Can you get depressed on low carb?

June 16 2017 by in About membership, Depression, Low carb & high fat
16,905 views Add as favorite
Can you get depressed on a low-carb diet? Can it worsen the symptoms – or do symptoms of depression usually get better on low carb?

We asked some of the top low-carb doctors in the world to give their quick and spontaneous answers, and made the video above (transcript).

Here are the doctors in the video:

  0:16  Dr. Jason Fung
  0:37  Dr. Peter Brukner
  1:13  Dr. Sarah Hallberg
  2:15  Dr. Rangan Chatterjee

More

Do you want to check out one more of these videos? These are many more, with doctors answering more of the most common and important low-carb related questions:

  • Is low carb bad for exercise?
  • Is low carb bad for the kidneys?
  • Everything in moderation?
  • Is low carb an extreme diet?
  • Is low carb bad for the environment?
  • Are there potential dangers with a low-carb diet?
  • Women's questions introduction
  • What is the main benefit of low carb?
  • Does the brain need carbohydrates?
  • Can low carb and keto help with PMS?
  • Is low carb bad for gut bacteria?
  • Why is low carb important to you?
  • Can low carb make menopause easier?
  • Is low carb bad for the thyroid?
  • Is there a link between low carb and eating disorders?
  • Can you get depressed on low carb?
  • Is saturated fat bad?
  • Can fasting be problematic for women?
  • How do you maximize your health?
  • Do you need more carbs when breastfeeding?
  • Can exercise be problematic for women?
  • Isn't weight loss all about counting calories?
Start your free membership trial to watch the full versions instantly – as well as hundreds of low-carb video courses, movies, presentations, interviews, Q&A with experts, etc.

Top videos about low carb

  • "I sort of wanted to save the world"
  • Q&A with Franziska Spritzler
  • Low-carb tips with team Diet Doctor – Traveling
  • Why a low-carb diet and other questions
  • A global food revolution
  • "A more pleasurable way to live"
1 2

58 comments

  1. 1
    Jesse
    June 16 2017
    As someone who suffers from depression I do want to share my own experience with this. It is true that once adapted to low carb my symptoms dramatically decrease, however, I do want to point out that any time I have to go through the induction phase again I always have an episode of depression. I try not to drop out of ketosis very often (I've only done it once this year for a family vacation) but I know the first few days eating right again are going to be tough. Now my depression is mild enough that I don't take medication for it and it doesn't effect my personal life, much. But I think it is important to mention that the first week or two can be very hard for someone who has depression but then it gets much much better.

    Just my 2 cents

    Replies: #3, #32, #49
  2. 2
    Bex
    June 17 2017
    Exactly the same experience. I know that when I go off the wagon and eat carbs, especially sugary, wheat-containing carbs, it is difficult to get back into LCHF, b/c I experience a depressed, moody, low energy transition back. Also, like clockwork, I get withdrawal migraines (usually the 4th day after going back to LCHF) during the transition period. Overall, when I stick to LCHF, my moods and energy levels are more consistent and I do not get migraines.
  3. 3
    Reply to comment #1 by Jesse
    Margaret
    June 24 2017
    I have lived in Africa many years as a medical missionary, and the past few years I’d found myself going through spells of depression. This was not normal for me. Then in October 2015 I “crashed,” and in February 2016 I came home to the USA in part to attend a burnout recovery program. I learned much there, and it really helped, but over the summer, I found myself succumbing to the depression once again. Because I was on a sabbatical, I had almost no control over how I ate, as I stayed in other people’s homes. My type 2 diabetes was totally out the top and I was worried about having to start insulin.
    But in September I found Dr. Jason Fung on line when researching the dawn phenomenon. I was also staying in a home at that time where I was able to do my own shopping and cooking. Through researching LCHF I discovered Diet Doctor, and I started the 2 week beginner’s LCHF eating plan. By the 2nd day my depression was gone and has never returned. My mind also cleared. And my blood sugars returned to normal and I stopped my meds. And I have lost 35 pounds.
    Something I discovered by accident as well had to do with yawning. I have always yawned a lot, especially when traveling in a car. It was not until I ate some carbs one day and realized on the 50-mile drive home that day that I was yawning my head off. I didn’t realize until then that I had stopped yawning on the LCHF diet as well.
    I have not read anyone else mentioning this. Do you know why carbs would make me yawn like that?
    Reply: #6
  4. 1 comment removed
  5. 5
    Nero
    July 8 2018
    Yawning due to carbs? Margaret, chances are you wont read my comment by now, but still if anybody else does it might help them out:

    Carbs made me depressed for years, but it was not until my late teens (I am in my mid thirties now) when a doctor noticed how much carbs made me yawn as well as tired, turned out it was diabetes all along.

