Almost 30 564. This Is Your Brain on Food: Connecting Mental Health & Nutrition with Dr. Uma Naidoo
Nov 29, 2022
Dr. Uma Naidoo discusses the link between mental health and nutrition, covering topics like the impact of food on conditions such as depression and anxiety, the importance of a holistic approach to health, the significance of gut health, and the effects of caffeine and sugar on mental well-being. The conversation also delves into nutritional psychiatry, toxicities of certain foods, the brain chemistry of stress, and the benefits of a diet rich in antioxidants and Omega-3s.
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The Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Revelation
- Dr. Naidoo recounts an early experience with a patient who blamed her for his weight gain after being prescribed an SSRI.
- By analyzing the patient's daily coffee consumption, she helped him identify hidden calories and empower him to make healthier choices.
Chemotherapy and the Power of Nutrition
- Dr. Naidoo's own cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment served as another pivotal moment.
- By meticulously focusing on nutrition, she managed her side effects remarkably well, impressing her doctors.
The Gut-Brain Romance
- The gut and brain develop from the same cells in the embryo and remain connected via the vagus nerve.
- This two-way communication system explains how gut health directly impacts mental well-being.