MetaMood is the first app that implements the latest research in the emerging field of Metabolic Psychiatry and the Brain Energy theory.
This page is intended to give you an overview of the field through its leaders.
Click the links below to jump to that part of the page.
What is Metabolic Psychiatry?
Metabolic Psychiatry is an emerging field that explores the connection between lifestyle intervention to improve metabolic function and mental health. It posits that the foods we consume, and other lifestyle interventions, can significantly impact our brain function and overall mental well-being. A well formulated ketogenic diet can nourish the brain and protect it from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to mental health disorders like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety.
Metabolic Mind
Metabolic Mind is a non-profit with a mission to advance knowledge in the field of metabolic psychiatry. Their webpage is an absolute treasure trove of information on the latest research in the use of metabolic therapies for treating mental illness. They pioneered the THINK+SMART model of treatment in the metabolic psychiatry field.
The Metabolic Mind Podcast, hosted by Dr. Bret Scher, explores the connection between metabolism and brain health. The podcast delves into how metabolic interventions, such as ketogenic therapy, can be used to treat serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. Each episode features interviews with leading experts in metabolic psychiatry, discussing topics like the role of the microbiome in mental health, the impact of diet and lifestyle on brain function, and emerging research on personalized nutrition. The podcast aims to provide education, community, and hope to those struggling with mental health challenges and their caregivers.
Dr. Chris Palmer M.D.
Dr. Christopher Palmer’s Brain Energy theory posits that mental disorders are fundamentally linked to metabolic dysfunctions within the brain, particularly involving mitochondrial health. Palmer argues that the brain, while only 2% of body mass, consumes 20% of the body’s energy, making it highly susceptible to metabolic disruptions. These disruptions can manifest as various mental symptoms, explaining the overlap and comorbidity often seen in psychiatric diagnoses. Palmer emphasizes that current treatments often focus on symptom management rather than addressing underlying metabolic issues, advocating for a paradigm shift in mental health care
The Brain Energy theory emphasizes addressing the underlying metabolic dysfunctions in the brain to treat mental disorders. He advocates for a holistic approach that includes:
- Dietary Interventions: Palmer recommends ketogenic diets, which have shown promise in improving mitochondrial function and overall brain metabolism.
- Lifestyle Changes: Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management are crucial for maintaining metabolic health.
- Medication Adjustments: While traditional psychiatric medications can be part of the treatment plan, Palmer emphasizes the importance of tailoring them to individual metabolic needs.
- Psychotherapy: Integrating cognitive-behavioral therapy and other forms of psychotherapy to address psychological and social factors.
These treatments aim to promote long-term healing rather than just symptom management, and you can track these changes in the MetaMood app.
Dr. Georgia Ede M.D.
Dr. Georgia Ede’s book, “Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind,” explores the powerful connection between dietary choices and mental health. Ede, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, argues that modern diets, characterized by refined carbohydrates, vegetable oils, and ultra-processed foods, contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance in the brain. These factors can lead to mood disorders, anxiety, cognitive decline, and other mental health issues.
Ede recommends several treatments to improve mental health through dietary changes:
- Ketogenic Diet: A low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that can improve brain metabolism and reduce inflammation.
- Moderate-Carbohydrate Diet: Tailored to individual preferences and health goals, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods. See Dr. Ede’s “quiet paleo”.
- Personalized Nutrition Plans: Evaluating individual metabolic needs and adjusting diets accordingly.
These approaches aim to address the root causes of mental health issues rather than just managing symptoms.
You can find more details on her website.
Dr. Shebani Sethi MD, ABOM
Dr. Sethi is leading pioneering clinical trials on the use of ketogenic diets to treat various mental illnesses including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Her work is vitally important to gather strong evidence of the effectivness of ketogenic diets for mental health treatment so that effective medical interventions can be recommended by everyday practitioners.
Stanford Metabolic Psychiatry Website
Dr. Shebani Sethi MD Homepage on Stanford Medicine Website
Nicole Laurent, LMHC
Nicole Laurent, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor and leading advocate for the use of ketogenic and metabolic therapies in mental health care. Drawing from years of clinical experience and advanced training in behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical-behavioral therapies, she helps clients address the root causes of mood and cognitive symptoms through nutrition and lifestyle change.
Nicole founded Mental Health Keto to bridge the gap between traditional therapy and emerging neuroscience showing that many psychiatric and neurological symptoms are deeply connected to metabolic dysfunction. She guides individuals in implementing well-formulated ketogenic diets to stabilize mood, improve cognitive clarity, reduce anxiety, and support recovery from conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
In addition to her counseling practice, Nicole is committed to public education. Through her writing, videos, and online programs, she empowers people to use evidence-based nutritional strategies to take control of their mental health and build lasting emotional resilience. Her approach integrates compassion, scientific rigor, and a deep respect for each client’s lived experience.
Nicole holds postgraduate training in functional nutrition and therapeutic carbohydrate restriction for mental health and neurological disorders. Her mission is to help people understand that mental health symptoms are not just “in their head”—they are often biochemical, and they can be improved through targeted nutritional and lifestyle interventions.
Nicole is the author of the very first meatabolic therapies coloring book, a fun way to learn about tackling mental health while also improving physical health with metabolic treatments.
Learn More About Nicole’s Initiatives: