Metabolic Depression: The New Science of Mood Disorders

The Longevity Podcast: Optimizing HealthSpan & MindSpan

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This episode traces how metabolic dysfunction drives mood disorders—from brain energy failure and inflammation to insulin resistance that reshapes neural circuits—and lays out the emerging biomarkers and treatments that enable true precision mental health care. Rather than viewing depression and anxiety as purely psychological, we explore the biology beneath: metabolism, mitochondria, and immune signaling.

We begin with the data showing insulin resistance doubles depression risk, then map how cerebral glucose hypometabolism reduces energy supply to key mood-regulation regions. We explain the role of mitochondrial dysfunction across major psychiatric disorders and how inflammatory cytokines divert tryptophan away from serotonin production. You’ll learn why metabolic repair is becoming central to treatment.

The episode breaks down evidence for metformin’s support of the TCA cycle, the benefits of ketogenic therapy for metabolic syndrome and mood stability, and the value of targeted micronutrient testing—B vitamins, vitamin D, and omega-3s. We outline the key biomarkers clinicians now use: fasting insulin, CRP, and the TG/HDL ratio, alongside omics, CGMs, and AI tools that enable personalized interventions.

We close with a fundamental shift: moving from DSM symptom labels to measurable biology, unlocking precision treatment for mood disorders.

High-volume keywords used: metabolic health, insulin resistance, depression, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, ketogenic therapy, biomarkers, precision psychiatry

Listener Takeaways

• How insulin resistance and glucose hypometabolism impair mood
• Why mitochondrial dysfunction is a shared driver across disorders
• The role of cytokines in reducing serotonin availability
• Evidence behind metformin, ketogenic therapy, and micronutrient testing
• Biomarkers and digital tools that enable precision mental health care

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This podcast is created by Ai for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical or health advice. Please talk to your healthcare team for medical advice.

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Chương

1. Why Metabolism Matters For The Mind (00:00:00)

2. Insulin Resistance And Depression Risk (00:00:28)

3. Defining Metabolic Psychiatry (00:03:12)

4. The Vicious Cycle Of Mood And Metabolism (00:05:22)

5. Brain Energy Failure Explained (00:07:32)

6. Mitochondria And Shared Disease Mechanisms (00:10:20)