Can a Ketogenic Diet Treat Bipolar Disorder? Dr. Iain Campbell

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Iain Campbell, a metabolic psychiatry researcher at the University of Edinburgh, to explore the emerging science behind using ketogenic diets as a potential treatment for bipolar disorder and other serious mental health conditions. With both scientific expertise and lived experience of bipolar type II, Iain shares how nutritional ketosis may be more than just a physical health tool — it might be a game-changer for mental health too. We dive into the connection between metabolism, brain energy, glutamate, circadian rhythms, and psychiatric medications — and what happens when these systems go off balance. Whether you're dealing with bipolar disorder, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the future of psychiatry, this episode offers deep insights and real hope. 00:00 Introduction & Why Metabolic Psychiatry Matters 01:57 Ketogenic Diet & Bipolar Disorder – Where It All Began 03:21 Iain's Personal Battle with Bipolar & Path to Discovery 05:10 The Link Between Ketosis and Mood Stabilization 08:11 Ketone Levels – What's Optimal for Mental Health? 12:20 Exogenous Ketones & MCT Oil for Rapid Relief 13:35 Evolution, Ketosis & Our Modern Diet 14:44 Ketosis, Mania, and Glutamate Explained 17:00 Fixing the "Engine" – Root-Cause Mental Health Solutions 18:18 The Spring Equinox & Seasonal Triggers in Bipolar 21:06 Evolutionary Advantage of Bipolar Genes? 22:25 Managing Mood Swings Through Diet 24:01 Insulin Resistance as a Driver of Psychiatric Disorders 26:37 Who Else Could Benefit from This Approach? 28:05 A Breakthrough Moment in Psychiatry's Acceptance 31:00 How a Tweet Changed Everything 33:18 The Future of Metabolic Psychiatry Research 34:34 Diet + Medication – Why Integration Matters 36:38 The Power of a Patient-Driven Movement 39:02 Rethinking Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications 42:09 Can We Prevent Mental Illness with Early Intervention? 43:29 Hope for Young People Facing a Diagnosis 44:15 Upcoming Research & What's Next ▬▬ Links ▬▬▬▬▬ Follow Dr. Iain Campbell: @iaincampbellphd Learn more at: Watch his patient interview series: Keto for Bipolar on YouTube: Dr. Chris Palmer's work: Big thanks to the guys at for their fantastic audio and video editing! ✅ Check out the episode including all the extra show note links here: ✅ Link to this YouTube Video: ✅

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Can a Ketogenic Diet Treat Bipolar Disorder? Dr. Iain Campbell is an episode from Biohackers Lab: Health Show for How to Live Your Best Life by Gary Kirwan.

This episode is 49:41 long.

This episode was published on Apr 17, 2025.

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