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Calm Your Mind with Food: A Revolutionary Guide to Controlling Your Anxiety
A revolutionary look at the surprising connections between anxiety, immunity, and gut health, with advice for how to eat to relieve anxiety, from bestselling author, chef, and nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo, MD.
The mind-gut connection is more complex than we ever imagined. For decades, researchers and the public have believed the gut, brain, and immune system to be separate, distinct entities. However, recent research indicates these major systems are intricately Whatever affects your brain affects your immunity and vice versa. This complex relationship—and the dire consequences when it breaks down—is transforming how we think about anxiety and mental health.
Throughout this groundbreaking guide, Dr. Naidoo presents cutting-edge research as well as practical steps for strengthening the gut and managing anxiety,
Drawing on the latest research as well as Dr. Naidoo’s background as a professional chef, Calm Your Mind with Food includes dozens of superfood-forward, delicious recipes to boost immunity, reduce anxiety, and enhance your overall mental wellbeing.
The mind-gut connection is more complex than we ever imagined. For decades, researchers and the public have believed the gut, brain, and immune system to be separate, distinct entities. However, recent research indicates these major systems are intricately Whatever affects your brain affects your immunity and vice versa. This complex relationship—and the dire consequences when it breaks down—is transforming how we think about anxiety and mental health.
Throughout this groundbreaking guide, Dr. Naidoo presents cutting-edge research as well as practical steps for strengthening the gut and managing anxiety,
Drawing on the latest research as well as Dr. Naidoo’s background as a professional chef, Calm Your Mind with Food includes dozens of superfood-forward, delicious recipes to boost immunity, reduce anxiety, and enhance your overall mental wellbeing.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published December 26, 2023
About the author
Uma Naidoo
5 books159 followersDr Uma Naidoo, Director of Nutritional and Lifestyle Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, is a Harvard trained Psychiatrist and one of the pioneers in the more newly recognized field of Nutritional Psychiatry. Dr Uma is also a Professional Chef and a trained Nutrition Specialist. Featured in the Wall Street Journal, ABC News, Harvard Health Press, Goop, and many others, Dr Uma has a special interest on the impact of food on mood and other mental health conditions.
In her book, This Is Your Brain On Food, Dr Uma shows the cutting-edge science explaining the ways in which food contributes to our mental health and how a sound diet can help treat and prevent a wide range of psychological and cognitive health issues, from ADHD to anxiety, depression, OCD, and others.
In her book, This Is Your Brain On Food, Dr Uma shows the cutting-edge science explaining the ways in which food contributes to our mental health and how a sound diet can help treat and prevent a wide range of psychological and cognitive health issues, from ADHD to anxiety, depression, OCD, and others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 6, 2024
If you have never read a nutrition book, this may be very helpful. However, it is basically a whole foods, mainly plant based diet, which is nothing revolutionary. The author says anxiety is connected to gut health and blood sugar, so you should eat healthier to feel better, and its basically up to you to figure out which foods make you feel good or bad. There are a few recipes to try, which are mostly a "MediterrAsian" fusion style.
December 30, 2023
Calm Your Mind with Food: A Revolutionary Guide to Controlling Your Anxiety by bestselling author and nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo MD is a groundbreaking guide that draws on the latest science on the connection between diet and anxiety. In her new book, Dr. Naidoo shows us how to effectively use nutrition as an essential tool for calming the mind. She shares her personal experience using food to manage anxiety, notably as she overcame cancer, and then provides practical tips, such as mindful practices, a glass of water in the morning, gradual diet changes, and outdoor time for anxiety relief.