    Diabetes type-2 for who know how many years before that, then I began noticing this is not as unusual as it might seem, so it might be worth at least mentioning here.

    (Note: The comment editor does not seem to work, so I deleted my comment and posted it back with edits here and there included)

    Thank You.

  6. 6
    Reply to comment #3 by Margaret
    Erdem
    January 6 2019
    Hi Margaret,

    I would like to learn more about your experience.
    I went to doctor several times with symptoms like dizziness and each time i was diagnosed with mild insulin resistance and after each time i experienced anxiety disorder/depression.
    I started to believe that there is a pattern like i eat a lot and get fat around my belly then get depressed and take medicine and recover and get fat and depressed again.

    I would be glad if you could provide more details.

  7. 7
    Sarah
    January 26 2019
    I googled this because I have now experienced sudden downturns in my emotions multiple times while on a low carb diet. Anecdotally, they've seen the opposite... There are plenty of folks online who disagree. I have also NEVER had the 'extra/amazing energy' other folks get on a low carb diet, so perhaps there is something hormonally incompatible with low-carb for me.
    Replies: #8, #14
  8. 8
    Reply to comment #7 by Sarah
    Crystal
    January 28 2019
    Sarah, I feelnthe same way. Low carb makes me depressed and tired. I’ve been playing around with Keto and fasting for over a year now, but find it extremely difficult to stick to. I’ve just finished the first week of Diet Dr 2 week Keto Challenge, and for the first time since trying keto that I’ve not been hungry like everyone says happens, but I find myself staring off into space all the time, I don’t want to do anything, and I find no joy in the things I usually love. I don’t know how long I should stick it out to see if it improves like the comments above say.
  9. 9
    Shannon
    February 6 2019
    Crystal - I am currently feeling exactly as you described. I actually thought to myself today, that my light has gone out and I cannot find joy. This is the second time I’ve started Keto. The first time was an amazing life changing experience. Then I went through a divorce and fell off the wagon hard. I’ve been keto 10 days and am having depression and lethargy. I’m thinking they’re tied to my strict keto.
  10. 10
    Paige
    February 9 2019
    I thought perhaps I was just being dramatic when I thought I was feeling depressed and pessimistic, more and more each day since I have been trying Keto (about 7-10 days). Finally the migraines have stopped but now I don’t want to do anything, I’ve been tearing myself down, and I feel very upset. I am hoping to stick it out another week but if this continues, it is not worth it to me to lose weight but compromise my mental/emotional state. I was really hoping this would work, I don’t know where else to turn to get healthier.
    Reply: #52
  11. 11
    Sharon
    March 12 2019
    In my opinion these doctors are overlooking the period when starting Ketogenics of the Keto flu. I have found myself seriously depressed twice in the last few days (since restarting Keto after being off for several months) and the only thing that has changed is my diet. I assume that once I get past the "flu" symptoms (nausea, lack of energy, lack of motivation) the depression will disappear. But it is a very real thing.
  12. 12
    Dawn
    March 21 2019
    I've been on the keto diet for 1.5 months. The only time I broke this diet was three weeks ago when I gave in and had a margarita. I believe I passed through the keto flu phase but I am still overly tired. These past two weeks have been full of anxiety and depression. I've lost interest in the things I usually love. And my temper has been out of sorts. Today I cried for no reason. It was an overwhelming and scary feeling. The only change in my life I can think of that might be attributing to these hard feelings is the keto diet. And before anyone suggests I eat healthier fats or add more electrolytes to my diet, you should know my diet has been very healthy. I love and eat all sorts of vegetables, I only eat seafood for meat, and I only eat the high-fat healthy foods mentioned in the keto diet such as avocado, nuts, and a small amount of dairy. I also drink lots of water. And because I have low blood pressure, I have a reasonable amount of sea salt in my diet. I've lost weight but if I don't reach that 'amazing' phase soon, I will have to give this up.
    Reply: #13
  13. 13
    Reply to comment #12 by Dawn
    Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
    March 22 2019

