Home > Our Work > Metabolic & Mental Health

Metabolic & Mental Health

We believe the twin epidemics of metabolic and mental illness are biologically related, reversible, and preventable with proven nutritional and other metabolic strategies.. As a result, energy metabolism must be understood as foundational to human mental and physical wellness. We seek to advance research in human metabolism and its links to mental and physical health.

We aim to fuel the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry to deliver treatments that promote prevention, recovery and remission in those at risk for or living with mental health conditions.

Our research priorities focus on the potential to transform and save lives. We fund translational and clinical research that seeks to investigate the use of metabolic therapies for serious mental illness as well as predictive biomarkers and mechanisms of action. Our work spans research, capacity building and advocacy that expands clinical research and builds metabolic approaches into clinical care.

Our Story

In 2016, Jan and David Baszucki experienced the challenges of a mental health crisis firsthand when the eldest of their four children, their son Matt, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 19. After battling bipolar illness for five years, Matt achieved a full recovery from his condition using ketogenic and metabolic therapies. The Baszuckis speak openly about their experience to offer hope to other families; they believe fighting stigma requires not only ground-breaking science, but open conversations and life stories.

Program Areas

We partner with scientists, clinicians and innovators to promote the development and delivery of metabolic treatments for physical and mental illness.

Metabolic Psychiatry We fund research on existing and emerging ketogenic and metabolic therapies for psychiatric disorders. View
Mental Health Advocacy We invest in organizations that are bringing the voices of those most impacted by mental illness to the forefront. View
Metabolic Mind We leverage science, clinical wisdom and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges. View
Metabolic Neuroscience We support high-impact research in the nascent field of metabolic neuroscience. View
Bipolar Disorder We partner with researchers and their teams to advance basic, translational and clinical bipolar research. View

Featured Videos

The Connection Between Metabolic and Mental Health with Dr. Bret Scher

Jan 16, 2023 – Metabolic Mind director Dr. Bret Scher explores the important connection between metabolic and mental health as well as emerging evidence that metabolic therapies, like ketogenic diets, may help reduce or even eliminate symptoms of psychiatric illness.

View video

How Metabolic Therapies Change Lives: Depression, Schizophrenia, & Schizoaffective Success Stories

October 30, 2024 – Jan Ellison Baszucki, founder of Baszucki Group and Metabolic Mind, moderated a panel discussion with Eric Rodgers, Harmony Bright, and Lauren Kennedy West, who each shared their personal journeys with metabolic interventions.

View video

Brain Energy, Mitochondria, and Mental Health with Harvard’s Dr. Chris Palmer

Oct 3, 2023 – An interview with Dr. Chris Palmer, founder and director of the Metabolic and Mental Health Program at McLean Hospital and assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

View video