Dr. Naidoo practices what she calls nutritional psychiatry, which I didn't even realize existed. She explains the correlation between anxiety and gut health and anxiety and inflammation. She offers helpful solutions, eating suggestions, and even recipes. She explains that even a lack of water can exacerbate anxiety. She admits that none of us eats perfectly, so she tackles diet mindfully. Her approach is holistic and integrated. It's more about mindset, staying positive and focusing on what's ahead. Calm Your Mind with Food is a practical roadmap to treating your anxiety and overall well-being with diet and nutrition.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
Dr. Naidoo practices what she calls nutritional psychiatry, which I didn't even realize existed. She explains the correlation between anxiety and gut health and anxiety and inflammation. She offers helpful solutions, eating suggestions, and even recipes. She explains that even a lack of water can exacerbate anxiety. She admits that none of us eats perfectly, so she tackles diet mindfully. Her approach is holistic and integrated. It's more about mindset, staying positive and focusing on what's ahead. Calm Your Mind with Food is a practical roadmap to treating your anxiety and overall well-being with diet and nutrition.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
January 15, 2024
I appreciate this book and the knowledge it is giving me to make some changes to my diet - and hopefully my anxiety! I feel prepared to go to the grocery store and get the necessary items to start. However, the book doesn’t make it easy to sort which foods are worth prioritizing and which aren’t. I ended up pulling up my laptop and having a document open next to me while reading the book so that I could plug in foods (both to focus on and foods to avoid) as I came across them. I’d highly recommend you have a list that you keep as you read as well.
I am not one who is known for cooking so I was intimidated to look at the recipes she provides, but after reading through them they seem like recipes that even I can accomplish!
I am not one who is known for cooking so I was intimidated to look at the recipes she provides, but after reading through them they seem like recipes that even I can accomplish!
June 3, 2024
This book could be subtitled “Food for mood“ or “Power at the end of your fork.” Overall, I believe it tries to cover too much ground and ends up giving a lot of information with somewhat broad and shallow strokes. The basic message is eat Whole Foods (literally, not necessarily from the store!) Duh.
That being said, the author makes some interesting points, although not as many as I expected after having heard her on a podcast.
An anxious brain can distort something positive (like an opportunity to meet Prince Charles), but retraining the brain to construct positive emotions can change “anxious” to “excited and present.” Nothing to do with food, but I love the royal family reference.
Importance of the gut micro biome: your microbiota outnumber your human cells 10 to one. They contain anywhere from 2,000,000 to 12,000,000 genes while the human genome contains an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 genes. In other words the Microbiome can represent up to 99.9% of the genetic material in the human body. Interestingly, any two people share 99.9% of their human genome, but could have up to a 90% difference in the composition of their gut microbiome, which is heavily individualized.
She has some catchy names for her food rules, using the acronym CALM FOODS, or the Power Nine:
Cruciferous vegetables
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods
Legumes and leafy greens
Micronutrients
Fiber and fermented foods
Omega-3 fatty acids
Oil
Dark chocolate
Spices and herbs
This list contains the usual suspects of broccoli, kale, berries, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, spinach, yogurt, salmon, extra-virgin olive oil. it is great to consider dark chocolate, a health food and anti-anxiety aid.
From the blue zone research, she particularly recommends beans (Loma Linda), only eating until you are 80% full and only having a small evening meal (Okinawa), and red wine no more than four times a week for women (this seems like too much).
There are also the Six Pillars:
Eat whole to be whole (unprocessed)
Calming kaleidoscope plate (variety is valuable)
Magnify micronutrients
Prioritize healthy fats (olive and avocado oils)
Avoid anxiety triggering foods (high GI refined carbs, added sugars, packaged snacks, and deep-fried/fast foods) Again, duh. If we could all do that, we would not need the book.
Find consistency and balance (stick with a healthy eating plan)
For a lot of these recommendations, the author relies on health/depression studies and extrapolates them to anxiety treatment. But they are all common sense. French fries aren’t healthy. Cookies, cakes, candies, chips, crackers, processed meat, and soda are all on the Always Avoid list. All can be major anxiety triggers.
One final useful tip: use a serrated knife to cut dark chocolate!
