Understanding the Power of Nutrition for Mental Health with Dr. Uma Naidoo

So excited to share this conversation with Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard University-trained psychiatrist, Professional Chef and Nutrition Specialist. 

We discussed the powerful connection between what we eat and how we feel. Through fascinating case studies and the latest scientific research, Dr. Naidoo revealed how simple dietary tweaks can significantly boost your mental well-being. Tune in to gain insight on nourishing your entire being through the healing properties of real, whole foods. Leave feeling empowered to take control of your health and happiness one mindful meal at a time.

Dr. Naidoo published the book ‘This is Your Brain on Food’, which narrows in on Nutritional Psychiatry and the connection between the food you eat and your mental health. We discussed everything from the gut-brain connection and feeding your microbiome with plant-based food to mood and hormonal balance. Supporting our mental health with whole food ingredients that are nutrient-dense can help our brain health. Find out more in this video.

Dr. Naidoo has been featured in the The Wall Street Journal, ABC News, Harvard Health Press, goop, and many others.  In her role as a Clinical Scientist, Dr. Naidoo founded and directed the first hospital-based clinical service in Nutritional Psychiatry in the USA. She is the Director of Nutritional and Lifestyle Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) & Director of Nutritional Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital Academy while serving on the faculty at Harvard Medical School.

In her book, Dr. Naidoo shows cutting-edge science explaining the ways in which food contributes to our mental health and how a sound diet can help treat and prevent a wide range of psychological and cognitive health issues, from ADHD to anxiety, depression, OCD, and others.

(00:00) - Intro

(02:36) - Discussion on mental health and food

(03:52) - Dr. Uma's background and journey

(08:17) - Importance of understanding food and mental health connection

(10:20) - Discussion on the gut-brain axis

(18:27) - Case study: impact of food on mental health

(22:05) - Tips for healthy eating while traveling

(24:49) - Discussion on coffee and its effects

(25:09) - Pros and cons of coffee

(27:01) - The benefits of green tea

(27:31) - Eating the rainbow for mental health

(30:11) - Importance of cooking at home

(33:26) - Benefits of decaf coffee

(34:09) - Need for culinary education in medical school

(40:02) - Tips for nurturing mental health

(42:31) - Role of probiotics in diet