Episode 11: Brain Food: Exploring the Gut-Brain Axis with Uma Naidoo, MD

03/08/22 • 28 min

When it comes to nutrition and diet, people tend to only consider their physical health – but a growing body of research shows that what we eat can significantly impact our brain health. In this episode of The Good Clean Nutrition Podcast, host Mary Purdy, MS, RDN is joined by nutritional psychiatrist and professional chef Dr. Uma Naidoo to speak about the gut-brain axis. Listen in as Dr. Naidoo shares about the role the microbiome plays in our cognitive and psychological health, including how nutrition can impact age-related cognitive decline and mental health, such as anxiety and depression. Plus, learn some of her tips on how to create a plate that supports your mood and mental health.

Dr. Naidoo is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and professional chef, and is the first Nutritional Psychiatrist recognized by The American Psychiatric Association. After graduating as a medical doctor, she completed her training at the Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Residency Training Program. Dr. Naidoo founded, and is the director of, the first hospital-based Nutritional Psychiatry Service in the U.S. and is also the Director of Nutritional and Lifestyle Psychiatry at both Massachusetts General Hospital and General Hospital Academy, while serving on the faculty at Harvard Medical School. In addition, Dr. Naidoo is the national bestselling author of This Is Your Brain on Food.

For show notes, transcripts, and to learn more about host Mary Purdy, MS, RDN, visit https://healthcare.orgain.com/podcast/episodes/listen/season/2/episode/11.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. The material discussed on this podcast, and displayed on the associated webpage, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health regimen.

For show notes, transcripts, and to learn more about host Mary Purdy, MS, RDN, visit https://healthcare.orgain.com/podcast/episodes/listen/season/2/episode/11.

Previous Episode

Episode 10: Fact vs Fiction: Unraveling the Keto Diet with Jacob Mey, PhD, RD

The idea of burning fat by eating more is enticing for many, which can be why keto diets have continued to rise in popularity over the last few years. In this episode of The Good Clean Nutrition Podcast, host Mary Purdy, MS, RDN speaks with Dr. Jacob Mey, a registered dietitian with a PhD in Kinesiology, Nutrition and Rehabilitation Sciences, to discuss the many myths surrounding the ketogenic diet. Tune in as they clarify the origins of the keto diet, debunk common misconceptions, and dive into the potential risks and benefits of attempting this trending diet. Plus, learn sustainable tips from Dr. Mey toward successfully adopting (or continuing to follow) the ketogenic diet.

Jacob Mey, PhD, RD is a Registered Dietitian who earned his PhD in Kinesiology, Nutrition and Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Illinois, at Chicago. He is currently an Associate Professor at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, where his clinical research interests include skeletal muscle metabolism, ketogenesis and clinical malnutrition. In addition to his full-time commitment to research, Dr. Mey actively volunteers for Academy dietetic practice groups and is passionate about elevating the dietetic profession.

For show notes, transcripts, and to learn more about host Mary Purdy, MS, RDN, visit https://healthcare.orgain.com/podcast/episodes/listen/season/2/episode/10.

Next Episode

Episode 12: Nutrition Crossroads: Food, Health and Sustainability with Kate Geagan, MS, RD

Human health is dependent upon the health of the planet, so protecting the planet is of utmost importance. In this episode of The Good Clean Nutrition Podcast, host Mary Purdy, MS, RDN is joined by sustainable food and nutrition expert and co-founder of Food and Planet, Kate Geagan, MS, RD, to discuss the intersection between food, health, and sustainability. Tune in to learn how the climate crisis has impacted the nutritional quality of food, the importance of biodiversity, and the state of today's food and agricultural system. Plus, learn planet-friendly strategies from Kate to help create a better food future.

Kate Geagan, MS, RD is an award-winning registered dietitian and sustainable food expert working at the intersection of food, health, and sustainability. She earned a BA from Middlebury College and went on to earn a MS from Simmons University. She is the co-founder of Food + Planet, an organization dedicated to reaching healthcare professionals to drive the adoption of sustainable diet patterns, and is also the author of Go Green, Get Lean: Trim Your Waistline with the Ultimate Low-Carbon Footprint Diet.

For show notes, transcripts, and to learn more about host Mary Purdy, MS, RDN, visit https://healthcare.orgain.com/podcast/episodes/listen/season/2/episode/12.