Indian singer Neha Bhasin rose to fame at age 18 through the TV show Coke [V] Popstars. Now 42, she’s still in the spotlight, known for her work in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil films, as well as independent music. But in recent years, Bhasin has also opened up about her struggles with mental health—including severe anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.
Eventually diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)—a severe form of PMS—and Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), Bhasin says she reached a point where she attempted suicide. However, a major shift came when she changed her eating habits.
“Keto has changed my life,” she shared in a YouTube podcast with comedians Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa. She said the diet helped ease her emotional symptoms, stabilised her mood swings, and improved her overall well-being.
Can a diet really do all that? We asked experts to explain whether the popular keto plan can actually support mental health.
What Exactly Is the Keto Diet?
The ketogenic, or “keto,” diet is a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate eating plan. According to Nidhi Sahai, Head of Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, the main goal of keto is to push the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose.
“To follow keto properly, carbs must be restricted to 20–50 grams per day,” Sahai said. “That’s less than what’s in two wheat chapatis.”
She adds that healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil should be the foundation of the diet. Moderate amounts of protein and a strict avoidance of sugar are also key.
Kanikka Malhotra, a consultant dietitian and diabetes educator, agrees. She explains that a standard keto plan breaks down into 70–75% fat, 20–25% protein, and just 5–10% carbohydrates. This forces the body to rely on ketones—byproducts of fat metabolism—for energy.
How to Follow Keto Safely
Experts stress that keto is not a license to eat just bacon and cheese. A well-balanced version of the diet includes:
- Whole, unprocessed foods: like leafy greens, fish, eggs, nuts, and olive oil
- Low-carb vegetables: such as spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower
- Gradual carb reduction: to avoid sudden fatigue or “keto flu”
- Hydration and electrolytes: to help ease the body’s transition
“Processed foods—even if labeled ‘keto’—should be avoided,” said Malhotra. “Focus on nutrient-rich, real foods instead.”
Who Should Consider (or Avoid) Keto?
While some people may benefit from keto, it’s not right for everyone.
According to Sahai, the diet may help those with obesity, Type 2 diabetes (under medical guidance), or epilepsy. Malhotra adds that it can promote weight loss and better blood sugar control in certain individuals.
But there are clear red flags. Malhotra cautions against keto for those with:
- Liver failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Type 1 diabetes
- Eating disorders
- People taking SGLT-2 inhibitors (a type of diabetes medication)
Others who should approach keto with caution include:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with osteoporosis
- Anyone with digestive conditions like IBS
“Keto isn’t for everyone,” Malhotra warned. “Always consult a doctor before making such a big dietary change.”
How Does Keto Affect Mental Health?
Mental health improvements were central to Neha Bhasin’s story. But is there science to support that?
Yes, according to experts like Aayrin Memon, a nutritionist at Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Vadodara.
“Ketones are a stable energy source for the brain,” Memon explained. “This may reduce fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings.”
Memon and Malhotra both highlight the growing body of research exploring keto’s role in managing mental health issues. Some early studies and anecdotal reports suggest the diet may ease symptoms of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood instability
- Even certain neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s
How? It may relate to how the diet stabilizes blood sugar, lowers brain inflammation, and boosts production of GABA—a neurotransmitter that helps calm the brain. It may also support better mitochondrial function, which helps cells—including brain cells—work more efficiently.
But Is It a Cure?
While the keto diet shows promise for improving mood and mental clarity, experts are clear: it’s not a magic solution.
“Keto might help some people feel better mentally,” Sahai said, “but it is not a substitute for therapy, medication, or professional mental health care.”
Individual results can vary widely, and not all mental health conditions respond to diet changes alone. Keto might be one piece of the puzzle—but it shouldn’t replace other forms of support.
Conclusion
For people like Neha Bhasin, the keto diet appears to have made a significant impact on mental health. Experts say there is some scientific backing for these claims—particularly when the diet is followed carefully, with medical supervision.
But keto isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix. It can be powerful, but also risky if done improperly or by people with certain health conditions.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or mood swings, a healthy diet can help—but always talk to your doctor before making drastic changes.
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