Healing Metabolism to Heal Schizoaffective Disorder: Lauren Kennedy West's Medical Keto Journey

[@catherinej2020]

I have schzioaffective disorder and began following Lauren's journey to see if anything could help me. When she began Keto, I also started the lifestyle. It has helped me beyond my dreams. Not just mentally, but physically as well. I really appreciate Lauren's channel and the metabolic mind too.

[@chrisbrown2211]

are you still on meds?

[@catherinej2020]

@chrisbrown2211 I've dropped down 20mg on my med, but still taking them at this point. Hoping to be off them eventually.

[@chrisbrown2211]

@@catherinej2020 💯

[@radnelac26]

What can be done for those with anosognosia (not recognizing their illness) and therefore unwilling to take meds (because they are not sick), unwilling to modify their diet, get sufficient sleep, exercise, etc. Simply succumbing to their symptoms: delusion, psychosis, mania, and paranoia. What actions/ advocacy can be taken for this segment of the MI population?

[@catherinej2020]

@radnelac26 I joined National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). They had a lot of resources for family and friends of those with a mental illness, a well as patients.

[@MistyRane]

I discovered Lauren's channel before she started the keto therapy. I feel like I'm watching a miracle before my eyes and it is so encouraging! There is so much hopelessness in Psychiatry and she is a ray of Hope

[@metabolicmind]

We agree! She is an amazing ray of hope.

[@dianasonabudget]

Lauren has definitely inspired me!! I'm on keto now, trying to heal my paranoid schizophrenia. I'm feeling good, but had recently( 2 months ago) bumped up my psychiatric meds. I'm worried to lower them back down so far, so I will hold off until I've been on keto longer. It's difficult as I have no support from my medical team, and even my spouse does not eat keto. I'm staying strong, but it's very hard. I want to get better, and not having support is not going to stop me!! I've had this illness since I was 17 and I'm 37 years old now, and would like to start a family. ❤❤ thank you metabolic mind, and Lauren fir giving us all hope!!❤❤❤

[@TNTpaintballCANADA]

I think this is probably the most beneficial part of Lauren's channel...giving people hope. Enough hope that there is reason to endure the process, in spite of getting the support you need. Hopefully metabolic therapy will become a first line approach one day, but I have a feeling the pharmaceutical industry will fight that nail and tooth. Unfortunately they have a lot of clout/money/influence.

[@makellyjt]

Am so proud of all you're doing to support your healing from within! ❤

[@dominicaaaaa5547]

Good luck Diana and to everyone else 🤩 please stick with it

[@dianasonabudget]

@@dominicaaaaa5547 Thank you!!

[@dianasonabudget]

@@makellyjt Thank you!!

[@ninabroen9031]

I am also doing the medical keto, I have paranoid schizophrenia....I have lost 20 kilos I am halfway to my goal weight...I feel much much better....and I am down to half my medications. I am so grateful for these people's amazing contribution.... Thank you ❤

[@metabolicmind]

Thank you for sharing your journey, and congrats on your amazing progress!

[@ninabroen9031]

@@metabolicmind Thank you

[@jeanpaultongeren125]

I am on 10 mg olanzapine, some days I feel better and some days I feel less. I would love to do Keto, and I can make one meal now after I asked yesterday for a meal plan.

[@kristiejearls836]

A big thank you to Lauren for sharing her story! It is truly inspiring. Best regards as she continues this journey.

[@catherineverner8838]

Two amazing and strong women in sharing their lived experience. Trailblazers for others.

[@corteltube]

I started keto for different reasons…I seem to have cured my IBS as a side effect of the diet as that is not what I started the diet for. I lost my 10 stubborn pounds. Getting rid of the constant intestinal issues that affected much of my life alone is worth it…I also thought I just had to deal with it. I am glad to see,this diet has further reaching effects. I found enormous benefits kind of by accident.

[@sandan2358]

I wish my mental health provider would send a practitioner to learn how to help patients do a metabolic keto diet!

[@MsLeenite]

Thank you, Dr Scher. Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your inspiring story.

[@2Majesties]

So glad this diet is helping. We need some controlled studies to verify that this approach actually works for this conditions.

