May is mental health awareness month, which is a good time to revisit how my work can be linked to mental health. The conversation of the mental health and nutrition connection really only became more mainstream in the past 4 years, due to a myriad of reasons including podcasting, social media, books, new research, and even some celebrities raising awareness. 

With a boom of new information and a different way of looking at a once tabooed topic, there is always a mix of accurate, inaccurate, empowering and harmful information. Although you ultimately decide what you resonate with and what works for you, I want to point you in the right direction for some resources that have both shifted and expanded upon my viewpoints on the nutrition and mental health link. 

The Anatomy of Anxiety 

This is one of my top recommended books by Ellen Vora, an NYC based psychiatrist. She emphasizes that anxiety is a whole body condition (not just the brain) and should be treated as such. She taps into blood sugar balance, sleep and inflammation, all core topics that I talk about with every one of my clients. She even ties in the psychospiritual component of anxiety in a practical and digestible way. If you read this, my hope is that you finish it with a broader and more growth oriented perspective of this all too common mental health diagnosis.

The Genius Life Podcast 

Max Lugavere, a health and nutrition journalist, created his brand (podcast, books, and now a documentary) after witnessing his mother’s fatal battle with a form of dementia. Although his podcast covers a wide array of health topics, he almost always connects them back to brain and mental health. Every nutrient can impact the brain in some way, shape or form, and I think it is important for everyone to look at nutrition information from this perspective. 

Keep Sharp

This book by Sanjay Gupta, neurosurgeon and medical writer, is my go to recommendation for brain/ mental health from a longevity perspective. Although he definitely sprinkles some valuable in depth bits of information, I really liked his overarching “pillars” of brain health: move, discover, relax, nourish, and connect. A point that I really like to drive home is the importance of creating a life where all of these aspects are integrated, and this book is a great refresher. 

Rich Roll Podcast

Topics on this podcast I would say are even broader than the Genius Life, but you can certainly find many targeted episodes on nutrition, exercise and mental health. He also discusses his own journey with burnout and addiction throughout many of the episodes. The podcast also has a unique, open minded discussion of spirituality. 

These are great starting points, but there are many other resources out there. I would suggest you look for someone who is qualified and credentialed (or interviews those who are) and whose tone and delivery you resonate with. If you resonate with my tone, well, I resonate with everyone above. Keep that in mind. 

If you need some support, simply fill out this application form and we will be in touch. During my free consultation, I deep dive into a “My Symptom Questionnaire” to take all of this to another level and really help you understand your body. All visits are telehealth and I do have insurance options.