41. How Does Physical Health Affect Mental Health? | Dr. Christopher M. Palmer, MD & Gary Brecka

Mental illness, including depression, is linked to metabolic dysfunctions in the brain. Dr. Christopher Palmer, an MD and pioneer in this field, suggests that many psychiatric conditions may be metabolic disorders, challenging the traditional diagnostic categories. This theory, known as the brain energy theory, offers new avenues for treatment that focus on metabolic health for long-term improvement, rather than just symptom management. Despite this, conventional treatments have been around for decades with limited impact on the growing mental health crisis. Prior to the pandemic, about 1 billion people worldwide suffered from mental or substance use disorders, and in Western countries like the US, about one in five people experience mental disorders annually, with half experiencing one at some point in their lives. The rise in mental illness may not be solely due to aging, stress, or environment, and the conventional therapies, which are becoming more popular, have yet to make a significant impact on this crisis.

Despite the United States being the biggest spender on healthcare and having one of the highest rates of antidepressant use and depression, the mental health crisis is worsening. During the pandemic, nearly half of Americans reported suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, or substance use symptoms, with one in four young adults considering suicide. While there are various treatments available, including antidepressants, psychotherapies, and nerve stimulation, they fail to work for a significant number of people. The mental health crisis is not limited to depression, as rates of anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and bipolar disorder have also been increasing exponentially. Furthermore, the rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and prediabetes may not be a coincidence. It's crucial to recognize the interconnectedness of these conditions and address their root causes to effectively address the mental health crisis.

There is a strong connection between physical health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. People with mental health disorders are more likely to develop physical health conditions, and those with physical health conditions are more likely to develop mental health disorders. This relationship goes both ways due to shared metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunctions. For instance, the ApoE4 gene, which increases the risk for Alzheimer's disease, plays a role in regulating cholesterol and fat metabolism and mitochondrial function. Furthermore, mental disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia, are proposed to be due to metabolic dysfunction impacting the brain, a concept known as the brain energy theory. This theory suggests that mental disorders are caused by disruptions in the brain's energy production and utilization. Overall, understanding the connection between physical health and mental health can lead to new insights into the causes and potential treatments for various disorders.

Metabolism, the process of converting food into energy, is a fundamental aspect of living organisms. While it involves complex chemical pathways and processes, the hub of metabolism can be traced back to mitochondria in our cells. Understanding the role of mitochondria in metabolism can provide insights into metabolic health and even help connect the dots between mental illness and its biological, psychological, and social factors. Additionally, hydrogen water, which can be produced on the go using a hydrogen water generator like the Echo Go Plus, offers numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved absorption of nutrients.

Mental disorders may be caused by a lack of healthy mitochondria in the brain's cells. Mitochondria are responsible for metabolism, and their dysfunction could lead to neurotransmitter imbalances and brain malfunctions. Normal human suffering, such as grief or war, has obvious solutions and is not considered mental disorders. Mental disorders, on the other hand, involve brains that are not functioning properly and causing symptoms like depression, anxiety, and hallucinations without apparent triggers. Understanding why the brain cells malfunction requires exploring the root causes, and the current leading theory is a neurotransmitter imbalance. However, the causes and triggers of this imbalance remain unclear, and some researchers suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction might be involved.

Mitochondrial dysfunction, which is the malfunctioning of cells, is a common theme in various health issues including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and mental illnesses. This issue can be addressed through simple solutions such as improving diet, getting better sleep, reducing harmful substances, and managing stress. However, it's important to note that these solutions are not one-size-fits-all and require individualized approaches to address specific food sensitivities and carbohydrate processing abilities. While these solutions may seem obvious, they can significantly improve the functioning of the brain for many people, including those with severe mental illnesses and neurodevelopmental disorders. It's essential not to oversimplify the solutions, but rather to understand the details and tailor them to each person's unique needs.

A ketogenic diet, which is often perceived as a dangerous and unsustainable weight loss fad, has shown promising results in managing and even improving symptoms of various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. This was first observed in a morbidly obese patient with severe mental illness who experienced significant mood improvement and disappearance of auditory hallucinations after starting the diet. Since then, hundreds of patients have reported similar experiences, and there are ongoing controlled trials at prestigious universities to further investigate the potential benefits of the ketogenic diet for mental health conditions. The diet, which was originally developed to treat epilepsy, has been used in psychiatry for decades under the guise of different names, making this an exciting potential development in the field.

The ketogenic diet, which has been used for decades to treat various health conditions, holds promise in the treatment of serious mental illnesses. Contrary to common belief, people with mental illnesses have the determination and capacity to follow the diet when their lives depend on it. The science behind the diet's effectiveness lies in its ability to create a specific type of water called deuterium depleted water, which enhances mitochondrial efficiency. Despite the challenges in implementing the diet, the potential benefits make it a worthwhile consideration for those with drug-resistant mental illnesses.

