Khaberni - A recent study has revealed that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, known as "keto", may help reduce depression symptoms in people for whom traditional antidepressants are ineffective.
The ketogenic diet forces the body to enter a metabolic state known as ketosis, whereby the body starts burning fats for energy instead of carbohydrates. Researchers believe that this shift may reduce inflammation in the brain, thereby alleviating depression symptoms.
According to a study reported by the "Daily Mail", following the keto diet reduces depression symptoms by up to 70% in university students.
Participants in the keto group received three prepared meals and snacks daily containing less than 30 grams of carbohydrates, while the other group continued to eat normally with minor modifications, such as replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats, and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Both groups continued taking their usual medications.
After six weeks, researchers noticed a significant reduction in depression symptoms among participants following the ketogenic diet.
However, Dr. Min Jao, the lead researcher, pointed out the difficulty in maintaining the diet after the end of the trial, affirming that the study suggests that keto, alongside usual care, can provide additional benefits for people with treatment-resistant depression.
The ketogenic diet is already used to treat seizures, and recent studies continue to explore its potential role in other mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
