Dr. Anthony Chaffee hosts neurologist Dr. Matthew Phillips to discuss the neurological benefits of ketogenic and carnivore diets for treating chronic neurological conditions. Dr. Phillips shares his journey of exploring metabolic therapies after realizing conventional treatments often fail to address the root causes of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s. He explains how his experiences across various countries and his subsequent move to New Zealand allowed him to redefine his approach and focus on implementing dietary interventions to improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Phillips explains the evolutionary basis of ketogenic and low-carb diets, emphasizing that our hunter-gatherer ancestors predominantly consumed such diets, which contributed to their long lifespans free from modern chronic diseases. He highlights how ketones serve as an efficient fuel source for neurons, reducing oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function, which he considers central to overall cellular health. According to him, modern high-carb diets disrupt mitochondrial health, leading to increased rates of neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders.
In their clinical trials, Dr. Phillips and his team have seen promising results in patients with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Their studies show that ketogenic diets significantly improve non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s patients, such as mood and cognitive function, by up to 40% compared to a low-fat diet. In Alzheimer’s patients, the ketogenic diet led to notable improvements in daily function and quality of life, although cognitive improvements were seen only as a trend. These findings suggest that dietary interventions may offer a viable alternative or complement to traditional medical treatments.
Dr. Phillips also discusses his groundbreaking work with glioblastoma patients, applying an intensive metabolic therapy protocol involving intermittent fasting and a strict ketogenic diet. The results so far indicate that the protocol is safe and feasible, with participants showing encouraging improvements in both survival and quality of life. However, he notes the challenges of implementing such protocols in a healthcare system largely focused on pharmaceutical interventions, facing skepticism from some medical professionals.
The discussion concludes with broader reflections on the need to balance germ theory with terrain theory—focusing on improving host health rather than merely targeting diseases with medications. Dr. Phillips argues that by restoring mitochondrial health through dietary and lifestyle changes, individuals can potentially prevent and even reverse chronic conditions. Despite resistance from the mainstream medical community, he remains committed to further research and hopes to inspire more clinicians to explore metabolic therapies as a viable option for neurological health.