Can the Keto Diet Help Ease Depression?
Depression affects millions worldwide and remains one of the most challenging conditions to treat. While medications and therapy form the cornerstone of care, growing evidence suggests that nutrition — specifically, how our bodies process energy — may also play a critical role in mental health. A new pilot study from The Ohio State University has added to this conversation, finding that a ketogenic (keto) diet may significantly reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD).
Inside the Study
The study followed 16 college students diagnosed with MDD over a period of 10 to 12 weeks. All participants continued their standard depression treatments, such as medication or psychotherapy. In addition, they adopted a ketogenic diet, a low-carbohydrate, high-fat regimen designed to shift the body’s metabolism from glucose (sugar) to ketones (fat-derived molecules) for energy.
The results were striking. Participants reported a 69% reduction in self-assessed depression symptoms and a 71% improvement on clinical measures administered by healthcare professionals. Many also experienced enhanced cognitive function — such as improved focus and mental clarity — and even weight loss, suggesting systemic benefits beyond mood stabilization.
Why the Keto Diet May Help the Brain
Researchers believe the ketogenic diet may benefit mood through several mechanisms:
- Enhanced brain energy metabolism: By relying on ketones instead of glucose, the brain may achieve more stable energy levels, reducing mood fluctuations and fatigue.
- Reduction in inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been linked to depression. Keto diets are known to lower markers of systemic inflammation, which could contribute to improved mood.
- Boosted brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): This protein supports the growth and survival of neurons. The study found that keto participants showed signs of increased BDNF, which may help repair and strengthen neural connections impaired by depression.
- Improved gut-brain axis: The diet’s low sugar content and emphasis on healthy fats can promote a more balanced gut microbiome — an emerging factor in emotional regulation and cognitive health.
A Complement, Not a Replacement
While these results are encouraging, experts caution that the study was small and short-term. Larger clinical trials will be needed to confirm the findings and determine long-term safety and adherence. Importantly, researchers emphasize that the keto diet should not replace standard treatments like therapy or prescribed medications, but rather serve as a potential adjunctive tool under medical supervision.
The Takeaway for Wellness Seekers
This early evidence highlights how metabolic health and mental health are deeply interconnected. For individuals struggling with depression, particularly those who have not fully responded to traditional approaches, exploring dietary strategies like the ketogenic diet — with guidance from a qualified healthcare professional — may open new possibilities for symptom relief and cognitive vitality.
As the research evolves, one message is clear: what we eat doesn’t just fuel our bodies — it profoundly shapes our brains and emotional well-being.