Could a keto diet help treat bipolar depression?
From All in the Mind by BBC Radio 4
June 9, 2026 · 28 min
About this episode
Claudia Hammond explores the potential of a ketogenic diet in treating bipolar depression and discusses various related research topics.
Claudia Hammond explores intriguing early evidence that a ketogenic diet - high fat, low carbs - might help treat bipolar depression. We already know this diet can help with some kinds of epilepsy. But now, after a promising pilot study, the Wellcome trust is funding a £7.9 million trial to look at whether it could also help reduce depression in people living with bipolar disorder. Professor Daniel Smith and research fellow Dr Iain Campbell from the University of Edinburgh, take us into the emerging field of ‘metabolic psychiatry’. Also in the programme, Professor Nilli Lavie of UCL reveals what happens to our brain’s grey matter as we try to stay focused in an age of constant distraction. As information and entertainment are always within reach, her research asks how these shifting habits may be reshaping our attention - and our brains. And Professor Daryl O’Connor discusses emerging research into the hormone oxytocin and its surprising role in wound healing, as well as new insights into how cultural experiences might help slow the ageing process. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Pamela Rutherford Studio Manager: Tim Heffer Production Coordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth…
People in this episode
Host: Claudia Hammond
Guests: Professor Daniel Smith, Dr Iain Campbell, Professor Nilli Lavie, Professor Daryl O’Connor
Topics covered
- keto diet
- bipolar depression
- metabolic psychiatry
- brain focus
- oxytocin
- wound healing
- ageing process
Keywords
- ketogenic diet
- bipolar disorder
- depression treatment
- metabolic psychiatry
- brain grey matter
- oxytocin
- wound healing
- ageing
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: University of Edinburgh, UCL, Wellcome trust
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