Drawing on decades of research, Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Chris Palmer outlines a revolutionary new understanding that unites existing knowledge about mental illness within a single framework: Mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain. The book details the connections between mental illness and metabolic disorders, including diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, and other conditions. It also sheds light on new treatment pathways that apply to various mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, alcoholism, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, autism, and schizophrenia. Palmer pairs cutting-edge science with practical advice and strategies to help people reclaim their mental health, emphasizing the role of metabolism in mental health and the potential of dietary and metabolic interventions for treatment.
What if your anxiety, brain fog, or mood swings aren’t in your mind... but in your mitochondria?
I know—that sounds wild. But in this jaw-dropping episode of Love, Happiness & Success, I’m talking with Dr. Bret Scher about something that completely changed the way I think about mental health: Metabolic Psychiatry.
We dive into the cutting-edge (but surprisingly old!) science behind mind and energy psychiatry that connects mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and even serious psychiatric conditions with how your body uses energy. Spoiler alert: your brain runs on fuel, and what you eat matters a lot more than we were taught in grad school.
Together, Dr. Scher and I unpack how ketogenic therapy is helping people reclaim their mental clarity, lift mood disorders, and, in some cases, experience complete transformation. If you’ve been “doing the work” and still not feeling like yourself, this conversation might be the missing piece you’ve been searching for.
Timestamps: 00:00 The Link Between Metabolism and Mental Health 01:17 Dr. Brett Scher and Metabolic Psychiatry 02:39 The History and Science Behind Ketogenic Therapy 10:36 Exploring the Ketogenic Diet and Its Benefits 17:59 Implementing a Ketogenic Diet 30:32 Patient Transformations and Success Stories 32:23 Impact of Ketogenic Diet on Mental Health 33:35 Inflammation and Brain Function 34:46 Ketogenic Therapy vs. Traditional Approaches 39:11 GLP-1 Drugs and Metabolic Health 42:42 Implementing Dietary Changes in Families 46:01 Ketogenic Diet for Autism Spectrum Disorders 49:27 Comparing Ketogenic and Plant-Based Diets 52:23 Resources and Final Thoughts
I learned SO much from chatting with Dr. Scher. I hope you did too. If you're ready for a more personalized approach to start feeling like yourself again—clear, focused, calm, and energized—I’d love for you to check out my Clarity & Confidence Coaching. It’s a powerful way to build self-awareness and make meaningful changes in your life while getting expert support and structure from a licensed therapist trained in coaching psychology. You can book a free consultation call to take the next step. We’ll answer all of your questions and help you get started.
And hey, let’s stay connected! You can find me sharing more science-meets-heart insights over on Instagram and YouTube—where I drop fresh content every week to help you grow, thrive, and live your best life.
Xoxo
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
www.growingself.com
P.S. If you thought of someone while listening to this—someone who’s been struggling, or who’s always trying to "fix their mindset" but nothing’s working—share this episode with them. It might be exactly the breakthrough they need.
Love, Happiness and Success with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby 