Dr. Chris Palmer is taking the internet by storm and for good reason. He's a Harvard psychiatrist and researcher, and his new book, Brain Energy, proposes a comprehensive theory of what causes mental illness, integrating existing theories and research into one unifying theory, the brain energy theory of mental illness, in which he argues that mental disorders are really metabolic disorders of the brain.

In today’s conversation, Dr. Palmer shares the science behind how the mitochondria functions in the body, and ultimately affects brain health. He shares how we can support healthy mitochondria and what the recent research in the last 20 years tells us about healing mental illness with metabolic interventions, like the ketogenic diet, and lifestyle strategies like exercise, a good sleep routine, reducing inflammation, and more.

It is really amazing to think about the healing and regeneration that can happen for your mitochondria when you use these metabolic interventions, and hearing the life-changing impacts of implementing these practices with amazing stories like he shares in this episode brings so much hope for the future.

I can’t thank Dr. Palmer enough for concisely putting this theory into a book that anyone can read. It is such an important message, affirming our ability to really have control over our life and live the best version of it.

We also cover…

00:02:00 — An Introduction to How Mitochondria Functions in the Body

Why Dr. Palmer became a psychiatrist and his mother’s struggle
How the mitochondria can influence mental illness
The role of mitochondria in the body: Neurotransmitters and hormones
Why women are more susceptible to mental illness
The new research backing up his theory

00:22:00 — How Metabolic Interventions like the Ketogenic Diet Impact Brain Health

What we can do proactively support mental health
Metabolic strategies for improving mitochondrial health
How COVID can cause mental health challenges
Case study: Recovering from chronic schizophrenia using metabolic treatments
Why the ketogenic diet is so effective at treating seizures and other brain illnesses
How the brain can use ketones as a fuel source to support and regenerate mitochondria

00:46:00 — Lifestyle Strategies That Support Mental Health

Dangers of prescription medications that harm metabolism
Mitochondrial biogenesis through exercise
The importance of a good sleep routine
Dr. Palmer’s perspective on supplements
Effects of the ketogenic diet on women’s hormones
Dr. Palmer and Kelly’s experiences with the ketogenic diet

Resources:

Website: brainenergy.com
Website: chrispalmermd.com
Website: The Mental and Metabolic Health Assessment
Instagram: @chrispalmermd
Twitter: @chrispalmermd
Facebook:.facebook.com/ChrisPalmerMD
YouTube: Chris Palmer MD
Read: Brain Energy: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Mental Health--and Improving Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, OCD, PTSD, and More by Dr. Chris Palmer

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Instagram: @bewellbykelly
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Be Well By Kelly is produced by Crate Media.

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