March 12, 2024
Naidoo brings together new studies on the connections between food and the mind to argue that all it takes to be anxiety-free is a controlled and specific diet. The recommendations ultimately seemed common sense to me: eat nuts, fruits and vegetables, don't eat processed food, stay away from sugar, limit meat and dairy but some is OK, use olive oil for salad, use avocado oil for cooking with heat, vitamins and minerals etc. I balked at a few pieces of advice, namely eating only one piece of bread PER WEEK (never going to happen, I can do 1 per day but that's pushing it) and the suggestion that a head of sauteed broccoli is a reasonable dinner centerpiece (this woman loves broccoli). I think her meal plans will make you lose weight whether or not that's your goal, which is to say they seemed slightly under-nourishing to me. I appreciated that she didn't push a certain particular diet but kept it open to encourage readers to do whatever is right for their own individual physiology.
February 20, 2024
I bought this book because I really liked het previous book Brain Food. I was hoping to find out more in-depth information about te relation between anxiety and the way we eat, especially the gut-mind axis. This book contained little new information and recommendations were very general. Basically anything except sugar and fried or processed food and you’re good. Not very helpful.
February 14, 2024
I was told that my eating habits could not be considered "healthy". This may have something to do with the 38 Uber Eats bags piled up in my apartment, also called the Wall of shame.
Although I love supporting small local restaurateurs, a change had become necessary. So when I saw Tom Brady promote this book, I knew it was for me (sexiest man alive imo).
The book addresses the problems of nutrition in two stages, a first explanatory part and a second providing solutions, namely concrete recipes.
I still have to test all the recipes in the book, so my rating is likely to change.
I will see you again in several months to judge the relevance (and taste) of these recipes. But so far, it gives me hope.
TLDR: self help book, but make it yummy.
Although I love supporting small local restaurateurs, a change had become necessary. So when I saw Tom Brady promote this book, I knew it was for me (sexiest man alive imo).
The book addresses the problems of nutrition in two stages, a first explanatory part and a second providing solutions, namely concrete recipes.
I still have to test all the recipes in the book, so my rating is likely to change.
I will see you again in several months to judge the relevance (and taste) of these recipes. But so far, it gives me hope.
TLDR: self help book, but make it yummy.
May 12, 2024
I really like the author's holistic approach to psychiatry. I came away inspired to eat well and learned a few facts about the relationship between gut health and mental health. Unfortunately, little of the dietary information was new. It felt like common sense that I didn't need a book for.
March 11, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this one. It's an interesting concept and the food advice seems pretty standard. I am just hesitant because I worry other people may take this as a scientifically backed alternative to what could be life saving medications.
The gut health to brain health idea is a relatively new and underdeveloped field of science. Most studies are small and not always with a control group. So when she says this study says this or this study says that…I advise you to go look up the study and see for yourself. I found that she tends to misquote/embellish papers findings, and scientists involved with the study. That is a huge red flag for me considering this is a person who graduated from Harvard Medical. That gives her clout, that I worry she is using in murky waters to make people think “oh well it must be right, she’s a doctor!”
That said, knowing that upon a little research into the author, her books, and the research she ‘used’, I took everything in this book with a grain of salt. But in general this books is, well, super general anyways. I guess you could sum it up as easily as saying, she recommends a mostly plant based and whole foods diet, with little to no sugar or processed foods….like almost every single diet book out there. Oh, and drink water. Cause lack of water can make you more anxious... Other than that, you are mostly left to mix and match until you find things that work for you. Maybe sit with a pen and paper while reading so you can write down some of her food suggestions, because there is no clear summary. She does give some recipes…but I doubt I’ll try any of them.
