Nutritional psychiatry and “Nutrient Power” by William J. Walsh

[Aimingatremission]

So after seeing the profound improvements some people experience on keto I decided that looking into a psychiatrist who knows something about nutrition might be worthwhile. I’ve tried keto several times now and although I’ve only ever lasted a month with it I assume that after 30 days there would be at least some signs that the diet would help me. It’s a super restrictive diet and while I definitely do feel different on it, I wouldn’t say I feel better. Anyway, after looking up nutritional psychiatrists I found one who said that they based a lot of what they do on the work of William J. Walsh and a book called “Nutrient Power”. So in this book there’s a section on schizophrenia that describes 3 different bio types of the disease. There’s overmethylated schizophrenia, undermethylated schizophrenia and Pyrrole Schizophrenia. There’s some overlap in symptoms but each bio type is distinct enough that I was able to identify which one described me most accurately. Pyrrole schizophrenia seemed to be my type.

Symptoms of overmethylated schizophrenia

• High Anxiety: Persistent and intense feelings of anxiety1.
• Depression: Often severe and can lead to confusion1.
• Sleep Disorders: Difficulty falling or staying asleep2.
• Elevated Serotonin, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine: High levels of these neurotransmitters1.
• Low Blood Histamine: Reduced levels of histamine in the blood1.
• Food and Chemical Sensitivities: Increased sensitivity to various foods and chemicals2.
• Overreaction to Life Experiences: Tendency to react strongly to everyday situations2.
• Dry Eyes and Mouth: Reduced moisture in eyes and mouth3.
• Low Libido: Decreased sexual drive3.
• Talkativeness: Increased tendency to talk excessively3.

Symptoms of undermethylated schizophrenia

• Obsessive-Compulsive Tendencies: Repetitive behaviors and thoughts1.
• Perfectionism: A strong need for order and perfection1.
• High Achievement: Often high-performing and driven2.
• Ritualistic Behaviors: Engaging in specific routines or rituals1.
• Dietary Inflexibility: Rigid eating habits and preferences1.
• Strong-Willed: A need to be right and difficulty accepting alternative viewpoints1.
• Low Serotonin Levels: Can lead to depression and anxiety2.
• Addictive Tendencies: Higher likelihood of developing addictions2.
• High Motivation: Persistent drive to achieve goals2.

Symptoms of Pyrrole schizophrenia

• Severe Anxiety: Persistent and intense feelings of anxiety1.
• Mood Swings: Significant and frequent changes in mood1.
• Irritability: Easily annoyed or angered1.
• Depression: Often severe and persistent1.
• Poor Stress Control: Difficulty managing stress2.
• Explosive Temper: Episodes of intense anger2.
• Short-Term Memory Problems: Difficulty remembering recent events1.
• Sensitivity to Light and Sound: Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli1.
• Pale Skin: Skin that doesn’t tan easily1.
• Joint Pain: Discomfort or pain in the joints1.
• Frequent Infections: Higher susceptibility to infections1.
• Digestive Issues: Problems like constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)1.

So I’ve emailed this doctor and plan on getting the necessary bloodwork to find out if there are any obvious deficiencies or excesses as well as a pyrrole test to see if my levels are high enough to be diagnosed with the disorder.

I’m going into this with a healthy amount of skepticism. This isn’t the first time I’ve found an Avenue that was making big promises but I figure that if at the end of this I feel even just 10% better it’ll have been worth it.

[everhopeful]

@Aimingatremission

I’m going into this with a healthy amount of skepticism.

To be honest, it sounds like quackery to me.

[Aimingatremission]

Me too just looking at it but when you see what keto can do for some people it inspires some open mindedness. I’ve also been researching pyrrole disorder. There are some pretty inspiring anecdotes from people who got diagnosed, started treating it and experienced some pretty miraculous changes. But we’ll see. I’ll figure out if I have it, start treating it if I do and see if I improve.

Edit: also from what I’ve read so far the book doesn’t make any outrageous claims about getting people off meds. It just says when people start treating whatever disorder there phenotype causes they improve

[LevelJ1]

I read this book many years ago when i was into niacin therapy. Its rabbit hole gibberish. You cant even get have the tests from a doctor so maybe thats the trick, they want you to pay for expensive testing lol

[Aimingatremission]

William j Walsh wants you to pay for expensive testing? I don’t see how that would benefit him.

[Vinegar]

I have been on the keto diet for 6 years now and although it works really well for keeping my positive symptoms, especially voices, at bay, it has done nothing for my negative and cognitive symptoms.

I also take a ton of different supplements that seem to help, but again, nothing I do puts this illness into remission. So, lately, I have been a bit skeptical of these alternative treatments.

However, if you do notice an improvement from getting these tests run on yourself and if this Dr’s book works for you, please let us know.