Is RFK Right About Saturated Fat? Here's the Truth

Is saturated fat really the villain it’s been made out to be? Or has decades of poor research and dietary policy misled us?In this video, Dr. Bret Scher dives into the controversy surrounding RFK Jr.'s call to remove the cap on saturated fat, and the Wall Street Journal’s misleading take on it.We explore:✅ Why saturated fat doesn’t just mean pizza and ice cream✅ The science behind whole foods vs. processed foods✅ How carbs, fats, and metabolic health interact✅ What the evidence really says about saturated fat and heart disease✅ Why individualized, whole-food diets matterRemoving the cap on saturated fat isn’t about giving fat a health halo, it's about making room for nutrient-dense, metabolically supportive diets.👉Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for more real conversations about metabolic health, metabolic psychiatry, and mental health: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind.#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine #SaturatedFatExpert Featured:Dr. Bret ScherBaszucki Group Medical Directorhttps://x.com/bschermdFree CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

Should LDL be treated? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher explains why the better question is who may benefit from LDL lowering, how aggressively it should be treated, and what outcomes matter most to the individual patient.Dr. Scher reviews two major trials that studied aggressive LDL lowering in very different populations. VESALIUS-CV looked at high-risk patients with serious vascular disease and found that adding a PCSK9 inhibitor reduced both cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. STAREE studied older adults without known cardiovascular disease and found fewer cardiac events with statin therapy, while overall survival and hospitalizations did not change. Disability-free survival also showed no differenceHe covers:Why LDL treatment depends on the person, not just the numberWhat VESALIUS-CV found in high-risk patients with vascular diseaseWhy STAREE tells a different story in older adults without known heart diseaseThe difference between reducing cardiac events and extending lifeWhy vascular disease should shape how aggressively LDL is treatedHow age, frailty, cognition, cancer risk, and independence affect the risk-benefit conversationWhy LDL may need a different discussion for someone using ketogenic therapyHow metabolic health, insulin resistance, and direct evidence of vascular disease fit into the decisionThese trials illustrate why LDL treatment should be individualized with a healthcare provider. For some patients, aggressive lowering may save lives. For others, the benefits may be smaller or less connected to the outcomes they care about most.🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.#LDL #CardiovascularHealth #MetabolicMind #MetabolicHealthExpert Featured:Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=enhttps://x.com/bschermdResources Mentioned:Effects of Evolocumab on Mortality Outcomes in Patients Without Previous Myocardial Infarction or Stroke: A Prespecified Analysis of the VESALIUS-CV Randomized Clinical Trialhttps://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.126.082436Atorvastatin, Cardiovascular Events, and Disability-free Survival in Older Adultshttps://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2607314https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzWI83-NWCL5V7N6MjywX5QbkVn9Svi3q&si=oKVT518X1u0rUcMkFree CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

Is it possible to follow a diet that’s both vegan and keto? And can a diet like that be used as part of a care plan for bipolar disorder? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with author and advocate Dyane Harwood about how she uses a vegan ketogenic diet as part of her treatment for postpartum bipolar disorder.Dyane shares how she first discovered vegan keto, why she started tracking ketones and net carbs, and what she eats in a typical day, from her vegan keto smoothie to tofu, avocado, nut butter, and carefully chosen supplements. She also discusses the practical challenges of vegan keto, including protein intake, B12, omega-3s, magnesium, vitamin D3, eating out, social pressure, and finding a clinical team that understands metabolic psychiatry.They cover:How Dyane discovered vegan keto for bipolar disorderWhy ketosis became more important to her than dietary labelsWhat a typical vegan keto day looks likeHow changing her protein intake affected her ketone levelsWhy tracking net carbs, glucose, and ketones helped her personalize the dietThe supplements she uses, including B12, DHA/EPA, magnesium, vitamin D3, and acetyl-L-carnitineWhat Dyane reports about changes in her energy, activity level, cravings, and moodWhy support, resources, and mentorship can make the process easierHow she thinks about progress, flexibility, and improving over timeDyane’s experience offers a personal example of how a vegan ketogenic diet can fit within a broader treatment plan. Her approach is practical and grounded in the idea that progress can start before everything feels perfect.👉 Learn more about vegan and vegetarian ketogenic approaches on our blog: Is Vegetarian or Vegan Ketogenic Therapy Possible?🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.#VeganKeto #BipolarDisorder #MetabolicPsychiatry #MetabolicMindExpert Featured:Dyane Harwoodhttps://dyane92.wixsite.com/dyaneharwoodhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dyane-harwood-b41a741b8/https://www.instagram.com/dyaneharwood/Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