[@metabolicmind]

There are 13 trials either completed or underway as we speak. The scientific future is very bright!

[@TNTpaintballCANADA]

You are right, that is what it will take to get this therapy more mainstream, but that shouldn't stop determined people, such as Lauren and Hannah to advocate for themselves, seek out individuals/doctors to help them add this approach to their current treatment. If I suffered from a similar ailment, there is no way I would wait another 10 or 20 years before looking into this. Large controlled studies are years away, just because the organizations with the ability to fund these studies, won't do so.

[@katherinegreen-we1ec]

I got my keto breath monitor in the post yesterday...about to attempt a medical ketogenic diet....and cut my meds in half...wish me luck!!!

[@jeanpaultongeren125]

I remember there was a time i skipped a dose of the medication one day in the week to feeel better. anyways good luck

[@metabolicmind]

We wish you luck, and also want to emphasize the importance of working with your provider when adjusting medication doses.

[@bdrummmm]

You guys are awesome!

[@aor3220]

I bought my ketone testing machine today and Im starting keto diet today

[@RobertHershkowitz]

Also Lauren and anybody else out there I had manic like symptoms but it was not bipolar truly and the unorthodox unconventional way of dealing with it proved that I could get a lot better in fact cure it myself with the therapist that I had

[@metabolicmind]

Glad to hear you found a way "cure it yourself!" That's fantastic. We hope you have a supportive healthcare team to help you continue your amazing progress. Thank you for sharing!

[@supp282]

Im now almost 100% sure that keto has amazing effects on me. i have been on keto for a month now, ive felt better than in a long time, brain fog gone, great mood etc. but today i went to dinner, there was fried chicken and fries as an option, i thought why not, one time wont hurt. i was wrong, i feel terrible, all my past anxeities came back, my brain feels foggy again, i feel horrible!!! what a wierd timing that it was right after downing that fried chicken🤢 dr palmer warned about this, my past anxeities came back with a Vengeance

[@metabolicmind]

Sorry to hear about that experience! But these can be valuable learning tools for the future. We wish you the best and appreciate your comment.

[@TNTpaintballCANADA]

So now you know. A lesson learned.

[@Runnerman07]

The medical system is letting people down because it is not designed to “heal” (much less prevent) illness or disorders. There is a much higher profit incentive to keep individuals taking pharmaceutical drugs with high price tags rather than addressing root causes and altering lifestyles. Some people are likely to need medication in order to thrive and move forward with their lives, but every physician’s goal should be to ween off as much medication as they can in a manner that is safe for the patient.

[@robyn3349]

Thank you!

[@dahVEEDBBone]

Lauren, I assume you've checked out Tim Noakes re athletic performance? Keep up the awesome job you are doing on yourself AND helping others at the same time.

[@RobertHershkowitz]

I was in the hospital and they thought I wouldn't get better and my doctor my therapist said we proved him wrong.

[@visionvixxen]

Wish there was a center where you could get these therapies done.

[@metabolicmind]

There is a center near Boston that recently opened. It may be worth looking into. accordmh.com/

[@ViorelaPop-hw3ew]

I'm also tackling the keto diet after I've heard that Lauren tries it. It's been helpful to lose weight but I sometimes feel nausea when taking greasy food . Also I'm not sure what vitamins tot take. I do work with a nutritionist. But since I have MTHFR gene I'm supposed to take the B12 and B9 in the methylated forms And I'm very confused on what to take. My nutritionist has worked only with epileptic children. It's new to her too. Thank you for sharing the information on this channel! You are an inspiration!

[@anitra5687]

I have mthfr. I take Thorne brand b complex. They have a quiz on their website as well. I've been taking their brand for 5 years. When I have had my b12 levels checked they have been good :)

[@KThomson-lx8qy]

So many lifestyle factors not even considered at medical appointments The meds have so many side effects ...weight, sleep, lack of motivation, mood... The whole mental health system needs a overhaul. Too many people on psychiatric meds needs long term but are still not well..and lets not forget the problems people have coming off these medications...😢😢

[@helenahlstrom2418]

You go slow Lauren ! Give yourself the time to breath and enjoy 💞

[@enjoyyourlife279]

I think that many psychiatrists are too overwhelmed with work to be able to take in a lot of new things that are not on the line of what has been general practice up to now. It always is an added responsibility and burden to supervise a shift to a therapeutic path one does not know. As a psychiatrist, one has witnessed patients slipping into really difficult situations and states. So this anxiety may be there with psychiatrists. But on the other hand - there needs to be a change!!!!!

