Harvard Brain Expert: The #1 Thing For Overall Health, Vitality & Longevity | Dr. Chris Palmer

Mental health disorders are on the rise at alarming rates. Although access to therapy and medications has increased, the rates continue to grow, leaving millions to suffer. There has to be another approach to treatment, and today’s guest is here to show us what traditional medicine often misses.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with Dr. Chris Palmer to discuss the rise in mental health disorders and how we need to change our approach to treatment. Dr. Palmer dives into the science behind his Brain Energy theory and shares the research surrounding mitochondrial and mental health. He also sounds the alarm about how alcohol and marijuana use can increase the risk of severe mental health disorders in vulnerable individuals. Dr. Palmer shares inspiring stories of his patients who have overcome mental illness and regained their independence by addressing functional imbalances at their roots.

Dr. Chris Palmer is a psychiatrist and researcher at the metabolism and mental health interface. He is the Director of the Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education at McLean Hospital and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. For over 25 years, Dr. Palmer has held leadership roles in psychiatric education, conducted research, and worked with people who have treatment-resistant mental illnesses. He has pioneered the use of the medical ketogenic diet in the treatment of psychiatric disorders through research, patient treatment, writing, and speaking around the world on this topic. More broadly, he is interested in the roles of metabolism and metabolic interventions on brain health.

In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Palmer dive into:
-Lifestyle treatment options, the ketogenic diet, and Brain Energy Theory
-Optimal exercise and how to start implementing it in your life
-What's at stake if we don't rethink our approach to mental health?
-The impact of alcohol and marijuana on mental health
-How marijuana impacts brain and mitochondrial function
-Ozempic: the impact on mental health and studies on other addictions
-Ultra-processed foods and their impact on hormones and appetite signals
-The common sense truth behind what we eat affects the brain
-Euthanasia in Europe for younger individuals suffering from mental illness
-Hope in Dr. Palmer’s work, Brain Energy theory, and final thoughts

Also mentioned in this episode:

For more on Dr. Palmer:

This episode is brought to you by:

[caitlinhoey]

I love a good Dr. Palmer interview! His book and protocol saved my life. Schizophrenia in remission. I never thought I’d see the day, but here I am!

[luciaradonic]

I loved how he explained we should help and protect people who are feeling suicidal. Don't ever lose hope..

[jackelinehernandez]

I have a son with drug addiction and mental health issues, so I thank you for such a professional and informative episode, I learned so much 🙏

[iss]

Dr Palmer is a life saver. Compassionate doctor. His book is amazing.

[KatieHuttemann-qs]

I'm a licensed psychologist. The first issues I cover with clients are: sleep, nutrition, stress management, movement, and social connection.

[myrnaalexander]

As psychotherapist and nutritionist/ health counselor—have read Dr Palmer’s book— excellent! I practice therapy according to this protocol and of course lead my life as such! Get pushback but I keep going re metabolic approach! Thank you so much for this excellent podcast!!

[sandrahodges]

The information given here by this guest is very valuable and should be used. I have done over 35 yrs of research and can effectively assess the information in a podcast to know the ones that are helpful in the ability to improve one's health.

[joynelson]

Loved what Dr. Palmer said about processed food affecting mitochondria.

[Vronihetherly]

Thank you both for this thoughtful discussion and your persistence in getting the information to the public. It is exciting that we have learned so much more about our metabolism and the sad contribution of fast food and other life-style factors to physical and mental problems. Much gratitude that you also spread hope . As a retired former psychiatrist I fully agree with your opinion. ❤

[sandrahodges]

I highly appreciate this podcast....However, we need to emphasize that there is the Ketogenic and there is the HEALTHY Ketogenic Diet....We need to make sure we follow the HEALTHY Ketogenic Our choice makes a big difference!

[bergeaadland]

Best conversation/guest on your show so far🎉

[grochef]

While GLP-1 agonists likely result in muscle mass wasting, the more serious effect is GLP-1 gastroparesis. GLP-1 agonists slow transit time, and if used chronically, the result can be permanent loss of peristalsis - movement of food through the intestines. There are numerous lawsuits regarding this issue. Just like mRNA, GLP-1 is an experiment that is resulting in tragic outcomes.

[toni]

Stop the likes of Kraft, Pepsi-co, Coca cola and the drug companies intoxicating our bloody food.

[toni]

So many food additives have been banned around the world, and are still in use in American food. Explain how this is allowed. So many artificial colours, flavours, preservatives and a whole heap of other additives that shouldn't be consumed at all.

[sandramorton]

Thank you Dhru for your guest, Dr. Palmer is the best.

[jengenx]

Such a great speaker and great discussion!

[Petrenko]

I wish all psychiatrists were as compassionate and hopeful as this one. And also believed in their patients ability to recover from their illness. The euthanasia laws as currently written are very disturbing. These laws, along with many recent events truly seem to be indicating a trend in "ridding" society of those who are no longer considered productive or have value. I hope I am wrong.

[JohnBrocato-ollq]

I've always used exercise to tend to my bipolar 2 issues as many people do. The issue is these "interventions" are temporary and what if people don't want to jog one day they are symptomatic and we need interventions that let us put this stuff into the past. we want to rejoin the world...we need better answers and quickly. We know these are complicated problems and schizophrenia is even more so. These are Vagal Dysfunction conditions, but we need science to devote some time to understanding them so we may be able to put one foot in front of the other so to speak

[mullinpeggy]

alcohol and marijuania suppress brain function, damage mitochondrial what do benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants due to brain and mitochondrial function?

[sandrahodges]

What is the name of his book? I want to buy it.