Can therapeutic ketosis be considered for type 1 diabetes and bipolar disorder? In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher and producer Erica Gerard answer viewer questions about ketogenic therapy, type 1 diabetes, Parkinson’s medications, omega-3s, fasting, protein intake, metabolic rate, and why some protein foods are more filling than others.They cover:The association between type 1 diabetes and serious mental illnessWhy ketogenic therapy may be possible for some people living with type 1 diabetes, but only with careful medical supervisionHow Parkinson’s medications can interact with protein timingWhether cooking salmon changes the benefits of omega-3 fatsHow intermittent fasting can affect protein intake and ketone levelsWhy MCT oil in coffee may change the meaning of a “fast”What basal metabolic rate means and how ketogenic diets may affect itWhy a protein shake may feel less satisfying than meat, even with the same grams of proteinFrom medication timing to protein needs, this episode explores why metabolic therapies work best when they are personalized, measured, and guided by the realities of each person’s health goals and daily life.🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listenersNo purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicineExpert Featured:Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=enhttps://x.com/bschermdFree CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

A red flag next to your LDL number can feel alarming, but LDL is only one part of a much larger cardiovascular risk picture. In this episode of Metabolic Mind, cardiologist and lipidologist Dr. Bret Scher explains how to read a cholesterol panel with more context and less fear.Dr. Scher walks through LDL, triglycerides, HDL, non-HDL cholesterol, ApoB, Lp(a), and the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio. He also explains how the 2026 cholesterol guidelines use the PREVENT risk calculator, where LDL targets currently stand, and why individual risk factors, metabolic health, family history, and direct measures of vascular disease can change the conversation.He covers:Why LDL should not be read in isolationWhat triglycerides and HDL can reveal about metabolic healthWhy Dr. Scher pays attention to the triglyceride-to-HDL ratioWhen LDL above 190 may raise concern for familial hypercholesterolemiaWhy Lp(a) should be measured at least once in adulthoodHow ApoB differs from LDL cholesterolWhat the PREVENT risk calculator includesHow coronary calcium scans and CT angiograms act as tools that may help refine riskWhy LDL targets vary by risk categoryWhy metabolic health, insulin resistance, and individual preferences and priorities should be part of the discussionA cholesterol panel can start a thoughtful conversation with your healthcare provider. One number rarely tells the whole story, and better decisions come from looking at the full cardiometabolic picture.🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listenersNo purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #Cholesterol #HeartHealthExpert Featured:Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=enhttps://x.com/bschermdFree CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

Can carnivore and vegan diets both be used as ketogenic therapies?In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with registered dietitian Denise Potter about two widely debated approaches to nutrition. They explore how each can be evaluated when someone is considering a ketogenic diet to support psychiatric, neurological, or metabolic health.Denise brings more than 30 years of clinical experience, including approximately 20 years working with medical ketogenic therapies. She explains the importance of risk-benefit analysis, how clinicians can assess potential nutrient gaps, and how lab testing, supplementation when indicated, and individualized support may help identify and manage potential risks.They cover:The difference between a carnivore diet and a carnivore ketogenic dietWhy some people report mental and physical health improvements with carnivore ketogenic approachesCommon questions about vitamin C, iodine, electrolytes, fiber, calcium, omega-3s, and LDLWhy bowel habits and the microbiome require clinical contextHow a vegan ketogenic diet can be formulated, including Denise’s recommendation to pay close attention to B12 supplementationProtein quality, bioavailability, and amino acid considerations in vegan ketogenic dietsThe role of tracking, lab work, and follow-up testingHow clinicians can evaluate restrictive dietary patterns through a medical risk-benefit lensThis conversation offers a practical look at how different ketogenic approaches may be designed, monitored, and adjusted with individualized guidance and appropriate clinical support.💡 Whether you’re considering a carnivore ketogenic approach or a more plant-based one, the quality of the diet itself can make a significant difference in outcomes. Learn more about what a well-formulated ketogenic diet looks like on our blog: metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/well-formulated-ketogenic-diet/🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listenersNo purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #VeganKeto #CarnivoreExpert Featured:Denise Potter RDN, CDCEShttps://advancedketogenictherapies.com/https://www.facebook.com/PotterDietitianConsulting/https://www.instagram.com/advancedketogenictherapies/https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-ketogenic-therapies/Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

Animal-sourced foods are often framed as a problem for human health and environmental sustainability. In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with forage agronomist and ruminant nutritionist Peter Ballerstedt, PhD (@GrassBased) about livestock, malnutrition, chronic disease, and why restoring metabolic health may require a broader conversation about nutrition and sustainability.Peter shares his reaction to The Cholesterol Code documentary and explains why its message extends beyond cholesterol. He discusses how animal-sourced foods can fit into dietary patterns that may help restore metabolic health, why malnutrition can exist even when calories are abundant, and why the health impact of food deserves a place in the sustainability conversation.They cover:Why diet and metabolic health matter for rural communitiesHow animal-sourced foods may support health restorationWhy LDL can be one part of a broader health conversationHow obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction can reflect malnutritionWhy calories and nutrition are not the same thingHow protein quality and indispensable amino acids shape the food systems debateWhy livestock and ruminants may play an important role in sustainable agricultureWhy restoring metabolic health may require different strategies than maintaining itThis conversation offers a deeper look at animal-sourced foods, metabolic health, and sustainability in a world where chronic illness and metabolic dysfunction are increasingly common.🎥 Watch The Cholesterol Code documentary and join the conversation shaping the future of metabolic health: amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0GS8ZFCYN/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listenersNo purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.#MetabolicMind #TheCholesterolCode #HeartHealthExpert Featured:Peter Ballerstedt, PhDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/peterballerstedthttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-Ballerstedthttps://x.com/GrassBasedhttps://www.instagram.com/grassbased/?hl=enFree CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