[@metabolicmind]

We agree. There needs to be a change, an this won't be easy for many psychiatrists, at least at first. We hope to promote free CME for doctors to learn about ketogenic therapies, and also to encourage dietitians, therapists, health coaches, and others to learn to work with psychiatrists to help patients with ketogenic therapy.

[@JohnBrocato-ol5lq]

diet plays a role. It's still important for science and psychiatry to understand these conditions better and develop meaningful, effective medicines that treat schizoaffective and disabling bipolar disorder. The buck doesn't just stop at all things diet. People with mental health disorders want and deserve better answers

[@charmainediedericks_life]

Would you please be so kind to point us to an eating plan we can use. I have been in Psychosis for seven and a half years and nothing helps! I don't have the funds to pay a nutritionalist as I was retrenched recently!

[@minedopa8049]

Watch in KZbin for keto they are loot of video to help you

[@80islandia]

Yes, downloadable eating and shopping guides are practical essentials that Metabolic Mind could be investing in, working alongside a graphic designer and plain language specialist. With so many barriers to access, information about nutritional interventions needs to be synthesized and easy to understand.

[@annieyu3592]

The DietDoctor website \ app has lots of good keto recipes. They aren’t specifically designed for mental health therapy, but a good place to start.

[@anitra5687]

What I did when I started attempting keto was to get an app to track macros. Anything I considered eating I would look up and see what the carb load was. It was great for tracking and staying on point. I can't have dairy. So I did it with whole foods for maximum nutrition.

[@bradje12]

@charmainedevine Hi Charmaine, These videos by Dr Eric Westman are a great place to start. Go from the bottom of the list up to the most recent and you will get the best advice. Keto made simple kzbin.info/aero/PL55Chm2jfDSpE0sb3d112mONT_gJiuFBh&si=c9oVeYjMdmEfYQ9x

[@Velvet_wings908]

I autism spectrum disorder and adhd. I have comorbid conditions such as OCD and mood instability. I would really want to try keto. But with my autism comes restrictive eating because of sensory sensitivities and my adhd just can’t stick to a routine.. I hope maybe you can talk about this topic too on your channel. How an autistic adhd person can do do a keto diet or similar

[@jeanie111]

Lauren❤

[@brittanymercer1527]

Could anyone give me information on the diet plan? Ive been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder for about 8 years and its debilitating. Along with so much medication. I don't know where to start.

[@metabolicmind]

The best place to start is with a consultation from an experienced practitioner. here are a number of directories that may help. www.diagnosisdiet.com/directory thesmhp.org/directory/ www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/doctors nutrition-network.org/find-a-practitioner/ If you want an online resource about a general keto diet, here is a god general guide www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/keto/foods

[@ninawildr4207]

❤❤❤

[@hayleyprice8345]

Can keto be practised without meat

[@metabolicmind]

Absolutely! Our own Hannah Warren eats a vegetarian keto diet, and Dyane Harwood eats a vegan keto diet. Plus many other examples. Here is a guide that may be helpful. Here's a guide that may be helpful. www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/keto/vegetarian

[@hayleyprice8345]

Thanks for your reply

[@brittanymercer1527]

I would really like to try this. If anyone has any information to give. Please get in touch.

[@metabolicmind]

Finding a qualified coach, dietician, or doctor is a great place to start. Hopefully one of these directories will help. www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/keto/foods

[@amandaszampias]

Your the real president Lauren !!

[@robertoingenitoiseppato6177]

Great conversation. @Lauren's, about 30:11 athletic performance, you should talk to Dr. Paul Mason or Prof. Bart Kay or Dr. Tim Noakes...they will help you from a low carb/keto/carnivore diet prospective.

