The Rich Roll Podcast Your Brain On Food: Dr. Uma Naidoo On The Intersection Of Nutrition & Mental Health
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Jun 20, 2024 
Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist and professional chef at Harvard Medical School, discusses how food influences mental health. She highlights the gut-brain connection and shares actionable tips for using diet to combat anxiety and depression. Dr. Naidoo emphasizes the importance of whole foods and nutrient balance for enhancing mental well-being. She also addresses the impact of nutrient deficiencies and the role of adaptogens, advocating for a personalized approach to nutrition in maintaining mental health.
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Gut-Brain Axis
- The gut and brain develop from the same embryonic cells and stay connected via the vagus nerve.
- Neurotransmitters, crucial for mood regulation, are primarily located in the gut, linking food and mental wellbeing.
Hidden Sugar Intake
- An elderly patient with recurring chest infections, despite a seemingly healthy diet, was referred to Dr. Naidoo.
- Dr. Naidoo discovered the patient's weekend baking binges for her grandkids were the root cause, highlighting the importance of detailed dietary intake analysis.
Boosting Serotonin
- Increasing serotonin through foods like turkey or chickpeas, which contain tryptophan, can boost mood.
- Assess serotonin levels indirectly through symptoms like poor sleep or mood changes, similar to SSRI evaluations.
