Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
As interest grows in alternative approaches to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), like ibogaine and psilocybin-assisted therapy, researchers are also exploring how metabolic interventions may target the underlying biology of psychiatric conditions.
Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Nicole Laurent, a licensed therapist and researcher, about a published case report exploring ketogenic metabolic therapy in treatment-resistant PTSD.
Together, they break down some of the biology behind PTSD, including brain hypometabolism, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalances, and how ketogenic therapy may help address these underlying mechanisms.
The conversation also explores a powerful real-world case: a woman with nearly two decades of persistent PTSD symptoms who experienced profound improvements after implementing a medically supervised ketogenic approach.
In this conversation, you’ll also learn:
- Why metabolism may play a central role in psychiatric conditions
- How ketogenic therapy may support brain energy and neurotransmitter balance
- The importance of clinical supervision, especially when medications are involved
- Why individualized care and self-advocacy matter in emerging treatments
While case reports don’t establish causation, they can highlight new directions for research and clinical care, especially for individuals who haven’t found relief with standard approaches.
As research evolves, metabolic psychiatry is opening new conversations about how we understand and treat mental health conditions. If you or someone you love is living with PTSD, this discussion may offer a new perspective to explore with a qualified healthcare provider.
Learn more about ketogenic therapy as an adjunct treatment for PTSD on our blog: metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/hope-for-ptsd-the-potential-of-ketogenic-metabolic-therapies
🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.
#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #PTSD
*Expert Featured:*
- Nicole Laurent, LMHC
- metabolicmind.org/team/nicole-laurent-lmhc
- mentalhealthketo.com/nicole-laurent-lmhc-about-me
- Chris Palmer, MD
- chrispalmermd.com
- metabolicmind.org/team/chris-palmer-md
- instagram.com/chrispalmermd
*Resources Mentioned:*
*PTSD Case Report*
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41783812
*Robin Engelhardt Case report*
researchgate.net/publication/400616091_Ketogenic_Therapy_as_a_Novel_Treatment_Approach_for_PTSD_An_Integrative_Review_and_Model
*Palmer Case report*
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12089804
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 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.
*Timestamps:*
0:00 - Introduction to Nicole Laurent and Keto for PTSD
1:14 - Misconceptions in Psychotherapy
1:53 - “Treatment-Resistant” PTSD Case Report
5:05 - Past PTSD Treatment Attempts
6:21 - Documented PTSD Severity and Early Optimism
7:18 - Did She Have Support Starting Keto?
7:45 - Why Most People Struggle With Keto
8:57 - PTSD Symptom Drop and Recovery Experience
12:04 - Why Keto Works for PTSD (Brain Mechanisms)
13:30 - Ideal Ketone Levels for Mental Health
15:35 - Are There Concerns With Keto for PTSD?
17:54 - Medication Risks and Professional Help
19:20 - Where to find Nicole Laurent
20:13 - Final Thoughts on Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy
As interest grows in alternative approaches to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), like ibogaine and psilocybin-assisted therapy, researchers are also exploring how metabolic interventions may target the underlying biology of psychiatric conditions.
Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Nicole Laurent, a licensed therapist and researcher, about a published case report exploring ketogenic metabolic therapy in treatment-resistant PTSD.
Together, they break down some of the biology behind PTSD, including brain hypometabolism, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalances, and how ketogenic therapy may help address these underlying mechanisms.
The conversation also explores a powerful real-world case: a woman with nearly two decades of persistent PTSD symptoms who experienced profound improvements after implementing a medically supervised ketogenic approach.
In this conversation, you’ll also learn:
- Why metabolism may play a central role in psychiatric conditions
- How ketogenic therapy may support brain energy and neurotransmitter balance
- The importance of clinical supervision, especially when medications are involved
- Why individualized care and self-advocacy matter in emerging treatments
While case reports don’t establish causation, they can highlight new directions for research and clinical care, especially for individuals who haven’t found relief with standard approaches.
As research evolves, metabolic psychiatry is opening new conversations about how we understand and treat mental health conditions. If you or someone you love is living with PTSD, this discussion may offer a new perspective to explore with a qualified healthcare provider.
Learn more about ketogenic therapy as an adjunct treatment for PTSD on our blog: metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/hope-for-ptsd-the-potential-of-ketogenic-metabolic-therapies
🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.
#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #PTSD
*Expert Featured:*
- Nicole Laurent, LMHC
- metabolicmind.org/team/nicole-laurent-lmhc
- mentalhealthketo.com/nicole-laurent-lmhc-about-me
- Chris Palmer, MD
- chrispalmermd.com
- metabolicmind.org/team/chris-palmer-md
- instagram.com/chrispalmermd
*Resources Mentioned:*
*PTSD Case Report*
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41783812
*Robin Engelhardt Case report*
researchgate.net/publication/400616091_Ketogenic_Therapy_as_a_Novel_Treatment_Approach_for_PTSD_An_Integrative_Review_and_Model
*Palmer Case report*
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12089804
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 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.
*Timestamps:*
0:00 - Introduction to Nicole Laurent and Keto for PTSD
1:14 - Misconceptions in Psychotherapy
1:53 - “Treatment-Resistant” PTSD Case Report
5:05 - Past PTSD Treatment Attempts
6:21 - Documented PTSD Severity and Early Optimism
7:18 - Did She Have Support Starting Keto?
7:45 - Why Most People Struggle With Keto
8:57 - PTSD Symptom Drop and Recovery Experience
12:04 - Why Keto Works for PTSD (Brain Mechanisms)
13:30 - Ideal Ketone Levels for Mental Health
15:35 - Are There Concerns With Keto for PTSD?
17:54 - Medication Risks and Professional Help
19:20 - Where to find Nicole Laurent
20:13 - Final Thoughts on Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy
