Foodforthoughtpsychiatrist

About

I am a psychiatrist with a particular interest in metabolic health, and the impact of dietary and lifestyle choices on major mental illness and wellbeing. I am a functional medicine practitioner and believe in addressing the root cause of illness. My philosophy is about health creation, not just disease management. I prescribe medications in my practice, but another option can be addressing diet, particularly if medications haven't worked, cause unbearable side-effects, if you wish to avoid medications entirely, or want to be on a lower dose.

The Gut-Brain Connection

The food we eat and our lifestyle choices directly impact on our body as a whole. This includes mental health. Did you know that the vast majority of the neurotransmitters are produced in your gut? And there is a direct connection between the gut and brain called the gut-brain-axis? (aka the vagus nerve). A ketogenic diet has the potential to help psychiatric disorders, not just neurological disorders.

Food

Some commonly eaten foods can be problematic to the body, and to our mental health. The gut plays a huge role in our overall health, with more and more research discovering the link between the microbiome (the bacteria in our gut) and our health. It's possible to have food intolerances and be completely unaware of them. I have many years experience and knowledge of different dietary interventions, including paleo, primal, LCHF, ketogenic and carnivore. My aim is to help others take control of their health, and reduce the suffering that comes with mental illness.

FAQs

Is there a one-size-fits-all diet?

No, not exactly. A lot depends on your health, your food history, what medications you may be on, your goals, your lifestyle and what's important to you. That's why working with a coach or professional can be helpful to iron out any difficulties you may encounter on the way to your end goal.

I'd like to change my diet, but don't know where to start. Could you advise?

Have a look at some good paleo resources. My personal recommendation is Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson. You'll be looking to ditch the vegetable oils, grains and sugars as a start. For those with autoimmune illnesses you may need to refine the diet further. Focus on a natural, whole-food diet. Think about the abundant diet you can have, not about the processed junk food you may be giving up.

But aren't carbohydrates essential?

There is no such thing as an essential carbohydrate. We have essential fats that need to be consumed, and daily protein requirements for maintaining muscle mass, but no such thing as essential carbs. The body can produce all the glucose it needs, and continues to do so even if you consume zero carbs.

If you have any other general questions then let me know, and I'll answer them in here later.

Metabolic Health is CRUCIAL for Mental Health

Metabolic Health is CRUCIAL for Mental Health

Welcome

About

The Gut-Brain Connection

Food

FAQs

Is there a one-size-fits-all diet?

I'd like to change my diet, but don't know where to start. Could you advise?

But aren't carbohydrates essential?

Metabolic Health is CRUCIAL for Mental Health

Metabolic Health is CRUCIAL for Mental Health

Welcome

Social

About

The Gut-Brain Connection

Food

FAQs

Is there a one-size-fits-all diet?

I'd like to change my diet, but don't know where to start. Could you advise?

But aren't carbohydrates essential?