Q&A: Keto Sleep Issues, Carnitine Levels, Brain Insulin Resistance & More

Can ketosis trigger insomnia or even mania? Do you need supplements like L-carnitine to support ketone production? Is whey protein helping or hurting your metabolic health? And how do you maintain or gain weight on a ketogenic diet without losing ketosis?

Harvard-trained psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede and cardiologist Dr. Bret Scher tackle your biggest questions in this Metabolic Mailbag episode, breaking down the science behind ketogenic metabolic therapy, including:

• Why some people struggle transitioning into ketosis
• The role of electrolytes, protein, and meal timing
• Brain insulin resistance and mental health
• Carnitine deficiency and ketone production
• Weight loss vs. weight maintenance on a ketogenic diet
• Protein powders, dairy, and whole-food nutrition
• Practical ketogenic diet strategies for everyday life

This episode also explores an important theme in metabolic psychiatry: why metabolic health markers often tell us more than standard blood sugar testing alone, and how ketogenic interventions may support brain function even in people without obvious metabolic disease.

Whether you're exploring ketogenic therapy for mental health, improving metabolic health, or simply trying to make keto sustainable long term, this episode is packed with practical insights and nuanced discussion.

🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.

#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine #Q&A

Expert Featured:

Dr. Bret Scher

• https://x.com/bschermd

Dr. Georgia Ede

• https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemd/
• https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaEdeMd/
• https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/?hl=en

Experts Mentioned:

Dr. Guido Frank

• https://www.instagram.com/ucsdfranklab/
• linkedin.com/in/guido-k-w-frank-b7b42172
• https://profiles.ucsd.edu/guido.frank

Resources Mentioned:

• https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2026.1749406/full

Free CME Clinician Trainings:

Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.

Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt

Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.

Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/

About us:

Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.

Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.