Podcasts Health & Fitness Fitness The Model Health Show TMHS 618: The Powerful Connection Between Food & Mental Health - With Dr. Uma Naidoo

TMHS 618: The Powerful Connection Between Food & Mental Health - With Dr. Uma Naidoo

Published: Sept. 19, 2022, 2 a.m.

Modern medicine tends to divide the human body into separate, distinct systems but our bodies are complex entities that are intricately connected. The field of gut health is constantly evolving, and the more we learn, the more we understand about the body\u2019s expansive interconnectedness. Our gut health impacts a myriad of functions in the body, including metabolism, immune health, and even our mental health.\xa0

One of the leading experts in dissecting the relationship between food and mood is Dr. Uma Naidoo. She is a Harvard psychiatrist, professional chef, and a nutritional specialist. Her specialty is Nutritional Psychology\u2014a field that approaches mental health in a holistic and integrated way. On this episode of The Model Health Show, Dr. Naidoo is back to share powerful insights on how what we eat affects our mental health.\xa0

You\u2019re going to hear key insights on the gut-brain connection, and how taking a wider perspective on mental illnesses can facilitate healing. You\u2019re going to learn what to eat for better mental health, including specific nutrients and foods you can incorporate into your diet. Dr. Naidoo is a true expert in all things psychiatry, and I think you\u2019re going to love her realistic and balanced approach to boosting your mood through diet. Enjoy!\xa0

In this episode you\u2019ll discover:

  • The connection between mental health and physical health.
  • How your diet impacts your mental well-being.\xa0
  • What the gut-brain connection is, and how it influences mental health.
  • The definition of Nutritional Psychiatry.\xa0
  • Why taking a holistic approach to mental health is so important.\xa0
  • The role that therapy and medication plays in Nutritional Psychiatry.\xa0
  • Why the standard practice of diagnosing mental illnesses is antiquated.
  • How nutrition can impact the symptoms of anxiety.
  • The connection between serotonin and gut health.\xa0
  • Why SSRIs can cause gastrointestinal distress.\xa0
  • How leaky gut is initiated.\xa0
  • Why your gut microbes need fiber.
  • How optimizing your fatty acid ratio can improve gut dysbiosis.
  • The problem with food wars and strict food rules.\xa0
  • What to look for when reading food labels.
  • The role that balance, moderation, and inclusivity should play in your diet.
  • What resistant starches are.\xa0
  • The connection between inflammation and trauma.\xa0
  • How our bodies can carry trauma on a long-term basis.
  • The mental health benefits of drinking coffee.
  • How dehydration can present as anxiety symptoms.\xa0
  • The power of healing your mind.\xa0
  • Specific foods that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.\xa0

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Join TMHS Facebook community -\xa0Model Nation\xa0

Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:\xa0

*Download Transcript