Dr. Chris Palmer is taking the internet by storm and for good reason. He's a Harvard psychiatrist and researcher, and his new book, Brain Energy, proposes a comprehensive theory of what causes mental illness, integrating existing theories and research into one unifying theory, the brain energy theory of mental illness, in which he argues that mental disorders are really metabolic disorders of the brain. In today’s conversation, Dr. Palmer shares the science behind how the mitochondria functions in the body, and ultimately affects brain health. He shares how we can support healthy mitochondria and what the recent research in the last 20 years tells us about healing mental illness with metabolic interventions, like the ketogenic diet, and lifestyle strategies like exercise, a good sleep routine, reducing inflammation, and more.It is really amazing to think about the healing and regeneration that can happen for your mitochondria when you use these metabolic interventions, and hearing the life-changing impacts of implementing these practices with amazing stories like he shares in this episode brings so much hope for the future. I can’t thank Dr. Palmer enough for concisely putting this theory into a book that anyone can read. It is such an important message, affirming our ability to really have control over our life and live the best version of it.We also cover…00:02:00 — An Introduction to How Mitochondria Functions in the BodyWhy Dr. Palmer became a psychiatrist and his mother’s struggleHow the mitochondria can influence mental illness The role of mitochondria in the body: Neurotransmitters and hormonesWhy women are more susceptible to mental illnessThe new research backing up his theory00:22:00 — How Metabolic Interventions like the Ketogenic Diet Impact Brain HealthWhat we can do proactively support mental healthMetabolic strategies for improving mitochondrial healthHow COVID can cause mental health challengesCase study: Recovering from chronic schizophrenia using metabolic treatmentsWhy the ketogenic diet is so effective at treating seizures and other brain illnessesHow the brain can use ketones as a fuel source to support and regenerate mitochondria00:46:00 — Lifestyle Strategies That Support Mental HealthDangers of prescription medications that harm metabolismMitochondrial biogenesis through exerciseThe importance of a good sleep routineDr. Palmer’s perspective on supplements Effects of the ketogenic diet on women’s hormonesDr. Palmer and Kelly’s experiences with the ketogenic dietResources:Website: brainenergy.comWebsite: chrispalmermd.comWebsite: The Mental and Metabolic Health Assessment Instagram: @chrispalmermdTwitter: @chrispalmermdFacebook:.facebook.com/ChrisPalmerMDYouTube: Chris Palmer MDRead: Brain Energy: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in...

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.