TMHS 750 : Why the American Diet Is Fueling Higher Rates of Anxiety – with Uma Naidoo
The Model Health Show
The Impact of the American Diet on Anxiety
This chapter discusses how the American diet, specifically the standard American diet (SAD) or Western diet, is fueling higher rates of anxiety. It explores the negative effects of processed junk foods, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients on mental health. The chapter emphasizes the importance of reducing sugar intake and making healthier food choices.
Anxiety is one of the most pressing mental health issues plaguing our society. And in recent years, the rates of diagnosed anxiety have skyrocketed. On today’s show, you’re going to learn about how your gut bacteria impacts your mental health, and the most important nutrition principles for reducing anxiety.
Dr. Uma Naidoo is a Harvard trained psychiatrist, nutritional specialist, and a professional chef. Her work is focused on Nutritional Psychiatry, the intersection of mental health and food. In her groundbreaking new book, Calm Your Mind with Food, Dr. Naidoo outlines how to use nutrition as a powerful tool for healing anxiety and calming the mind.
Today, Dr. Uma Naidoo is back on The Model Health Show to share the latest research on the gut-brain connection, and how the Standard American Diet is causing high rates of anxiety and other mental health conditions. She’s sharing practical tips for improving your mental health, what to include on your plate to fend off anxiety, and the pillars to creating a calm state of mind. I hope you enjoy this conversation with the one and only, Dr. Uma Naidoo!
In this episode you’ll discover:
- How your diet impacts your neurotransmitters.
- The connection between physical pain and mental health.
- Which mental health condition is the most prevalent.
- How the pandemic impacted the demand for and access to SSRIs.
- Why medications alone often don’t offer lasting relief to mental health conditions.
- How the American food system is purposely engineered to create cravings.
- The link between sugar, inflammation, and anxiety.
- Hidden sources of sugar in our food supply.
- The importance of finding healthier alternatives to your favorite foods.
- How a diet largely made up of ultraprocessed food affects children.
- Why gut bacteria play an important role in warding off anxiety.
- The critical role of iron for mental health.
- Specific foods that can help improve your mental health.
- What leptin resistance is and how it works.
- The two hot spots for anxiety in the brain.
- How to build an anti-anxiety plate.
- Why we need to have grace with each other, regarding diets, health, and bodies.
- Some of the pillars of calming anxiety.
Items mentioned in this episode include:
- HVMN.com/model -- Save 30% on your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ!
- DrinkLMNT.com/model -- Get a FREE sample pack with any order!
- Calm Your Mind with Food by Dr. Uma Naidoo
- Connect with Dr. Uma Naidoo Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
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