Letter to Maryland’s Governor, The Honorable Westley Moore, urging him to allow Research on medical keto for Schizophrenia to go Forward
The Honorable Westley Moore
Governor of Maryland
100 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401-1925
Dear Governor Moore:
I was pleased to read last Tuesday’s press release in which you stated, "Maryland is ready to lead on healthcare. Today, we deepen our commitment to affordability and accessibility—and we hope other states will follow our example."
In line with your commitment, I urge you to revisit Health Secretary Herrera Scott’s decision to halt the landmark study of a ketogenic diet as a treatment for schizophrenia at Spring Grove Hospital Center. This study was privately funded and had undergone thorough reviews for safety and ethics.
A ketogenic diet, used since the 1920s to successfully treat epilepsy, is the strongest lever among a variety of natural, but medically powerful, interventions that comprise Metabolic Psychiatry. This burgeoning field has gained significant momentum since Dr. Chris Palmer published his book, Brain Energy, in November 2022. Dr. Palmer explains that mental illness is a metabolic illness involving mitochondrial dysfunction. This new understanding makes even serious mental illness highly treatable. Better yet, preventable!
Metabolic Psychiatry does not preclude medication but can eliminate or drastically reduce the need for it. It shifts the treatment paradigm from lifelong symptom management to total healing.
The most comprehensive resource for Metabolic Psychiatry today is MetabolicMind.org. It features compelling personal stories of healing from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anorexia, and presents expert interviews, the latest research, and clinician directories to inform, educate, and empower.
Given your responsibility for Maryland’s quality of life and stewardship of the state’s budget, I hope the promise of Metabolic Psychiatry comes as very good news.
But it gets better. The interventions used in Metabolic Psychiatry are the same as those that reverse obesity, diabetes, dementia, and autoimmune disorders. There is a growing body of evidence that shows they also prevent and reverse Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, digestive disorders, and even cancer.
A metabolism-centered approach is the future of medicine. If we have the collective will to free ourselves from the grip of Big Food and Big Pharma, it will deliver us from the chronic illness epidemic in which we find ourselves. Currently, we (often unknowingly) poison our cells and then medicate them indefinitely resulting in a substandard quality of life, as evidenced by our country’s falling life expectancy and fertility rates. It doesn’t have to be this way. Medical schools can change. Doctors can change. Children can be well! We can reclaim our lives – our economy and public spending can fuel vibrant, productive endeavors rather than funding never-ending chronic sick care.
As I write, the Change.org petition about the study has over 15,000 signatures. Just as important as that growing number are the dramatic videos and written testimonials from individuals who have regained their health using a ketogenic diet, as well as pleas from those who wish to try it but need knowledgeable doctors to guide them. This is especially important when medications are involved, and one of many reasons research is imperative. Please take the time to explore these testimonials: Help Protect a Landmark Research Study for Serious Mental Illness.
In addition, Lauren Kennedy West, of Living Well with Schizophrenia, who has recently recovered from schizoaffective disorder using the ketogenic diet, makes a compelling case for further research: Lauren Kennedy West on Ketogenic Diet and Mental Health (you might wish to start at 2:07 since she is introducing the study to viewers during the first two minutes).
Governor Moore, your dedication and care as a public servant are obvious. I hope you personally see this message and that my plea, joined with thousands of others, motivates you to reinstate the ketogenic diet-schizophrenia study at Spring Grove Hospital Center. Basic ethical considerations demand it. In addition, given the broad application of metabolic interventions to restore vibrant health to so many, my fervent hope is that in your role as Governor, you will learn about and promote them for the benefit of all Marylanders. May other states follow your example!
Sincerely,
Julie King
https://oneofonebillion.org