    I've been on the keto diet for 1.5 months. The only time I broke this diet was three weeks ago when I gave in and had a margarita. I believe I passed through the keto flu phase but I am still overly tired. These past two weeks have been full of anxiety and depression. I've lost interest in the things I usually love. And my temper has been out of sorts. Today I cried for no reason. It was an overwhelming and scary feeling. The only change in my life I can think of that might be attributing to these hard feelings is the keto diet. And before anyone suggests I eat healthier fats or add more electrolytes to my diet, you should know my diet has been very healthy. I love and eat all sorts of vegetables, I only eat seafood for meat, and I only eat the high-fat healthy foods mentioned in the keto diet such as avocado, nuts, and a small amount of dairy. I also drink lots of water. And because I have low blood pressure, I have a reasonable amount of sea salt in my diet. I've lost weight but if I don't reach that 'amazing' phase soon, I will have to give this up.

    I was going to suggest electrolytes. Since you are already on top of those, I hope you are feeling better soon.

  14. 14
    Reply to comment #7 by Sarah
    Andreea
    March 24 2019
    I agree with you. My depression started after I started a low carb diet. I since then stopped the diet, but not because I thought it was the cause, but because I was not feeling alright. Anyway, a month after my depression started I googled "how to boost serotonin leveles" and I realised that you need carbs to make serotonin in the first place! Which is crazy because they don't mention that when they advertise this fad diet. You can even see it in the video, they are kind of off topic. The professionals keep saying that cutting refined carbs helps boost your mood, which I can agree with, but that doesn't mean that all carbs are bad. YOU NEED HEALTHY CARBS to produce serotonin. I'm going to eat whole grains such as oats from now on and see if my mood improves.
  15. 15
    Stacey
    April 8 2019
    I too have experienced depression since starting Keto. I am on week 8 and noticed it creeping in around week 3 or 4. At times the depression is significant, I am tearful and oversleeping and crying. One comment I read said to try 5 HTP to improve serotonin levels, so I just purchased some at the health food store and will give it a go. I am fairly consistent with taking electrolite supplements, drinking water and eating healthy so if this does not do the trick, I will also have to drop off of the Keto bus. Depression is awful.
    Replies: #16, #20
  16. 16
    Reply to comment #15 by Stacey
    Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
    April 8 2019

    I too have experienced depression since starting Keto. I am on week 8 and noticed it creeping in around week 3 or 4. At times the depression is significant, I am tearful and oversleeping and crying. One comment I read said to try 5 HTP to improve serotonin levels, so I just purchased some at the health food store and will give it a go. I am fairly consistent with taking electrolite supplements, drinking water and eating healthy so if this does not do the trick, I will also have to drop off of the Keto bus. Depression is awful.

    I am sorry that you are experiencing this. I hope that it alleviates soon.

  17. 17
    Rob
    April 11 2019
    Do you think Dr. Fung will revisit this issue of depression and low carb? He states he's never seen it, but here are people claiming just the opposite (including me). This is my second go round of LCHF and although I was able to maintain it this time for 4 months, it was a supreme struggle, including depression and extended "keto flu". Yes, I've had a few days of energy and clarity, but it is not worth the tradeoff of being depressed or angry. BTW, yes to salt, under 20 carbs, IF, EF (4 @ 5 days water only), read the books, blogs, watched videos etc. etc. etc.
    Reply: #18
  18. 18
    Reply to comment #17 by Rob
    Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
    April 12 2019

    Do you think Dr. Fung will revisit this issue of depression and low carb? He states he's never seen it, but here are people claiming just the opposite (including me). This is my second go round of LCHF and although I was able to maintain it this time for 4 months, it was a supreme struggle, including depression and extended "keto flu". Yes, I've had a few days of energy and clarity, but it is not worth the tradeoff of being depressed or angry. BTW, yes to salt, under 20 carbs, IF, EF (4 @ 5 days water only), read the books, blogs, watched videos etc. etc. etc.

    You may find that incorporating the extended fasting is not a good option. Eating to hunger instead may help improve your symptoms.

