Live Well Be Well with Sarah Ann Macklin | Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition

How to Protect Your Brain & Break Free from Ultra-Processed Foods | Dr. Chris Palmer

Dec 18, 2024

Dr. Chris Palmer, a Harvard psychiatrist and author of 'Brain Energy,' explores the revolutionary link between metabolism and mental health. He discusses how metabolic health can influence conditions like depression and anxiety, challenging conventional treatment methods. The conversation highlights the dangers of ultra-processed foods, advocating for lifestyle changes, including dietary interventions like the Mediterranean and ketogenic diets. Dr. Palmer emphasizes the interplay of trauma, nutrition, and brain health, providing a hopeful perspective on achieving mental well-being.

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INSIGHT

Mental Illness Is Metabolic

Chronic mental illnesses are metabolic, affecting brain metabolism.
Understanding this allows for powerful treatments and remission, even in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

INSIGHT

Metabolism and the Environment

Metabolism is influenced by genetics, epigenetics, and environment, including trauma, stress, and hormones.
Novel interventions like diet and exercise changes can have profound metabolic effects, especially on the brain.

ADVICE

Assess and Address Lifestyle

Assess metabolic health markers like blood sugar, lipids, and blood pressure.
Address lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress to achieve optimal health.

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Brain Energy

A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Mental Health--and Improving Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, OCD, PTSD, and More

Christopher Palmer, MD

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.

The Body Keeps the Score

Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Bessel van der Kolk

In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field[1][2][5].

Good Energy

The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health

Calley Means

Casey Means, MD

In 'Good Energy', Dr. Casey Means and her brother Calley Means present a bold new vision for optimizing health by focusing on metabolic function. The book explains how various health conditions such as depression, anxiety, infertility, insomnia, heart disease, and more can be traced back to how well the cells in our body create and use energy. It offers a four-week plan, cutting-edge research, and personal stories to help readers improve their metabolic health. The book covers topics like dietary principles, sleep and circadian rhythm, exercise, cold and heat exposure, and navigating the healthcare system for optimal health. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring and improving metabolic health to prevent and reverse chronic illnesses[1][3][5].