Singer Neha Bhasin recently opened up about her struggles with health — physical and mental. “Last year, I was not well. I had put on 10 kilos owing to the medications. I was in proper clinical depression. I was on progesterone, and all of that made me put on weight. Around Diwali last year, I had a panic attack,” Bhasin told comedian Bharti Singh and her husband and screenwriter Haarsh Limbachiyaa on their YouTube podcast.
She added how practising yoga and breathing made her realise that she needed clinical help. “Pranayam me roti thi ek ek ghanta baithkar. Yoga made me anxious, and it made me realise that I needed help,” said Bhasin.
During the conversation, Bhasin, 42, also spoke about what helped her manage her mental health better. “I did keto for mental health. My psychiatrist recommended it. A lot of people think keto is not good and all, but meri toh life badli hai keto se (keto has changed my life). My inflammation has gone. Depression has gone. Mood swings are still there, but bearable. Bloating has reduced. You feel something is changing in your body,” Bhasin said.
She added that according to her psychiatrist, “for treatment-resistant people, the metabolic mind works.” “Metabolic mind means gut-brain axis, and he put me on that path to read up and look at examples. At that time, I was a full vegetarian. I was vegan for eight years. I didn’t understand what to eat. The first month and a half, I struggled a lot. I had keto flu, diarrhea, IBS. But from the second month, I started feeling better. And after five, I could see even better results,” said Bhasin, who admitted suffering from PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
She also emphasised that for her, carbohydrates and sugar don’t work. “I had mango a few days ago. My body fell sick,” said Bhasin, adding that according to her doctors, she is “carb-resistant” because she has PCOD, PMDD, and high prolactin (controlled by the pituitary gland).
Taking a leaf out of her revelation, let’s examine whether the keto diet is effective for maintaining good mental health.
The ketogenic (keto) diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan that shifts the body’s metabolism from burning glucose to burning fat, producing ketones as an alternative energy source. This metabolic change has been explored for its potential effects on mental health.
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Kanikka Malhotra, a consultant dietitian and certified diabetes educator, said the ketogenic diet (KD) is being explored for mental health benefits, but current scientific evidence remains preliminary. “Some small studies do suggest KD may help improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and certain psychiatric conditions, possibly through mechanisms involving reduced inflammation and better brain energy metabolism. However, these findings are not consistent across all individuals, and large-scale trials are still lacking. KD can also pose risks, such as nutritional deficiencies or exacerbation of some conditions, especially without proper supervision. It is not a mainstream treatment for mental health disorders and should not replace conventional therapies,” said Malhotra.
Dr Chandni Tugnait, psychotherapist, coach and healer, founder and director, Gateway of Healing, said Bhasin’s experience highlights keto’s potential as a complementary mental health tool, “but it’s not a substitute for professional treatment”. “We always stress that dietary changes should be personalised and monitored. For those considering keto for psychological benefits, consulting both a mental health specialist and nutritionist is crucial,” said Dr Tugnait.
Stabilising mood through ketones: One of the key benefits of the keto diet for mental health is its effect on brain function, Dr. Tugnait said. “In a state of ketosis, the body produces ketones, which are an alternative energy source for the brain. Studies suggest that ketones may help stabilise mood and improve cognitive function, particularly in individuals dealing with anxiety or depression. This is because ketones are believed to provide the brain with a more consistent energy supply, potentially reducing mood swings,” said Dr Tugnait.
Is keto effective? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Reduction in anxiety and stress: Some individuals on the keto diet report a decrease in anxiety and stress levels. “This could be due to the diet’s influence on brain chemistry, where the high-fat, low-carb intake helps balance neurotransmitters, such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), that are associated with relaxation and stress reduction. As stress and anxiety are common mental health issues, managing them through dietary changes may be an appealing strategy for some,” said Dr Tugnait.
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Clarity and improved focus: Mental fog and lack of focus are often symptoms of depression and anxiety.
“The keto diet may help improve cognitive clarity. By stabilising blood sugar levels and reducing insulin resistance, the keto diet can help prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes that can negatively affect cognitive function. Many individuals on the keto diet report feeling more mentally clear, focused, and sharp, which is beneficial for overall mental well-being,” said Dr Tugnait.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.