She does make suggestions and tells you stories (the fact she started off with all the president stuff felt a tiny bit like bragging to give her more credit, to me, but she does try to relate it back into her on ‘journey’ to eating her way healthy). I don’t agree with some of her statements, and I do feel like this book could be damaging to certain people who will just think if they eat better, practice mindfulness techniques and spend some time outside they’ll be cured. That isn’t always the case. Sometimes you need professional medical help to overcome things. And sometimes drugs are the answer. It’s dangerous to claim diet can ‘fix’ things. Maybe if you have a milder case this will help and maybe if you have a severe case this will help along with your meds. Like a team. But ultimately you have to remember this is a very holistic approach to anxiety. But I digress.
Conclusion
Take the claims with a grain of salt. If you haven’t read anything nutrition this book may help you out in general, but I wouldn’t say it’s a cure all for anxiety. Maybe more a support method.
The gut health to brain health idea is a relatively new and underdeveloped field of science. Most studies are small and not always with a control group. So when she says this study says this or this study says that…I advise you to go look up the study and see for yourself. I found that she tends to misquote/embellish papers findings, and scientists involved with the study. That is a huge red flag for me considering this is a person who graduated from Harvard Medical. That gives her clout, that I worry she is using in murky waters to make people think “oh well it must be right, she’s a doctor!”
That said, knowing that upon a little research into the author, her books, and the research she ‘used’, I took everything in this book with a grain of salt. But in general this books is, well, super general anyways. I guess you could sum it up as easily as saying, she recommends a mostly plant based and whole foods diet, with little to no sugar or processed foods….like almost every single diet book out there. Oh, and drink water. Cause lack of water can make you more anxious... Other than that, you are mostly left to mix and match until you find things that work for you. Maybe sit with a pen and paper while reading so you can write down some of her food suggestions, because there is no clear summary. She does give some recipes…but I doubt I’ll try any of them.
She does make suggestions and tells you stories (the fact she started off with all the president stuff felt a tiny bit like bragging to give her more credit, to me, but she does try to relate it back into her on ‘journey’ to eating her way healthy). I don’t agree with some of her statements, and I do feel like this book could be damaging to certain people who will just think if they eat better, practice mindfulness techniques and spend some time outside they’ll be cured. That isn’t always the case. Sometimes you need professional medical help to overcome things. And sometimes drugs are the answer. It’s dangerous to claim diet can ‘fix’ things. Maybe if you have a milder case this will help and maybe if you have a severe case this will help along with your meds. Like a team. But ultimately you have to remember this is a very holistic approach to anxiety. But I digress.
Conclusion
Take the claims with a grain of salt. If you haven’t read anything nutrition this book may help you out in general, but I wouldn’t say it’s a cure all for anxiety. Maybe more a support method.
December 13, 2023
This book is definitely not a quick, easy read. But it makes so much sense and certainly explains a lot in terms of food and anxiety. Chapter 5 on leptin is very interesting. I appreciated the non-divisive attitude on the vegan/carnivore issue. Also the fact that medicine and therefore food, is very individualized. There’s quite a bit of food tips that I found very interesting. For instance, cooling pasta and potatoes after cooking and then reheating to lower their GI. Such an easy thing to do with such an important outcome!
There are also quite a few amazing recipes including some breakfast ones that can be made ahead.
There are also quite a few amazing recipes including some breakfast ones that can be made ahead.
November 20, 2023
"Calm Your Mind With Food" offers a valuable exploration into the connection between nutrition and anxiety, earning a solid 4 stars from me.
The author presents a well-researched and accessible guide that navigates the intricate relationship between our dietary choices and mental well-being. The book seamlessly combines scientific insights with practical advice, making it a useful resource for those seeking a holistic approach to managing anxiety through nutrition.
While the content is insightful and the writing engaging, I found some sections a tad dense, requiring a bit more effort to absorb. Nonetheless, the inclusion of actionable steps added a practical dimension to the book, making it a worthwhile read for individuals interested in a mindful and nourishing approach to mental health.
