Nurture YourselfHome » Nurture Yourself » How Ketamine Works for Mental Health
Originally used as an anesthetic, and more recently thought of as a recreational party drug, ketamine is emerging as a groundbreaking treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions.
At low doses, ketamine dissolves barriers like ego and defense mechanisms, creating space for personal growth and self-discovery.
We recently spoke with Dr. Mike Dow, a specialist in psychotherapy and brain health, who explained in our recent podcast how ketamine has the ability to facilitate major spiritual growth. This therapeutic process can guide individuals towards a more purposeful, wellness-oriented life.
Dr. Dow is currently undergoing training with a psychiatrist who uses a specific ketamine protocol, integrating it with psychotherapy and meditation to unlock the subconscious mind.
Pretty fascinating stuff! Here’s more of what we learned from Dr. Dow’s podcast episode.
Ketamine’s Impact on the Brain
Scientifically, ketamine operates on multiple levels. It reduces brain inflammation, elevates neurotransmitter levels, and promotes neural growth. This means it can effectively reverse damage caused by trauma and poor dietary habits. Additionally, it deactivates the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN), known for rumination and worry, allowing individuals to tap into their “higher self.” This highlights ketamine’s ability to treat conditions like depression, addiction, and eating disorders. It’s even been shown to be more effective than traditional antidepressants.
The Role of Lifestyle in Mental Health
Lifestyle choices are crucial in maximizing the impact of ketamine therapy. Fundamental aspects of health, including optimal brain function, quality sleep, stress management, and a nutritious diet, play a major role in reinforcing the effects of treatment. Unhealthy habits, such as excessive sugar consumption, not only contribute to conditions like brain fog but have also been linked to brain atrophy. Dr. Dow emphasizes the importance of maintaining neurotransmitter balance, reducing inflammation, and continuously stimulating the brain with novel experiences for sustained mental wellness.
Behavioral Strategies in Conjunction With Ketamine
In Dr. Dow’s approach, behavioral replacement therapy complements ketamine treatment. This method encourages substituting dopamine-releasing fatty foods with activities that provide similar neurotransmitter releases in healthier forms. Coupled with lifestyle adjustments such as fiber-rich diets and practices like intermittent fasting, individuals can achieve sustained serotonin and dopamine levels, establishing a solid foundation for mental health.
A Comprehensive Approach to Mental Wellness
The insights shared by Dr. Mike Dow on the Living a Nutritious Life Podcast underscores the potential of ketamine as a revolutionary tool in mental health care. With its impact on the brain, its potential in treating various mental health conditions, and its powerful effect with behavioral and lifestyle strategies, ketamine therapy is paving the way for a new frontier in mental wellness.
(Image: Unsplash)
Want to learn more about ketamine and its therapeutic uses? Check out this episode of the Nutritious Life podcast.
The Nutritious Life Editors are a team of healthy lifestyle enthusiasts who not only subscribe to — and live! — the 8 Pillars of a Nutritious Life, but also have access to some of the savviest thought leaders in the health and wellness space — including our founder and resident dietitian, Keri Glassman. From the hottest trends in wellness to the latest medical science, we stay on top of it all in order to deliver the info YOU need to live your most nutritious life.
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