New Research - Keto Trial Promises New Treatment Option in Bipolar Disorder
"10 months in, and I knew keto was a long-term solution as I handled weeks of random large stressors really well. I was also holding a full-time contract job in person where I was more social than I had been in a long time. The longer I do keto and the more I taper olanzapine, the more I function well and reap benefits."
My Journey
My Strategies
My THINK + SMART Profile
Key Symptoms Addressed
Reality feels very real (no longer virtual), much more motivated, increased energy, renewed interest in things from a long time ago, increased capacity for stress, newfound confidence, no psychosis/mania despite known triggers.
My Top Three Strategies
Daily Cardio, Sleep Hygiene, and Medical Keto.
T
H
Therapeutic
I see the psychiatrist every few months or so; I've been doing a liquid taper of olanzapine with the help of a compounding pharmacy.
I
Integration
Magnesium. I might take melatonin initially after tapering olanzapine or just ride out the insomnia. Blood testing panels as suggested by keto coach (complete blood count with differential, comprehensive metabolic panel, and free + total carnitine) every 3-6 months. Omega-3 supplement if not getting it from food sources often enough. Vitamin D+K. L-Carnitine if blood levels indicate its use.
N
Nutritional
Medical keto, usually around 83% calories from fat, 14% from protein, and 3% from carbs. Around 10g net carbs a day.
K
Ketosis
Keto-Mojo, tracking in Cronometer. I prefer ketones 2.5mmol or above. I test in the morning within 30 minutes of waking and again before dinner.
S
Sleep
Sleep in a cold environment, wear blue light-blocking glasses an hour before bed, write down anything on my mind an hour or two before going to bed (such as journaling and a to-do list for the next day), calm down routine/music, same bedtime most nights except for outings and same wake-up time always, sleep mask and/or tent for darkness, white noise machine for blocking noise, and morning light.
M
Move
Morning or afternoon cardio (cycling or freestyle dance) 20-25 minutes a day. Walking - goal of around 10,000 steps a day. Strength training is a goal.
A
Avoid
Alcohol, drugs, caffeine, smoking, and negative social interactions.
R
Rebuild
Tapering olanzapine and with the goal to be completely off just to have PRN as needed, journaling, socializing, finding/maintaining community, vagus nerve exercises, and therapy.
T
Track
WHOOP for sleep and exercise. Cronometer for diet every day.
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