December 09, 2024

Ketogenic Diets in Alcohol Addiction: Breakthrough Research with Dr. Wiers

25 minutes

In this interview with Dr. Bret Scher, Dr. Corinde Wiers, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, unveils her groundbreaking research on using ketogenic therapy to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). Dr. Wiers dives into how ketones, as an alternative energy source, may alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and transform the landscape of addiction recovery.

This conversation covers:

The science of brain energy metabolism and how ketones are preferred over glucose in AUD.

Results from clinical trials, including reductions in withdrawal severity and the need for benzodiazepines.

Neuroimaging data that shows how ketogenic diets affect the brain's reward system and craving mechanisms.

The broader implications of metabolic therapies for treating mood disorders, addiction, and brain health.

Dr. Wiers shares her journey from studying alcohol use disorders in Europe to leading cutting-edge research in the U.S. She provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating metabolic therapies into mainstream mental health and addiction treatment.

Experts Featured

Dr. Corinde Wiers

X: @CorindeW

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinde-wiers-479a9219/

https://www.med.upenn.edu/csa/corindewiers.html

Resources:

Ketogenic diet reduces alcohol withdrawal symptoms in humans and alcohol intake in rodents

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33837086/

Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.

Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/

About us:

Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.

Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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