Tl;Dr
Mental disorders often stem from metabolic dysfunction, particularly mitochondrial impairment.
Trauma survivors frequently suffer from mitochondrial imbalances, leading to both physical and mental health challenges.
Medications for mental disorders can harm mitochondrial function, causing side effects like weight gain and diabetes.
A whole food, low-glycemic diet, potentially ketogenic, supports mitochondrial repair and mental health.
Neurons and glial cells have distinct energy preferences, and balancing them can optimize brain function.
Connections to trauma, medication, brain, diet, and ketosis
Origins
Trauma-Induced Changes: Survivors of trauma are more prone to metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Trauma forces the body into a prolonged stress response, impairing mitochondrial repair and restoration.
Medication Impact: Medications like antipsychotics and antidepressants, while managing symptoms, often damage mitochondria. This contributes to metabolic side effects, including significant weight gain and a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Statins & Cognitive Risks: Statin drugs, used for cholesterol management, are highly toxic to mitochondria, potentially causing acute mental changes, personality shifts, and a heightened risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Dependencies
Dietary Interventions: A clean, whole-food, low-glycemic diet is critical for repairing mitochondria and improving mental health. Incorporating ketogenic practices and intermittent fasting can accelerate mitochondrial recovery.
Brain Energy Preferences: Neurons thrive on ketones, while glial cells use glucose for cleanup and repair. Striking a balance in energy sources through diet can activate brain repair processes while reducing immune system overactivation.
Ketosis & Mental Disorders: Strict ketogenic diets may be necessary for remission in mental disorders like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, stabilizing brain function and improving symptom management.
Consequences
Mental Health Decline: Impaired mitochondria affect brain energy balance, contributing to cognitive dysfunction, emotional instability, and the persistence of mental disorders.
Chronic Medication Side Effects: Prolonged medication use without addressing mitochondrial health worsens metabolic issues, increasing the burden on physical and mental health.
Cellular Resilience: By neglecting to support mitochondrial function, the body becomes less resilient to stress and more prone to chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and diabetes.
ACCELERATE CARE
Adopt a Whole Food Diet: Eliminate processed foods and artificial additives in favor of a nutrient-dense, low-glycemic diet to support mitochondrial repair.
Experiment with Ketogenic Diets: For severe mental disorders, consider a temporary ketogenic diet combined with intermittent fasting to improve mitochondrial function.
Heal from Trauma: Support mitochondrial health through diet, exercise, and mindfulness practices to mitigate the lasting effects of trauma on metabolism and mental health.
Monitor Medication Side Effects: Be proactive in discussing potential mitochondrial damage from medications with your healthcare provider and explore alternative treatments if appropriate.
Rethink Statin Use: If on statins, assess their impact on your mitochondrial and cognitive health with your doctor, and explore dietary solutions for cholesterol management.
Ask your medical/healthcare professional or AI agent
Can we check if the medications I’m on (like antidepressants, antipsychotics, or statins) are affecting my brain energy or contributing to symptoms like fatigue or brain fog?
Would a therapeutic ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting be appropriate for me to support my brain and metabolic health — and how should I approach it safely?
What tests should I do to check for signs of mitochondrial damage or metabolic dysfunction?
Some tough-love 💕
Three things you did today to fuel your mental disorder?
Sources
Dave Asprey - How Your Mitochondria Control Your Brain Energy - Chris Palmer, M.D.
Dave Asprey - What the Godfather of IF Eats – Mark Mattson, Ph.D.