The Metabolic Theory of Mental Health

Mental disorders are increasingly understood as metabolic diseases affecting the brain, with a focus on the role of mitochondria in brain function. Harvard psychiatrist Christopher Palmer presents the idea that neurotransmitter imbalances can be linked to metabolic dysfunction, highlighting how patients with mental disorders often experience higher levels of inflammation. By exploring the connection between metabolism and mental health, Palmer provides a framework for understanding various psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety, through this metabolic lens. This unifying theory emphasizes the potential for dietary and lifestyle interventions, such as the ketogenic diet, to positively influence mental well-being.