  19. 19
    Jake
    April 14 2019
    My cortisol went through the roof on Lchf, was on it for 6 months. Mood also down, energy down.

    I incorporated carbs again, and was able to relax and feel a bit happier.

    This is not for me.
    Peace!

  20. 20
    Reply to comment #15 by Stacey
    Ralph
    April 27 2019
    If you are taking an antidepressant medication, especially an SSRT (such as Zoloft) you should probably check with your doctor before taking 5-htp. I take sertraline (Zoloft) and my doctor warned me about something called Serotonin Syndrome, which is too much serotonin, and can be dangerous. Best wishes.
  21. 21
    Anniston
    July 20 2019
    I am glad to see others are experiencing similar symptoms. I recently had my second child, so naturally I began the Keto diet to drop the extra baby weight. First I experienced headaches, & then I had absolutely no appetite whatsoever. (Like 48 hours with no food because the mere thought made me nauseous. I would only eat when I would get "the shakes") I was not sure if I was experiencing PPD, feeling the effects of the garcinia cambogia supplements I take, or if my dramatic decrease in carbs was causing my severe depression. The reason I believe it is the Keto diet is because the depression turned manic after my husband bought me a sprite (not thinking to check the carbs since dieting is new to me hence knocking me out of ketosis) & my depression spiraled completely out of control. Almost instantly. After that episode, I am confident that the change in my carb intake was the source of my insanity - since I am beginning to feel like myself again. I wish there were more studies on it because I did manage to drop some pounds & inches. I don't believe it was in a healthy manner, though. Idk how, why, or what exactly caused it.. but I will stick to my low cal & exercise from now on.
  22. 22
    Luke
    August 3 2019
    I'm on Day 5 of Keto for the first time, and definitely starting to feel depressed. Depression is a thing with me, so I know its signs very well. Not going to entertain this if it keeps going, I need to feel better. Even though I've already lost four pounds…
  23. 23
    James
    August 7 2019
    I’m at day 20 or so and the depression that started about 10 days ago (After the traditional keto flu came and went) is really turning into one of the worst I’ve ever had. Don’t know what to do.
  24. 24
    Tibor
    August 7 2019
    I lift weights 3 times a week and do HIIT once in a while.I experience the exact opposite when I decrease my carb intake.My depression worsens and have suicidal thoughts.On my rest days I completely avoid carbs and consume 120 gramms of flaxseed oil.I eat 220 gramms of protein every day.Thats 2.2 pounds of chicken breast.When I train, I try not to eat more then 350 gramms of carbohydrates.My bodyfat percentage is around 15%.I wish I could manage to completely transition to ketogenic diet because I am hungry all the time no matter how much I eat.Sometimes I just cannot take it anymore and fall off the wagon and overeat.Luckily, I do not crave junkfood.When I do cheat, I cook 1500-2000 gramms of basmati rice (thats almost 1500 gramms of carbohydrates) and could eat the half of that in one sitting.
  25. 25
    Ellie
    August 19 2019
    I was on keto for 5 months last year and I had become fully adapted. Health issues like bloating and cramping were gone, I had lost 12 kilos slowly and my bloods were very good. I felt I had to stop, because I had become sad. I missed sitting down to lunch happy about what I was about to eat. Many foods I was raised on are off the table on keto....for me of course, but not for the rest of my family, for whom I cook. I wasn't craving the food any more, but I had also stopped smiling. Going out to dinner was no longer a happy occasion, it was a constant reminder of my self imposed food prison. All those things on the menu that sounded great, but I simply couldn't have. I was blue. Everyone noticed. I was supposed to be happier, but I was sad. I'm not saying the diet doesn't work...it really does, but if hear another person say "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" I want to spit in their eye!! Skinny and healthy isn't making me happy at all. I simply feel deprived.
  26. 26
    Ang
    August 26 2019
    This is my second time trying keto. I lost 15kgs in 2 months but had to stop due to my depression getting worse. Even with my medication at maximum dose I still struggled to a point where I had to give up work.
    I stopped keto 6 months ago, gained the weight back and some but my depression was under control and I started working again.
    I thought I'd give keto another go, but unfortunately my depression is coming back. I've only been on keto for 3 weeks but if I don't improve I will have to stop. So frustrating when the weight comes off but the mind goes crazy. 😭
  27. 27
    Alainna johnson
    August 29 2019
    I started this woe 6 weeks ago. I did it initially to stop bloating, constant tummy ache and burping acid. Which it has. I was hoping to lose weight like everyone else too as I am 4 stone overweight. Anyway that’s not happening (only 8 lbs in the first two weeks) but besides this I also am not very happy on this diet. I feel sad most of the time and find myself crying almost every day. I’ve suffered with depression all my life but in January I came off my meds because I was taking cbd oil and felt great. Best I’ve felt for years until this diet. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to go back to eating more carbs because I don’t want tummy ache all the time but then I don’t want to keep crying and feeling so sad. I will admit that at the end of April my daughters boyfriend who lived with us killed himself so I am grieving but before the diet I was just starting to handle it. I just don’t know what to do 😐
    Replies: #28, #29
  28. 28
    Reply to comment #27 by Alainna johnson
    Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
    August 29 2019