The terms “low-carb” and “ketogenic” are often used interchangeably, but are they the same thing?Not quite.A low-carb diet can be a powerful tool for improving blood sugar, triglycerides, insulin levels, inflammation, and overall metabolic health. Ketogenic diets, on the other hand, involve a deeper level of carbohydrate reduction that shifts the body into nutritional ketosis, where ketones become a significant source of fuel for the brain and body.That metabolic shift can be especially relevant when ketosis itself is part of the therapeutic goal.In this video, Dr. Bret Scher walks through:How low-carb and ketogenic diets are typically definedThe amount of carbohydrate that may support nutritional ketosisWhat changes in the body once ketone production increasesHow each approach may be used for different metabolic goalsWhy ketosis is being studied for serious mental illness and other brain-based conditionsHow clearer terminology can help people set more realistic expectationsThe right level of carbohydrate reduction depends on the person, the condition being addressed, and the intended outcome. Someone looking to improve general metabolic health may do very well with a low-carb approach. Someone using ketogenic therapy for a clinical purpose may need closer monitoring, greater precision, and support from an experienced healthcare team.Understanding which approach you’re following gives you a clearer way to track progress, interpret results, and discuss next steps with your clinician.👉 Learn more about ketogenic therapy and how it may support mental illness on our blog: What is Ketogenic Therapy? A Comprehensive Guide🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listenersNo purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #LowCarbExpert Featured:Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=enhttps://x.com/bschermdFree CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

Starting college can change almost everything about your routine, including how, when, and what you eat. For students using ketogenic therapy as part of their mental health treatment, that transition can take some planning.In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with licensed mental health counselor Nicole Laurent about how students using ketogenic therapy with clinical support can navigate a college setting, where dining halls, dorm rooms, busy schedules, social events, and limited budgets can all affect food choices.Nicole shares practical ideas for:Keeping simple foods that support nutritional ketosis in a dorm roomMaking dining hall options workPlanning ahead for busy weeksUsing meal prep or delivery services strategicallyTalking with roommates and friends about dietary choicesAsking for support when staying consistent gets difficultThey also talk about the importance of paying attention to food quality. For students who are not using ketogenic therapy, reducing ultra-processed foods and eating more whole foods may still be a meaningful place to start.If ketogenic therapy is part of a student’s mental health care plan, the transition to college may require some adjustments. Planning ahead, building a support system, and working with an experienced care team can help students stay consistent as their routines and environment change.If you’re using ketogenic therapy for a psychiatric condition, work closely with an experienced healthcare provider before making treatment changes.👉 Looking for more back-to-school mental health resources for college students? Explore our Back to School blog for stories, science, and practical support for navigating campus life: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/stories/back-to-school-metabolic-mental-health-guide/🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listenersNo purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.Expert Featured:Nicole Laurent, LMHChttps://x.com/KetoCounselorhttps://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthketo/https://mentalhealthketo.com/Resources Mentioned:Additional resourceshttps://mentalhealthketo.com/2025/04/17/dorm-room-keto-for-mental-health/Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

Every day, we make choices about what to eat. But how often do we realize how deeply these choices affect both our physical and mental health?Today, an estimated 93% of adults in America are showing signs of poor metabolic health, which is a major contributor to many chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and many psychiatric disorders.The good news is that more people are recognizing the powerful role food plays in metabolic health. But with all the conversations about what to do next, like limiting ultra-processed foods or reconsidering saturated fat guidelines, are we overlooking one of the most impactful steps we can take?In this video, cardiologist Dr. Bret Scher explores why focusing on reducing or eliminating ultra‑processed carbohydrates may be one of the most powerful ways to address the chronic disease epidemic.Dr. Scher breaks down:What refined carbohydrates are and how they can wreck metabolic healthHow constant glucose spikes and crashes can fuel hunger, fatigue, and poor moodWhat insulin resistance is, how it develops, common symptoms, and how it contributes to chronic diseasesHow visceral fat packs on and contributes to chronic diseaseWhy we can’t stop eating refined carbohydratesWhy low fat and high carb diets don’t work for most peopleWhat the science says about cutting processed carbsPractical advice on how to eat to improve metabolic health🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listenersNo purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited.Expert Featured:Dr. Bret ScherBaszucki Group Medical Directorhttps://x.com/bschermdFree CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.