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 pandemic How cooking at home improves your food choices and health The link between gut health and mental wellbeing How older artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, can lead to cravings and weight gain  How stress and poor diet impact brain function How hormones like leptin can cause anxiety and depression The importance of understanding your individual nutritional needs based on your genetics, physiology, and environment Dr. Naidoo advises moderation when consuming fruit and processed foods  Why many individuals struggle to consume enough fiber How to increase your fiber intake The benefits of including whole, unprocessed foods like eggs, avocado, and sourdough bread in your breakfast Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to [email protected] Connect with Dr. Uma Naidoo On her website Daily Dose Meals OnFacebook Instagram LinkedIn X, and TikTok Previous Episode Mentioned Ep. 173 – How The Food You Eat Boosts Your Mood & Mental Health (and the Connection Your Gut Health Plays) with Dr. Uma Naidoo