    I started this woe 6 weeks ago. I did it initially to stop bloating, constant tummy ache and burping acid. Which it has. I was hoping to lose weight like everyone else too as I am 4 stone overweight. Anyway that’s not happening (only 8 lbs in the first two weeks) but besides this I also am not very happy on this diet. I feel sad most of the time and find myself crying almost every day. I’ve suffered with depression all my life but in January I came off my meds because I was taking cbd oil and felt great. Best I’ve felt for years until this diet. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to go back to eating more carbs because I don’t want tummy ache all the time but then I don’t want to keep crying and feeling so sad. I will admit that at the end of April my daughters boyfriend who lived with us killed himself so I am grieving but before the diet I was just starting to handle it. I just don’t know what to do 😐

    My sincere condolences Alainna. I am sorry for your loss and that you're struggling. I would recommend checking in with your mental health professional and discussing ways to combat your depression before returning to carbs.

  29. 29
    Reply to comment #27 by Alainna johnson
    Alainna Johnson
    September 2 2019
    Thank you for your reply. I didn’t want to go back to doctors because all they do is stick me on antidepressants and I find that all they do is put a plaster on your depression and I found cbd oil helped me immensely. I up my carbs from 20 to 30 on Saturday and ever since I feel a whole lot better. No more tears, clearer head and more energy. I did this once before in the beginning of this woe because someone suggested it because they felt the same way on this woe (and they never had depression before) and it worked so I really don’t know why I went back down to 20. Anyway I do believe that some of us do need that little bit more carbs than other keto users. If my weight loss is slowe than so be it. Mental health is more important 😊 thank you
    Reply: #40
  30. 30
    Drew
    September 6 2019
    Same story here. Actually found I felt high after eating some fruit, followed by SEVERE depression and anxiety, and I started keto because people say keto cured these problems?
  31. 31
    Jonas
    October 3 2019
    I started going the keto route after I had already transitioned to low carb and intermittent fasting. I lift weights, I make sure to take extra salt, and I do some intermittent fasting and occasionally longer fasts. I also have a history of depression and low energy. I was really hoping to get the mental clarity and energy people affiliate with keto but it didn't happen (although it did stop me from getting hangry). I know I am in ketosis based on my meter but no clarity. Also, I never quite feel satiated without eating some carbs (very disapointing). Personally I think intermittent fasting is great but going full on keto might end up being more of a seasonal thing just to shock my system.
  32. 32
    Reply to comment #1 by Jesse
    Candace
    November 15 2019
    I'm currently experiencing this and I every time i've attempted keto previously, i've quit because of the depression during that intro phase. I'm going to muscle through, give myself some grace and love and give it a bit more time. I'm currently on an antidepressant and it's made me gain a lot of weight, so I'd really like to cut some pounds.
  33. 2 comments removed
  34. 35
    Simone Hammond
    January 3 2020
    I’ve had the worst depression I’ve had in a long time since keto , normally I can just go on a low dose of antidepressants and get over it but not this time , it’s not working . My life is amazing but I have no zest for it and no love of anything I’m numb and in a bad head space most of the time . I’ve put it down to keto :(
  35. 36
    Birmingham Poet
    February 4 2020
    I'm here because I googled keto depression. This is my second time on keto. I lost 50 pounds the first time and still have another 50 to go. I was off the diet for a year so I'm definitely in the 'induction flu' phase again.

