New Research - Keto Trial Promises New Treatment Option in Bipolar Disorder

Tanner Lawlis

In remission from

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Started Journey

2023

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“I suffered from severe obsessive-compulsive disorder for ~22 years. My symptoms stayed the same or worsened with medication and traditional talk therapy. The ketogenic diet, on the other hand, saved my life. I am symptom free, and I view my life through the lens of ‘before keto’ and ‘after keto.’”

My THINK + SMART Profile

Key Symptoms Addressed

Obsessions and compulsions, anxiety, panic attacks, energy stabilization, mood stabilization, confidence and self-esteem, sleep, presence

My Top Three Strategies

Ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting (17 hours daily; 24 hours monthly), morning sunlight in order to boost mood and sleep

T

H

Therapeutic

I had no clinical oversight. I implemented the ketogenic diet by myself. I was not prescribed medication, so this was not a concern. I learned about it from individuals such as Dr. Chris Palmer and Thomas DeLauer as well as Reddit.

I

Integration

Daily:

1-2 tbsp organic unrefined extra virgin coconut oil
4,000mg omega-3. EPA: 1,290mg; DHA: 620mg
1-2 Brazil nuts
4,000mg sodium, 700mg potassium, and 300mg magnesium gylcinate or threonate
1,200mg NAC
50mcg selenium

I measured my blood ketones 1-2 times per week with a Keto Mojo ketones meter. I averaged ~2.1mmol/L for < 1 year.

Daily:

1-2 tbsp organic unrefined extra virgin coconut oil
4,000mg omega-3. EPA: 1,290mg; DHA: 620mg
1-2 Brazil nuts
4,000mg sodium, 700mg potassium, and 300mg magnesium gylcinate or threonate
1,200mg NAC
50mcg selenium

I measured my blood ketones 1-2 times per week with a Keto Mojo ketones meter. I averaged ~2.1mmol/L for < 1 year.

Daily:

1-2 tbsp organic unrefined extra virgin coconut oil
4,000mg omega-3. EPA: 1,290mg; DHA: 620mg
1-2 Brazil nuts
4,000mg sodium, 700mg potassium, and 300mg magnesium gylcinate or threonate
1,200mg NAC
50mcg selenium

I measured my blood ketones 1-2 times per week with a Keto Mojo ketones meter. I averaged ~2.1mmol/L for < 1 year.

N

Nutritional

I consumed two meals per day: 1 at 10AM and 1 at 5PM, so I intermittent fasted ~17 hours per day. No snacks.

I targeted 75%, 20%, and 5% of calories from fat, protein, and carbohydrates, respectively. I consumed <= 30g total carbohydrates per day.

My staples included meat, dairy, avocados, berries, nuts, and more.

K

Ketosis

Target: > 1.5mmol/L
Average: ~2.1mmol/L consistently for < 1 year

S

Sleep

15 minutes of morning sunlight
No caffeine < 12 hours before bed
No napping < 10 hours before bed
No liquids < 2 hours before bed
No food < 3 hours before bed
I minimized light 1-2 hours per bed. E.g., I dimmed and "warmed" my cell phone and TV and tried to read before bed. I also utilized Roka's blue-light blockers
144mg magnesium threonate 30 minutes before bed
9 hours of sleep per night
A consistent sleep and wake time (+/- 30 minutes)
My bedroom is cool and dark, and I never get into bed unless I am sleeping

Overall, I went from waking up 1-2 times per hour to 1-2 times per night. I also went from peeing 4-5 times per night to 1-2 times per night.

15 minutes of morning sunlight
No caffeine < 12 hours before bed
No napping < 10 hours before bed
No liquids < 2 hours before bed
No food < 3 hours before bed
I minimized light 1-2 hours per bed. E.g., I dimmed and "warmed" my cell phone and TV and tried to read before bed. I also utilized Roka's blue-light blockers
144mg magnesium threonate 30 minutes before bed
9 hours of sleep per night
A consistent sleep and wake time (+/- 30 minutes)
My bedroom is cool and dark, and I never get into bed unless I am sleeping

Overall, I went from waking up 1-2 times per hour to 1-2 times per night. I also went from peeing 4-5 times per night to 1-2 times per night.

M

Move

Strength training 3 times per week
Running or biking 4-5 times per week

Strength training 3 times per week
Running or biking 4-5 times per week

A

Avoid

I severely limited alcohol and drug use. Specifically, I never consume > 2 drinks in a sitting. I also track how many drinks I consume, so I can say with confidence that I rarely consume > 6 drinks per month.

Likewise, I quit marijuana entirely.

R

Rebuild

I transitioned careers. Before I implemented metabolic therapies, I worked in corporate America. My job was high stress and responsibility, and I worked ~40-60 hours per week. Today, I am studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The University of Texas at San Antonio in order to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). My goal is to "return the favor" by introducing others to metabolic therapies. I went from not having a purpose to having a deep and personal purpose.

I also implemented mindfulness. Although I do not meditate, I actively "single-task" rather than multi-task and attempt to experience the present moment.