The ketogenic diet was found to decrease the levels of metabolites of biogenic amines such as dopamine and serotonin which are neurotransmitters pivotal to the pathophysiology of depression (Dahlin et al., 2012).
The absence of carbohydrate over prolonged periods of time prevents the amino acid tryptophan from entering the brain where it is converted to serotonin. The result: a decrease in serotonin levels and the risk of mood changes associated with too little of this neurotransmitter.
Folate (B9), biotin (B7), selenium, choline, vitamins A, E, D, chromium, iodine, magnesium, and molybdenum are among the most common deficiencies that can develop while on a restricted diet like the ketogenic (or “keto”).
Not everybody adjusts well into ketosis. Sometimes, your body may experience symptoms that are difficult to manage, including headaches, sleep disturbances, cramping, and fatigue. Although this may resolve by increasing your fluid intake, dealing with such symptoms can lead to depression.
Body composition changes (such as those that come with weight loss as a result of the keto diet or another diet) can alter GnRH levels, according to an article published in Endotext in May 2018. The disruption of GnRH causes reduced estrogen, and these changes can disrupt ovulation and lead to amenorrhea.
The “whoosh effect” is a term for the noticeable weight loss that some people report while following low carb diets such as a keto diet. Some people believe that the whoosh effect happens when fat cells lose fat and fill with water. Researchers have not scientifically proven the whoosh effect, however.
These symptoms arise as the body gets used to operating with fewer carbohydrates and as it enters a state of ketosis. The symptoms result from temporary imbalances in energy sources, insulin, and minerals in the body.
Being in a state of ketosis has been shown to increase production of a common neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. There is evidence that various anxiety disorders result from dysfunctional GABA activity.
Keto doesn't cause depression, but it can affect your energy levels and mood. If you've got a case of the keto blues, you've got options. Stop the diet. If eating keto makes you feel super sad, lethargic, or irritated, stop eating keto.
"Because GABA is a mood stabilizer, the idea is that the ketogenic diet acts as a mood stabilizer," Feller said. Anecdotal reports have also suggested that following the keto can help reduce anxiety symptoms, fear, and depression, Feller added.
The so-called keto flu is a group of symptoms that may appear two to seven days after starting a ketogenic diet. Headache, foggy brain, fatigue, irritability, nausea, difficulty sleeping, and constipation are just some of the symptoms of this condition, which is not recognized by medicine.
The keto diet clears up 'brain fog'
The keto diet puts the body in a state of ketosis, which seems to help the brain produce optimal amounts of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA is made from glutamate, which is the brain's major excitatory neurotransmitter.
Foods high in trans fats: Eating foods high in trans fats like potato chips, pizza, and fast food are linked to decreasing serotonin levels. These foods affect our mental health by causing inflammation that could prevent the production of Omega-3 fatty acids that improve brain function and mental health.
Prolonged periods of stress can deplete serotonin levels. Our fast-paced, fast food society greatly contributes to these imbalances. Genetic factors, faulty metabolism, and digestive issues can impair the absorption and breakdown of our food which reduces our ability to build serotonin. Poor Diet.
Serotonin-releasing brain neurons are unique in that the amount of neurotransmitter they release is normally controlled by food intake: Carbohydrate consumption--acting via insulin secretion and the "plasma tryptophan ratio"--increases serotonin release; protein intake lacks this effect.
Anecdotal evidence links the initial phase of fasting or a low-carbohydrate diet with feelings of well-being and mild euphoria. These feelings have often been attributed to ketosis, the production of ketone bodies which can replace glucose as an energy source for the brain.
The keto diet could cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease. Strict diets like keto could also cause social isolation or disordered eating. Keto is not safe for those with any conditions involving their pancreas, liver, thyroid or gallbladder.
Symptoms of depression and psychosis improved in all 28 patients who followed the diet for longer than two weeks, with improvements becoming noticeable within three weeks or less.
A keto diet has also shown positive results as far as how the brain works. It has been used for many years to treat epilepsy and other neurocognitive diseases.
So can carbs cause anxiety? Eating foods high in carbohydrates help release chemicals in your brain (tryptophan and serotonin) that help you feel good. But go too long without enough carbs in your diet, and you're likely to start feeling anxious, moody, irritable, uneasy, and even depressed.
We have several neurotransmitters in the brain and when they aren't balanced it's when your brain feels a little foggy. On keto, your body naturally balances out these neurotransmitters, so this helps clear the fog and allows you to complete complex tasks without any problem.
While some people have success staying on keto for an extended period of time, “the long-term research is limited,” says Jill Gulotta, RDN, who's based in White Plains, New York. Gulotta recommends staying on keto for six months max before reintroducing more carbs to your diet.
Some people choose to have five or six days on keto followed by a day or two off. Others will do keto for 10 to 12 days followed by three to four days off. Devine typically doesn't recommend taking more than two days off keto.