    I love the way keto addresses inflammation, type 2 diabetes, hunger, bloating, menopause, weight loss. I even hear it works to curb the onset of dementia. It's a perfect diet for my body type but the mood swings really get me. Depression. Anger. Lethargy. Bleh!

  36. 37
    Amber
    February 21 2020
    Hi -- I also googled keto and depression. I've been on strict keto for about 3 weeks, and am having some serious depression and anxiety and anger. Nice to see I'm not alone -- I was starting to think I was going crazy. I see online that keto flu can last up to a month -- is there anyone who has had the mood changes last longer than a month?
  37. 38
    Melissa
    April 15 2020
    I experience the same thing, my depression worsens on low carb. I find there is a balance though. It takes about a week - when I remove all grains, dairy, refined sugar, and fruit I get this depression back even if I am eating potatoes and grain free carbs - makes me think this is a detox of some sort and not just the lack of carbs. It lasts about 7-10 days for me and then I feel good - but I never go below 50 grams a day anymore after the suicidal feelings on low carb (I take 5HTP sometimes as well and this helps) and still keep sweet potatoes, butternut squat, honey eat - more follow paleo diet because this keeps my mood stable. So you may not need to go keto but can still eat grain refined sugar free and feel better and lose weight. Not as fast as keto, but at least do it mentally stable. I do believe some people like me who have had depression and gut problems my entire life need carbs to make serotonin, also foods effect our brain chemicals - we are very sensitive to all foods it seems when we have these senstive bodies. Have to figure out what works for us.
  38. 39
    Nate
    June 23 2020
    I'm on day 9 and looking back, I've been noticing a progression of depressive thoughts since around day 5, though I didn't start putting the pieces together until yesterday. On day 8 I started feeling really sad and nostalgic, started feeling severe anxiety about various friendships and relationships and just generally sunken, and today these feelings are still present. Except for when I've been fasting, I've been eating balanced, nutritious meals. I was worried about my electrolytes, so I made some Keto-ade, drank about 1.5 hours ago and am feeling slightly better though still definitely relatively depressed. Very glad to hear others describing their feelings as it feels like there's not a lot of literature on this specific side effect. Maybe they need to look into this more?
  39. 40
    Reply to comment #29 by Alainna Johnson
    Nathan
    June 23 2020
    Thanks for sharing the suggestion. I may try the same, increase my carb intake from where it currently is at (between 10-24 carbs)
  40. 41
    Joan
    June 27 2020
    Reading all these comments is helpful. I'm brand new to this and only started about a week ago. I've suffered with depression intermittently for quite a bit of my life. What I'm experiencing right now feels more like a physical depression, i.e. lack of energy / lethargy. Not feeling rested no matter how much sleep I've gotten. Reluctant to get out of bed, which has not been an issue for years. Previously when I've woken up in the morning, I'm actually awake. Now I'm dragging myself out of bed. A couple days ago was pretty extreme, exceptionally cloudy mind, exceptional forgetfulness, using the toaster and discovering when it popped up that there was no (whole grain) bread in it (my carbs for the day), stopping during tasks at the computer and trying to remember what I was doing. Never experienced brain fog like that. That's subsided quite a bit but the lethargy is still there. I'll stick with this for a while to see if things improve, but as it is now it's unsustainable for the long term. (My tinnitus also seems more intense.)
    Reply: #42
  41. 42
    Reply to comment #41 by Joan
    Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor
    June 27 2020

    Reading all these comments is helpful. I'm brand new to this and only started about a week ago. I've suffered with depression intermittently for quite a bit of my life. What I'm experiencing right now feels more like a physical depression, i.e. lack of energy / lethargy. Not feeling rested no matter how much sleep I've gotten. Reluctant to get out of bed, which has not been an issue for years. Previously when I've woken up in the morning, I'm actually awake. Now I'm dragging myself out of bed. A couple days ago was pretty extreme, exceptionally cloudy mind, exceptional forgetfulness, using the toaster and discovering when it popped up that there was no (whole grain) bread in it (my carbs for the day), stopping during tasks at the computer and trying to remember what I was doing. Never experienced brain fog like that. That's subsided quite a bit but the lethargy is still there. I'll stick with this for a while to see if things improve, but as it is now it's unsustainable for the long term. (My tinnitus also seems more intense.)