A ketogenic diet could be a viable option for individuals dealing with mild to moderate mental health issues, such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, brain fog, and burnout. The potential benefits include improved mental clarity and mood, with minimal downsides like weight loss and avocado fatigue. However, for individuals with serious mental conditions like epilepsy, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or suicidal depression, it's crucial to work with a healthcare professional experienced in integrating metabolic and mental health therapies. The ketogenic diet can be a powerful treatment but comes with early risks and potential complications. Unfortunately, there's a shortage of healthcare professionals knowledgeable in this area, leaving many patients to navigate their treatment on their own. It's essential to prioritize seeking professional help to ensure a safe and effective approach to managing mental health conditions.

The ketogenic diet, an eating plan that limits carbohydrates and increases healthy fats, is gaining traction as a potential treatment for mental illnesses, particularly those that are treatment-resistant. This theory, which focuses on the role of metabolic and hormonal imbalances in mental health, is being researched in clinical trials and is being implemented in hospitals like McLean Hospital, the top-ranked psychiatric hospital in the nation. For those seeking help, resources like Metabolic Mind's clinician directory can be a starting point. The ultimate goal is to create scalable clinics that can reach a larger patient population and improve overall wellness through metabolic optimization. While more research is needed, the anecdotal evidence suggests that addressing hormonal and metabolic issues can lead to significant improvements in mental health.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for mental health and brain health issues. Dr. Palmer emphasized the importance of individualized approaches based on factors like biomarkers, symptoms, and nutritional needs. He mentioned his success with a ketogenic diet and the use of Perfect Amino by Body Health, a highly absorbable full-spectrum amino acid supplement. However, he also acknowledged that some people may need to gain weight rather than lose it, and different diets like whole30 or paleo might be more suitable for them. He encouraged listeners to consider a range of options, including genetic and inflammatory testing, mental health assessments, and common sense approaches like eating whole foods and ensuring adequate caloric and nutrient intake. Ultimately, the goal is to find a personalized solution that addresses the unique needs of each individual.

The human body is an interconnected system, and what we consume affects not only our physical health but also our mental health. Nutrients like vitamin B12, folic acid, and thiamine, which are crucial for mental health, need to be methylated to function optimally. This process can be impacted by various factors, including diet, gut health, and inflammation. The brain communicates with all organs in the body, and inflammation in the gut can be communicated to the brain through various pathways, affecting brain function and potentially leading to conditions like depression, anxiety, or hallucinations. It's essential to adopt a holistic approach to healthcare, considering the whole body, rather than just treating symptoms from the neck up. While the causes of health issues can be complex, with factors including infections, toxins, and hormonal imbalances, healthcare professionals have protocols to help people improve their health through diet, exercise, and other interventions.

A holistic approach to mental health treatment is essential for effective and inclusive care. This approach involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, psychotherapists, dieticians, health and wellness coaches, fitness trainers, biohacker experts, and mitochondrial experts, among others. Each team member brings unique expertise to address the complex interplay of physical and mental health. By respecting and collaborating with each other, this team can provide cost-effective, scalable care for individuals, focusing on the basics like nutrition, exercise, and sleep while also addressing specific medical conditions. Incorporating this whole-person approach into mainstream psychiatric evaluations and consultations within the next decade is a goal to improve mental health treatment outcomes.

While some medical interventions are necessary for certain health conditions, common sense approaches, such as optimizing diet, can often improve overall health without the need for extensive medical treatments or interventions. However, it's important to note that some medications, particularly psychiatric medications, can cause metabolic harm and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These medications, while necessary in some cases, should be used with caution and patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to manage any potential side effects. The long-term goal should be to minimize harm and promote healing. It's also important to remember that mental and physical health are interconnected, and addressing one can often improve the other.

Mental illness could be approached and treated differently, focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic toxins, similar to how chemotherapy is used. This perspective aims to help individuals heal and recover after treatment, and could potentially disrupt the current mental health industry. However, this disruption faces challenges due to the lack of profitability in prevention and the resistance from established industries. Despite these hurdles, there is hope for change as new evidence emerges and innovative companies develop solutions to improve mitochondrial health. Ultimately, the goal is to provide better lives and treatments for those suffering from chronic mental illness.

Disruption, although painful for some industries and businesses, paves the way for innovation, better opportunities, and economic growth. Dr. Chris Palmer, a psychiatrist, shares his vision of disrupting products that do not promote health and healing, and instead, focusing on creating products and opportunities that improve mental health and turn disabled individuals into tax-paying citizens. This not only has financial gains but also contributes to societal progress by reducing the burden of mental health issues on the economy. To learn more about Dr. Palmer's work, visit brainenergy.com and chrispalmermd.com. Dr. Palmer's ultimate goal is to help as many suffering individuals as possible and scale his impact by educating and influencing mental health professionals, healthcare clinicians, politicians, and insurance companies.