Why Food Should Be A Factor In Treating Mental Illness

Oct 23, 2020

In this engaging discussion, Drew Ramsey, a psychiatrist and advocate for the interplay between food and mental health, dives into how nutrition can significantly influence our mental wellness. He emphasizes the importance of incorporating brain-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and the Mediterranean diet in treating conditions like depression. Drew also challenges the stigma surrounding mental illness and highlights the need for a new approach in psychiatry that prioritizes early intervention through better dietary choices.

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INSIGHT

Prevalence of Mental Illness and the Food System's Impact

Mental illness is highly prevalent, affecting many and causing significant harm.
The current food system, with its high obesity rates and processed foods, contributes to mental health issues.

INSIGHT

The Biological Basis of Mental Illness

Dr. Hyman and Dr. Amen emphasize the importance of looking at the biology of mental illness.
They advocate for testing and addressing underlying factors, like omega-3 levels, which are often overlooked.

INSIGHT

Hope and Neuroplasticity

Mental illness shouldn't carry stigma and blame, just like other diseases.
Neuroplasticity shows that brains can change and improve, offering hope for recovery.

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Why Food Should Be A Factor In Treating Mental Illness | This episode is brought to you by Find My Formula

We know that our diet can have a major impact on mental health. Unfortunately, however, most medical education programs don’t include nutrition, so many psychiatrists and physicians, in general, aren’t as empowered as they should be to prescribe a healthy diet. Moreover, stigma around mental illness is still pervasive in our society and can keep people from feeling empowered that they can change their brain health and get the care they truly need. Dr. Hyman recently explored these topics with psychiatrists Dr. Daniel Amen and Dr. Drew Ramsey.

Dr. Daniel Amen is the founder of Amen Clinics. Amen Clinics has the world’s largest database of brain scans related to behavior, totaling more than 160,000 SPECT scans on patients from 121 countries. Dr. Amen’s research team has published more than 70 scientific articles. He is the lead researcher on the world’s largest brain imaging and rehabilitation study on professional football players. His research has not only demonstrated high levels of brain damage in players, but also the possibility of significant recovery for many with the principles that underlie his work. His team also published the world’s largest functional brain imaging study on how the brain ages with over 62,000 SPECT scans. He is a double board-certified psychiatrist and ten-time NY Times bestselling author, with such blockbuster books as Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Healing ADD, Memory Rescue, Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades, and The Daniel Plan, co-authored by Pastor Rick Warren and Dr. Mark Hyman. His most recent book is The End of Mental Illness.

Dr. Drew Ramsey is not your average psychiatrist. A writer, farmer, and doctor who focuses on the connection between mental health and food, he is passionate about nutritional interventions and creative media to share a different way of thinking about the brain and mood. He is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and in active clinical practice in New York City. He also spends much of his time with his family, growing their own food, on a 127 acre organic farm.

This episode is brought to you by Find My Formula, the world’s first personalized nootropics company. Right now, Find My Formula is giving The Doctor’s Farmacy listeners an exclusive discount. Visit findmyformula.com and get 15% off of your first box by using the code ‘drmark’ at checkout.

Find Dr. Hyman’s full-length conversation with Dr. Daniel Amen, “How to End Mental Illness” here:

https://DrMarkHyman.lnk.to/DrDanielAmen

Find Dr. Hyman’s full-length conversation with Dr. Drew Ramsey, “Can you beat depression with food?” here:

https://DrMarkHyman.lnk.to/DrDrewRamsey