    Hi, Joan! So sorry you're struggling! I would recommend cutting out the grains, as we recommend avoiding them for best results on a keto or low carb diet. These articles may be helpful for you. Best wishes to you!
    https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-might-a-keto-diet-help-with-depression
    https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/whole-grains

  42. 43
    Any
    June 28 2020
    Oh no reading all these comments, I was hoping to try keto for the sole reason to combat depression. 😐
  43. 44
    jon mitchell
    June 29 2020
    Me too!
  44. 45
    Skinbodymind14
    July 7 2020
    Hi all
    Interesting reading people's comments and experiences.
    As a medically qualified complimentary practitioner, we often recommend low carb or keto diets for weight loss and mood stability. There is a percentage of people who regardless of dietary changes still have lingering gut bacterial profiles linked to depressive mood disorders. So, before you quit low carb or keto, try a pathogen cleansing protocol with support from your health professional. Further, try find those feel good herbs like rhodiola, withania, st John's etc... Noting if you are on medication these herbs and any herbs, need to be assessed as safe to take. Herbs not only change your response to low moods and stress, but some will also help alter gut bacteria so that you grow more of the more favourable ones which support better moods. The gut is our second brain, it communicates with the brain and believe it or not, unfavourable gut bacteria can send signals to the brain interpreted as depression or low mood as those bacteria thrive on sugar. Talk about mind control!
    Best of luck 🙂
  45. 46
    Luiz Hara
    July 8 2020
    I have been following a LCHF diet on and off for years now, and lately I have been on it for 3 months - I do not mind the keto flu symptoms as I know these are temporary, however I always find that after a few weeks on low-carb, I start getting incredibly irritable. The smallest things will annoy me a great deal sometimes leading me into a horrendous rage. It worries me as I know it is not right, it is not a behaviour I would ever condone. I am now finding myself, not replying to important emails and messages, with no desire to engage in conversation with anyone, and with no motivation to do anything or deal with work related matters. I am so angry and irritable most of the time. I have lost a considerable amount of weight, and I would love to continue doing the diet because as far as I am concerned (I am a chef and food writer) this is the least restrictive and most gastronomically pleasurable diet to follow. I think the Diet Doctor website is the top site for LCHF Diet and so I urge the team here to look into this issue in more detail - it is no good having a number of doctors denying a link between LCHF dieting with irritability or depression, there must be something here - my experience and of many others ought to alert the medical experts on the site as this needs investigating. Thanks!
  46. 47
    sylibbtata
    July 25 2020
    Like everyone else in happy to hear that it isn't just me. I've tried keto a few times but suffered dreaded depression everytime. The answer for me is Omad. I lose more weight feel happy and alive and I don't suffer any energy depletion.
    I make sure I eat lots of fat but also plenty of carbs. I'm fact I want a high insulin response. For the first month or so I felt the switch from carb to fat burning but I don't at all anymore as my body is so proficient.
    I hate how keto people always try to highjack intermittent fasting as if they must go together.
    They are different things. I eat proper keto for hours everyday and also autophagy.
  47. 48
    sylibbtata
    July 25 2020
    Sorry for typos on phone typing
  48. 49
    Reply to comment #1 by Jesse
    Kim
    July 31 2020
    Thank you for sharing this, Jesse. I am finding this to be true for me as well, and it is such a relief.
  49. 50
    Thomas
    September 19 2020
    It’s interesting to see the disconnect between the video and the comments. I started a keto diet with the intention of improving my mood. Fully anticipating the keto flu, I struggled with lethargy and a lack of motivation within the first few days. I was anticipating the fog lifting, but two weeks in now and I’m still in the thick of it. I really feel like a zombie. No joy, no drive. I’m planning on sticking it out a few more days, and if it doesn’t improve it’ll be time to smash a sweet potato.
1 2

Leave a reply

Reply to comment #0 by

.

Older posts
The information we provide at DietDoctor.com is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. By interacting with this site, you agree to our disclaimer. Read more
Dietdoctor.com uses cookies to ensure that you have the best possible experience. By continuing without changing your settings, you are accepting the use of cookies. Read more
I agree