The Art of Manliness

The Brain Energy Theory of Mental Illness

Nov 28, 2022

Dr. Christopher Palmer, a Harvard psychiatrist and author of 'Brain Energy,' presents a revolutionary view on mental illness, linking it to metabolic disorders. He argues that a lack of energy in brain cells could underlie conditions like depression and ADHD. By advocating for lifestyle changes, particularly a ketogenic diet, he suggests potential pathways to mental wellness. Palmer also addresses the challenges in diagnosing mental illness and stresses the need for a holistic approach that connects metabolic health to mental well-being.

55:01

Creator website

Episode guests

Christopher Palmer, MD

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Heart Attacks and Depression

05:05

The Paradox of Energy Deprivation: How It Can Cause Overactivity

01:33

The Ketogenic Diet Can Stop Seizures

04:01

Diabetes and Mental Illness

02:49

Intro

2min

Navigating Mental Health Treatment Challenges

7min

The Challenge of Diagnosing Mental Illness

2min

Metabolism and Mental Health Overlap

13min

Mitochondria and Mental Health

7min

Metabolism and Mental Health: An Intricate Connection

25min

Exploring the Brain Energy Theory of Mental Illness

2min

Mental illnesses of all kinds are on the rise, and yet we seem no closer to being able to treat them effectively. We're only able to treat the symptoms of mental illness, but aren't often able to put the illness into remission because its root cause has been a mystery.

My guest, however, believes he knows exactly what the root cause of mental illness is, and thus how to finally resolve it for good. His name is Dr. Chrisopther Palmer, and he's a Harvard psychiatrist and the author of Brain Energy: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Mental Health. Today on the show, Chris unpacks his theory of mental illness, which basically comes down to this: if your brain cells aren't getting enough energy, they're not going to function properly. He explains how numerous and seemingly diverse mental illnesses, from anxiety and depression to ADHD and alcoholism, actually all have a common pathway: metabolic disorders. While we typically think of metabolism as related to the physical body, it also greatly affects the mind, and Chris explains how you can have the kind of metabolic problems that cause mental illness even if you're not overweight. Chris then shares how certain lifestyle changes, like switching to a ketogenic diet, may be able to completely cure mental illness.