239: Eat for Your Mind: The Gut-Brain Connection with Dr. Uma Naidoo

OVERVIEW: In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Uma Naidoo—Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and author of the international bestseller This Is Your Brain on Food. Dr. Naidoo is a pioneer in the field of Nutritional Psychiatry, and she’s on a mission to show the world how what we eat directly impacts how we feel. We dive into the science behind the gut-brain connection and how food can be a powerful tool to support mental health. Dr. Naidoo breaks down key insights from her book, sharing how certain foods can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, brain fog, and even sleep issues. She also offers practical tips on how to start eating to support your mood, focus, and emotional well-being—without overcomplicating things. What We Cover in This Episode: The real science behind the gut-brain connection—and why your gut is often called your “second brain” How specific nutrients and foods influence mood, memory, and mental clarity Common foods that may be triggering anxiety or depressive symptoms (and what to swap them for) How inflammation, sugar, and processed foods impact brain health Key foods to support mental health—from leafy greens to fermented foods Why food is one of the most underutilized tools in mental health care today Dr. Naidoo’s personal journey as a psychiatrist and chef—and how her passion for food meets science     RESOURCES: Follow Jess on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/drumanaidoo/?hl=en Learn more about her work and purchase her books here:https://umanaidoomd.com/ Click here to schedule your FREE alignment call to see if my 1:1 coaching program is a good fit for you: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/7de98067/appointment/18062930/calendar/4677043?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=18062930 Email us at: [email protected]  Click Here to learn more about my 1:1 coaching program  https://metabolicfix.com/one Take My PHASE ASSESSMENT QUIZ HERE: https://www.metabolicfix.com/phase-quiz Follow Ashley on Instagram: @ashley_fillmore1 Join Ashley's FREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/635528110302527 Want to see which one of my programs is the best for you? Take my Services Quiz: https://www.metabolicfix.com/services-quiz Take my FREE Metabolic Damage Quiz here: https://metabolicfix.com/md-quiz