Today, I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Uma Naidoo, who joined me once before for episode 173.Dr. Naidoo is an awarded and board-certified Harvard nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and nutritional biologist. She is the Founder and Director of the first-ever hospital-based nutritional and metabolic psychiatry service in the United States at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Director of Nutritional Psychiatry at the MGH Academy. In our enlightening conversation, Dr. Naidoo talks about her latest book, Calm Your Mind With Food, and we dive into the impact of anxiety during the pandemic. We explore how anxiety influences our susceptibility to metabolic diseases, autoimmunity, and Alzheimer's, and the difference between processed foods and homemade meals. Dr. Naidoo emphasizes the pivotal role of nutrition in mental health, particularly the interplay between the enteric nervous system, the vagus nerve, and brain function. Our discussion also covers the scientific underpinnings of the gut microbiome, the pitfalls of non-nutritive sweeteners and sugars, and the critical roles of neurotransmitters and neuroinflammation. She also elucidates the concept of leptin and its resistance, critiques nutritional trends like the low-fat craze, and clarifies the nuanced impacts of carbohydrates, fiber, and plant-based versus omnivorous diets. I am sure you will find this conversation with Dr. Uma Naidoo as valuable and enjoyable as I did.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:Some of the mental health and anxiety trends Dr. Naidoo continues to see four years after the pandemicHow cooking at home improves your food choices and healthThe link between gut health and mental wellbeingHow older artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, can lead to cravings and weight gain How stress and poor diet impact brain functionHow hormones like leptin can cause anxiety and depressionThe importance of understanding your individual nutritional needs based on your genetics, physiology, and environmentDr. Naidoo advises moderation when consuming fruit and processed foods Why many individuals struggle to consume enough fiberHow to increase your fiber intakeThe benefits of including whole, unprocessed foods like eggs, avocado, and sourdough bread in your breakfastConnect with Cynthia Thurlow  Follow on TwitterInstagramLinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteSubmit your questions to [email protected]Connect with Dr. Uma NaidooOn her websiteDaily Dose MealsOnFacebookInstagramLinkedInX, and TikTokPrevious Episode MentionedEp. 173 – How The Food You Eat Boosts Your Mood & Mental Health (and the Connection Your Gut Health Plays) with Dr. Uma Naidoo