Ep 283: Soothe Anxiety with...Food?

Dr. Uma Naidoo, author of "This Is Your Brain on Food" and "Calm
Your Brain with Food," discusses how dietary choices can
significantly impact anxiety levels and overall mental wellness,
highlighting the critical connections between gut health,
inflammation, and the brain.


Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.


Full Show Notes


Raising teenagers is no easy feat, especially when dealing with
the complexities of their mental health. In today's fast-paced
and stress-filled world, an increasing number of teens are facing
anxiety. While therapy and coping strategies are essential tools,
there's an often overlooked component that could be contributing
significantly to your teenager's anxiety: their diet.


Our guest today is Dr. Uma Naidoo, a renowned psychiatrist,
nutrition specialist, and author. Dr. Naidoo has made
groundbreaking strides in the field of nutritional psychiatry,
showcasing the profound effect food has on our mental state,
specifically anxiety. Through her work, she uncovers the
intricate connections between what we eat, the health of our gut,
and how our brain functions.


Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection


Dr. Naidoo takes us through the fascinating gut-brain axis,
explaining how these two seemingly disconnected body parts
communicate through neurotransmitters and hormones. Foods with
high glycemic loads, artificial sweeteners, and certain fats can
cause inflammation not only in our bodies but also in our brains,
exacerbating anxiety and other mental health issues.


Nourishment for Mental Health


Transitioning to healthier eating habits can seem daunting, but
Dr. Naidoo provides practical advice and easy-to-follow steps for
gradually making these changes. Focusing on whole, unprocessed
foods rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium can have
a positive impact on mental well-being. She also warns against
the overconsumption of caffeine and the importance of avoiding
foods that can interfere with medications prescribed for mental
health conditions like ADHD.


Nutritional Psychiatry at Home


For parents, implementing Dr. Naidoo's advice means taking a more
active role in food choices at home. She offers suggestions for
incorporating more nutrient-dense foods into family meals and
explains how simple swaps can lead to significant improvements in
a teenager's mood and anxiety levels.


In this episode, we also cover additional topics,
including:


- The effects of sugar and processed foods on mental health
- Simple dietary adjustments to combat stress and anxiety
- How certain foods can impact sleep quality
- The relationship between diet and cognitive functions


Dr. Naidoo's unique perspective on nutritional psychiatry
provides a fresh outlook on managing anxiety through diet. It's a
reminder that sometimes, the best medicine comes not from a
prescription bottle, but from our own kitchens.


If you're intrigued by the powerful connection between what we
eat and how we feel, make sure to subscribe to Talking to Teens
and look into Dr. Naidoo's work for more insights into harnessing
the power of food to foster better mental health in your family.


Listen to this enlightening conversation and start making those
small, yet impactful changes in your and your teenager's diet
today.





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.