TMHS 649: The Shocking Connection Between Metabolic Health and Mental Health – with Dr. Christopher Palmer

For most of human history, the medical field has compartmentalized the brain, as if it exists in isolation from the rest of the body. But just like any other organ in the body, the brain is an essential component of our biology that cannot be separated from the inner workings of the entire system. The more we learn about topics like the gut-brain axis or neurotransmitters in the gut, the clearer it becomes that mental health and whole-body health are intricately connected. Today’s guest, Dr. Christopher Palmer, is a Harvard psychiatrist and researcher who studies the intersection of mental health and metabolic health. In his book, Brain Energy, Dr. Palmer discusses the cause of mental illnesses and offers new solutions for long-term healing. In this interview, you’re going to learn about how metabolic health and mental health are connected, the truth about the role genetics play in mental illnesses, and how current treatments in psychology are really stacking up. At a time when so many folks are suffering from mental health disorders, this topic is more important than ever. The more we understand about mental health, the more we can help those who are suffering. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Dr. Christopher Palmer! In this episode you’ll discover: How many people worldwide suffer from mental health disorders. What the number one cause of disability is. The sad truth about treatment for depression. What the biopsychosocial model in psychology is. The side effects of common antidepressants. How mitochondria, epigenetics, and mental health are connected. Why metabolic health and mental health are inseparable. Three main problems with the DSM. How insulin receptors in the brain function. What glucose hypometabolism is, and how it affects the brain. The connection between metabolic diseases and the prevalence of autistic children. Dr. Palmer’s personal experience with the ketogenic diet. What the metabolic theory of mental illness is. The definition of hyperexcitability. Similarities between epilepsy and mental health. Foundational behaviors for improving mental health. Items mentioned in this episode include: Onnit.com/model -- Save an exclusive 10% on performance supplements & tools! PiqueLife.com/model -- Use code MODEL at checkout for 10% off! Brain Energy by Dr. Christopher Palmer Connect with Dr. Christopher Palmer Website / Facebook / Instagram Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes: Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud Download Transcript