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Experts Challenge Keto as Schizophrenia Cure
23 Feb
Summary
- Keto diet's role in schizophrenia treatment lacks strong evidence.
- Kennedy Jr. cited a study linking keto diet to schizophrenia recovery.
- Experts warn against stopping medication without medical guidance.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently stated he saw a study suggesting a ketogenic diet could cure schizophrenia. This assertion has drawn criticism from mental health professionals who note a lack of robust scientific backing for such a claim. Kennedy Jr. mentioned research from a Harvard doctor, which experts believe refers to Dr. Christopher Palmer.
Dr. Palmer clarified that he has never claimed to 'cure' schizophrenia but has discussed the ketogenic diet as a potent treatment that can induce symptom remission. His observations are based on two case reports from 2019 involving women whose schizophrenia symptoms improved on a ketogenic diet, leading them to stop medication. However, Palmer stressed that these case reports have significant limitations and do not constitute proof.
He further cautioned individuals against stopping psychiatric medication without strict medical oversight. One patient who stopped abruptly experienced a severe psychotic episode requiring hospitalization. The importance of supervised medication management while exploring dietary interventions like the ketogenic diet for mental health conditions is underscored by such experiences.
