We all know that a poor diet negatively impacts our physical health. In fact, it is now the leading cause of early death in men and number two in women. But it’s not only our physical health that is affected – the effects on our mental health can also be devastating. This week, I am joined by world leading expert in the field of nutritional psychiatry, Professor Felice Jacka, to discuss her ground-breaking research into the link between food and our mental health. We discuss why lifestyle medicine should be the starting point for many mental health conditions and why there is an urgent need to train medical practitioners to give such lifestyle advice. We delve into the important role the gut microbiome plays in this area and how a diet rich in diversity is key. We also talk about the link between a mother’s diet in pregnancy and their child’s emotional health. At a time where the modern food environment is so broken and depression and anxiety are on the rise, this conversation is more important than ever. It really is a fascinating listen – I hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.*

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Watch the video version of this interview in full below.

Find out more about Felice:

Twitter        Facebook

About Felice and the Food and Mood Centre

International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research

Felice’s book:

Brain Changer: How diet can save your mental health – cutting-edge science from an expert

Further Learning:

SMILEs trial – A randomised controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression

Articles:

• The Guardian – Nutritional psychiatry: can you eat yourself happier?
• New York Times – Can What We Eat Affect How We Feel?
• Forbes – Healthy Food Makes You Happy: Research Shows A Healthy Diet Improves Your Mental Health
• BBC – How your belly could heal your brain

Dr Chatterjee’s resources:

• Blog – How To Eat To Boost Your Mood
• RCGP accredited Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine Course
• Podcast – episode 1: Gut Health and why we need to throw out the rule-book with Professor Tim Spector
• Podcast – episode 20: IBS, Stress and Gut Health with Professor John Cryan
• Podcast – episode 67: The Secret to a Long and Happy life
• Find Dr Chatterjee’s 4 Pillar of Health in The 4 Pillar Plan
• Available in the US & Canada with the title How to Make Disease Disappear
• Order Dr Chatterjee’s book The Stress Solution.
• Dr Chatterjee’s NEW book Feel Better in 5 is out now.

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*DISCLAIMER: Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.