February 11, 2026
Discover why the brain thrives on ketones and their mental health benefits in integrative psychiatry.
Interest in metabolic psychiatry has grown significantly in recent years, particularly around why the brain thrives on ketones. As research increasingly links metabolic health to psychiatric outcomes, clinicians and patients alike are asking whether ketones—the alternative fuel produced during fat metabolism—may offer meaningful mental health benefits.
From depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, metabolic dysfunction is now understood to play a role in many psychiatric conditions. This article explores the science behind ketones, their effects on the brain, and how integrative psychiatry approaches this evolving area of care.
Ketones are molecules produced in the liver when carbohydrate intake is reduced or during periods of fasting. The three primary types of ketone bodies are:
When glucose availability decreases, the brain can utilize ketones as an alternative fuel source. In fact, during sustained ketosis, up to 60–70% of the brain’s energy needs may be met by ketones.
Understanding why the brain thrives on ketones requires recognizing that the brain is metabolically demanding. It consumes approximately 20% of the body’s total energy at rest. If glucose metabolism becomes impaired—as seen in insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, or certain psychiatric disorders—ketones may provide a more efficient and stable fuel.
Emerging research in metabolic psychiatry suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation contribute to conditions such as:
For individuals receiving care for depression, integrative psychiatry recognizes the importance of lifestyle, nutrition, and metabolic regulation alongside psychotherapy and medication. Those exploring treatment options for depression may benefit from a comprehensive evaluation at https://www.integrative-psych.org/nyc/depression.
Similarly, individuals managing anxiety may experience worsened symptoms when blood sugar fluctuates. Stabilizing glucose and supporting metabolic health may complement structured treatments like CBT and ACT, available through https://www.integrative-psych.org/nyc/anxiety and https://www.integrative-psych.org/nyc/act.
Ketones produce ATP more efficiently per unit of oxygen than glucose. This may improve cellular energy production in neurons, particularly in individuals with metabolic dysfunction.
Chronic inflammation has been implicated in depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Ketones appear to modulate inflammatory pathways, potentially supporting symptom reduction.
Ketogenic interventions may influence GABA and glutamate balance. This is particularly relevant for mood instability and anxiety disorders.
Oxidative damage is elevated in several psychiatric conditions. Ketones may enhance antioxidant defenses within the brain.
These mechanisms help explain why the brain thrives on ketones in certain metabolic contexts.
Depression is increasingly understood as a whole-body condition involving inflammation and metabolic disruption. Integrative care often includes psychotherapy such as CBT (https://www.integrative-psych.org/nyc/cbt) alongside nutritional and lifestyle interventions.
Individuals with ADHD may struggle with blood sugar instability, which can worsen attention and impulsivity. Nutritional psychiatry approaches may complement structured ADHD care found at https://www.integrative-psych.org/nyc/adhd.
Bipolar disorder has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Some preliminary studies suggest ketogenic diets may support mood stabilization, though medical supervision is essential. Comprehensive care is available at https://www.integrative-psych.org/nyc/bipolar.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves dysregulated neural circuits. While ERP and CBT remain first-line treatments, metabolic stabilization may serve as an adjunct. Learn more about OCD treatment at https://www.integrative-psych.org/nyc/ocd.
Trauma impacts both psychological and physiological systems. Integrative approaches combining EMDR (https://www.integrative-psych.org/nyc/emdr) and trauma-informed care (https://www.integrative-psych.org/nyc/trauma-ptsd) may be enhanced by metabolic stabilization strategies.
Caution is required when discussing ketogenic diets in individuals with eating disorders. Restrictive dietary interventions may be contraindicated. Specialized support is available at https://www.integrative-psych.org/nyc/eating-disorder.
Understanding ketone levels chart references is important for safety.
3.0: High ketones (monitor carefully)
High ketones combined with high glucose may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), requiring urgent care.
Urine measurements may show readings such as:
These readings reflect concentration but are less precise than blood measurements.
The question “keto good for diabetics” depends on individual context.
For some individuals with type 2 diabetes, ketogenic approaches improve insulin sensitivity. However, those with type 1 diabetes face increased DKA risk and require close medical supervision.
Patients experiencing ketones when to go to hospital should seek urgent care if symptoms include nausea, vomiting, confusion, rapid breathing, or high glucose levels.
Fasting ketone levels naturally rise during intermittent fasting or carbohydrate restriction. However, starvation ketones differ from structured nutritional ketosis.
Starvation ketosis treatment typically involves refeeding and correcting electrolyte imbalance. Prolonged caloric deprivation can negatively affect mental health, particularly in those vulnerable to eating disorders or trauma-related conditions.
Ketones and pregnancy require careful monitoring. Mild ketones while pregnant may occur during morning sickness or gestational diabetes. However, persistent high ketones warrant medical evaluation.
The benefits of the keto diet extend beyond weight loss. Potential mental health benefits include:
However, ketogenic approaches are not universally appropriate. Individuals with schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder (BPD), addiction, or psychosis require comprehensive psychiatric care. Integrative approaches may include DBT (https://www.integrative-psych.org/nyc/dbt), addiction services (https://www.integrative-psych.org/nyc/addiction), and virtual therapy options (https://www.integrative-psych.org/nyc/virtual-therapy).
Understanding why the brain thrives on ketones is not about promoting extreme diets. Rather, it reflects a broader recognition that mental health is deeply connected to metabolic health.
At Integrative Psych, clinicians consider:
This whole-person model acknowledges that ketones may support certain individuals—but must be approached safely, ethically, and within a comprehensive care plan.
Integrative Psych is a national integrative psychiatry practice serving clients across the United States through in-person and virtual care. The clinic combines evidence-based psychotherapy—including CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR—with psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and integrative lifestyle approaches.
To learn more about the team of clinical experts and comprehensive services, visit https://www.integrative-psych.org/ or explore the top psychiatrists and therapists at https://www.integrative-psych.org/top-psychiatrists-therapists-integrative-psych-nyc.
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