[@jasonfranklin1366]

I have a diagnosis of schizo- affective disorder- looking for the metabolic keto coach that lauren had who has experience w this subject .. or how can lauren be contacted. Ty sincerely

[@metabolicmind]

Lauren's coach is Nicole Laurent. Here is her website. She is fantastic! mentalhealthketo.com/nicole-laurent-lmhc-about-me/

[@Cat-ht7ki]

Hang in there. Many experts say the last dose cut is the hardest and some do need compounding pharmacy to titrate down to not have difficult withdrawal symptoms. Read"Anatomy of an Epidemic" for more info. Sending peace and love. Withdrawal is real and often mistaken for symptoms

[@toddmichael7787]

The education system, medical and mental health, is also failing us as professionals. We of course of a responsibility to seek continuing educations and treatments for these conditions, but the education provided is so out of date at many institutions. My partner is getting his MSW, and nothing has changed in that past 15 years when it comes to what he is learning. Its such a basic, generalist, education. On top of that, we pay thousands of dollars to be paid penies, to then be expected to pay for additional training outside of higher education, which costs additional thousands of dollars.

[@norbertomilan1906]

I have schizophrenia too but i dont know what keto is

[@davidr2421]

It's just removing all carbs from the diet. Protein and fats only.

[@metabolicmind]

It may be worth watching Lauren Kennedy's videos to follow her experience and learn more.

[@TNTpaintballCANADA]

​@@davidr2421Lauren eats some carbs. Every meal I've seen her eat she has some carbs usually in the form of low carb vegetables. I eat similar so it seems very familiar to me.

[@davidr2421]

@@TNTpaintballCANADA Sure, true. I don't usually call vegetables "carbs". Vegetable are fair game.

[@nancyj621]

You might want to check out the websites Charlie Foundation and Matthew’s Friends. Dr. Palmer advises to work with your healthcare provider to help manage your medications during the change over to ketosis.

[@visionvixxen]

You lose a ton of fat and can gain weight if building muscle… what anorectic wouldn’t want that?!? That helps solve the eating disorder problem because you know you’re burning fat and probably keeping a stable low weight.

[@llkoolbean4935]

We still dont even know what causes it. Our medical system is so behind....

[@Freddiethemaltipoo]

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@rweaver6]

Useful case restimonies. Not useful commentary. The evidence is overwhelming that the medical system is not geared for recovery, but for long-term addiction to medication. Prove me wrong.

[@cathsrq]

Addiction by doctors to luxury cars

[@ClareBoyd-f8c]

Williams Scott Lewis Robert Jackson Sarah

[@Terrierized]

Plants have neurotoxins

[@danielhoward4566]

Some animals do also.

[@mitsusousa1385]

​@@danielhoward4566which animals, please?

[@steshaw6510]

@@mitsusousa1385 chiming in: the only source in animals is heavy metals in some seafood. Best to avoid shark, swordfish, tuna, and marlin.

[@mitsusousa1385]

@@steshaw6510 thank you

[@danielhoward4566]

@@mitsusousa1385 I was thinking animals like puffer fish, African bullfrogs, Normura's jellyfish, ect, things that most people do not eat but are dangerous if you do eat them.

[@sallytrunnion]

7 months doesn't seem that long. Hope people don't go off on their stabilizing meds based on this. Don't like meds but psychosis is scary as hell. Seems irresponsible to promote thus based on such a short time scale

[@reinerschafer1708]

Both Lauren and the Metabolic Mind team continually stress that people work with their healthcare providers and only lower medications when advised to do so, as Lauren has. As a matter of fact, she is lowering at a slower rate than her psychiatrist has given the green light for.

[@metabolicmind]

@reinerschafer1708 Thank you for your reply, we couldn't have said it better! It's a life long journey to be taken in conjunction with one's healthcare team. Lauren's experience is a N=1 that isn't meant to show everyone else exactly what they should do. But rather, it can inspire others to approach their care team as Lauren has done.

[@laurencepiette730]

Thank as someone diagnosed with schizoaffective bipolar type disorder, its interesting. I have a whole path where I have stopped my med with the help of a naturopath, I am now gluten and diary free and I feel better without that already. I will info cause I have been forced on med back cause it wasnt working enough the effort that I was doing. Some hallucinations were there still... the problem that I have is that I am vegetarian so I dont know how I could implement that regime for me...

[@LobsterMobility]

Very interesting! shared to Lobster. Andre