Shawn Stevenson: How to Heal the Mind Through Diet | EP 468
Nov 3, 2023
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Shawn Stevenson, author of 'Eat Smarter', discusses the influence of eating habits on health outcomes. Topics include dangers of TV dinners, benefits of communal eating, rise in autoimmune disorders, understanding body signals, and science-backed recipes to improve metabolic health.
Creating space for introspection and exploration is crucial for overall well-being.
Healthy social bonds play a powerful role in determining our genetic expression and overall health.
Taking a holistic approach to mental health, including multiple aspects of well-being, can lead to lasting improvements.
Deep dives
The Power of Mind-Body Connection
Our internal landscape plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Creating space for introspection and exploration is important. Practices like meditation and Vipassana meditation can help tap into our internal intelligence. Our mindset and beliefs also influence our aging process and health outcomes. The mind's impact on gene expression is significant. This understanding empowers individuals to take responsibility for their health and explore the root causes of symptoms or conditions.
The Impact of Relationships on Health
Healthy social bonds have a profound influence on our well-being. Research has shown that healthy relationships can reduce all-cause mortality by 50%. Our environment, including our relationships, plays a powerful role in determining our genetic expression and overall health. Sitting down to eat with loved ones and creating a parasympathetic state can improve nutrient absorption and digestion. Recognizing the value of relationships and investing in them can have significant positive effects on our health.
The Complex Interplay of Mental Health and Physical Health
Mental health and physical health are deeply interconnected. The conventional approach of isolating mental health conditions and treating symptoms often falls short. Investigating the root causes of depression, for instance, involves considering various factors. Exercise has been found to be 1.5 times more effective than drugs or psychotherapy in resolving depressive symptoms. However, it's important to address multiple aspects of well-being, such as self-relationship, sleep, nutrition, stress management, and purpose. Taking a holistic approach to mental health can lead to more comprehensive and lasting improvements.
The Benefits of Eating Together with Family
Eating together as a family on a consistent basis has been found to be associated with higher intake of essential nutrients, particularly fruits and vegetables. It also leads to reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods such as chips and soda. This regular family dining habit promotes better food choices and planning, as opposed to impulsive and unhealthy fast food options. Research has shown that children who eat with their families at least three times a week have significantly lower risks of obesity and disordered eating. Similarly, adults who have regular family meals experience lower stress levels, improved work morale, and increased productivity.
The Impact of Eating Together on Mental Health
Regular family meals have a positive impact on mental health, specifically in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Conventional treatments for these conditions often have limited effectiveness, with only about 10% of individuals experiencing resolution of their symptoms. Eating meals together with loved ones creates a supportive and nurturing environment, allowing for modeling of positive behaviors and addressing deep psychological needs for connection and significance. Inflammation in the brain, specifically in the hypothalamus, has been linked to depression and belly fat accumulation. Consuming antioxidant-rich extra virgin olive oil can help repair the blood-brain barrier and reduce inflammation in the brain. Additionally, foods like broccoli, spirulina, and sweet potatoes have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and support cognitive function.
In this episode of the Align podcast, Shawn Stevenson joins us for a discussion on the ways eating habits can affect our health outcomes. We dive deep into the dangers of TV dinners, and the benefits of communal eating, especially for children. We also cover the rise in autoimmune disorders, and the ways we can better understand our bodies’ signals to pre-empt and treat illnesses. We also discuss Shawn’s book ‘Eat Smarter’, which contains science-backed recipes to improve metabolic health.
Shawn Stevenson is the author of the USA Today National bestseller Eat Smarter and the international bestselling book Sleep Smarter. He’s also creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the number #1 health podcast in the U.S. with millions of listener downloads each month.
A graduate of the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Shawn studied business, biology, and nutritional science and became the cofounder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance. Shawn has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, The New York Times, Muscle & Fitness, ABC News, ESPN, and many other major media outlets.
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