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Date:

April 17, 1975

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The response of 73 psychiatric outpatients to manipulation of their dietary intake of carbohydrate was studied with respect to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and dys-perception. Ketosis was associated with improvement in 28 percent; Over all, 82 percent of the patients reported improvement.

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Ketosis and the Optimal Carbohydrate Diet: A Basic Factor in Orthomolecular Psychiatry

URL:

http://orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1976/pdf/1976-v05n03-p203.pdf

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The response of 73 psychiatric outpatients to manipulation of their dietary intake of carbohydrate was studied with respect to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and dys-perception. In particular these symptoms were evaluated in three conditions: in ketosis, at the transition point from ketosis to non-ketosis, which I regard as an "Optimum Carbohydrate Level" (OCL), and at a higher carbohydrate intake, above 120 g per day. Ketosis was associated with improvement in 28 percent; the OCL was associated with improvement in 68 percent; and carbohydrate intake over 120 g per day was associated with improvement in 12 percent. Over all, 82 percent of the patients reported improvement when combined results of both ketosis and OCL are considered. On the other hand, 60 percent reported some adverse effects, such as fatigue, nausea, weakness, headache, and a few episodes of palpitations. These were all transient, and most were improved after administration of potassium salts.

The history and biochemistry of the ketogenic diet and its use in medicine, particularly in the treatment of epilepsy and also obesity, is discussed. The ketosis method of determining optimal carbohydrate intake appears to be a valuable addition to the practice of Orthomolecular psychiatry.

Topics: (click image to open)

	Ketone Bodies	Ketone bodies, also known as ketones, are a group of molecules produced by the liver during the breakdown of fatty acids. Ketone bodies are produced in the liver through a process called ketogenesis. This occurs when the body's carbohydrate intake is low, such as during periods of fasting, prolonged exercise, or when following a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet. The three main ketone bodies produced by the liver are acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB).
	Mental Illness
	Dementia	Dementia is a broad term used to describe a group of cognitive disorders characterized by a decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. Dementia can be reduced with ketogenic diets that help brain mitochrondria process alternative energy sources.
	Ketogenic Diet	The ketogenic diet involves eating high fat, low carbs, and moderate protein. To be in ketosis, one must eat less than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day.