll be able to dive into a fascinating discussion on the intersection of metabolism and mental health, and the promising research on metabolic therapy for serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia. 🌟 Highlights Include: * Dr. Kelly's pioneering work in psychopharmacology and metabolic psychiatry * The ketogenic diet's potential to transform mental health care * Challenges and triumphs in clinical trials and patient care * Insights on personalized treatments and future directions in research To watch the full episode, click here or listen on any of your major podcast players: https://lnkd.in/gNDupxQf. Please also consider signing the petition by Dr. Palmer urging Maryland's health secretary to reconsider the decision to shut down this crucial trial: https://lnkd.in/g7X-aMYM If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on whichever platform you use to tune in. Thanks for watching and listening!