A sincere appreciation to the author for providing a balanced and informative guide on this crucial subject. "Calm Your Mind With Food" is a recommended read for anyone seeking a path to greater calmness through dietary choices. 🌱📚
I'd like to express my gratitude for having received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The author presents a well-researched and accessible guide that navigates the intricate relationship between our dietary choices and mental well-being. The book seamlessly combines scientific insights with practical advice, making it a useful resource for those seeking a holistic approach to managing anxiety through nutrition.
While the content is insightful and the writing engaging, I found some sections a tad dense, requiring a bit more effort to absorb. Nonetheless, the inclusion of actionable steps added a practical dimension to the book, making it a worthwhile read for individuals interested in a mindful and nourishing approach to mental health.
A sincere appreciation to the author for providing a balanced and informative guide on this crucial subject. "Calm Your Mind With Food" is a recommended read for anyone seeking a path to greater calmness through dietary choices. 🌱📚
I'd like to express my gratitude for having received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 24, 2024
It was definitely a little repetitive and I think it was mostly saying the same thing over and over. Some of the anecdotes were really far-fetched. Has some cool recipes in the back, though!
April 25, 2024
I think I'd give this a 3 if the reader didn't know what basic principles of healthy food were, but we all know by now, especially readers of books like this, regardless of if we follow it.
First off, do not bother with this book if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I thought it would at least be talked about in its own section given the high prevalence of depression and anxiety with IBS and how it is an obvious manifestation of problems in the gut/brain connection, but it was only mentioned briefly in the beginning. All of her advice on what to eat is not geared toward people with IBS. In fact, many of these "healthy" foods might make me feel physically awful.
A major problem I find in American media is that commercials, talk shows, and even books like this one basically assume you are overweight or are always just about to be, assume you love to binge eat french fries and ice cream, and are looking to lose a few to twenty pounds or more. I sympathize with people who struggle with this, but it's mentally unhealthy to talk as if this applies to everyone. I grew up underweight and hearing these messages as if eating fat is dangerous because then it will be so hard to lose because it's assumed everyone has a few extra pounds when I actually should have eaten more was not good.
I also thought it was odd for a book about mental illness, specifically anxiety, and food to almost never mention eating disorders, which are anxiety-based. Only in the back for 2 or 3 pages did she talk about orthorexia and how it's unhealthy to overrestrict (and then goes on to recommend a LOT of restrictions.) She did say she cannot treat people with eating disorders because they need a separate team with physical monitoring, which is understandable, but I would have been curious how she thinks someone with anorexia should eat when she recommends so many vegetables and low glycemix index food. This book largely talks as though the cause of some people's anxiety is prediabetes or metabolic syndrome. Personally I know mine is genetic and environmental, but I was interested in this book to see if I could incorporate any foods I hadn't heard of that might lessen anxiety.
Beyond that, I found some of the suggestions in the back ridiculous, and I'm not the only one judging by the reviews. What is most surprising is that while she recommends severe restriction of foods many people eat everyday in the name of "fighting anxiety," when it comes to caffeine consumption, she says to limit coffee to "2-3 cups per day." It doesn't make sense to only eat one slice of bread per week and have no ice cream or candy to help anxiety if you are going to ingest a drug that causes anxiety multiple times a day. She recommends no more than one SLICE of bread per WEEK. I read in the earlier section about limiting simple carbs, but I didn't know she meant such severe restriction. I thought it might be a typo until she said it again. Judging by that standard, all sandwiches lean towards unhealthy for her. (Also, practically, are you going to buy/bake a whole loaf and only eat one slice? There are more slices per loaf than people in an average household.) She even says to limit oatmeal, which according to many other sources is very healthy.
It was also contradictory how she says that traditional healthy diets like from Japan regularly eat rice, sometimes with every meal, and yet it should still be restricted like bread. I get occasional hypoglycemia and I don't understand how someone could follow all her suggestions of intermittent fasting, eating a light dinner, AND limiting all of the higher glycemic index carbs and still get enough calories and feel full. Not to mention suggesting that broccoli can be a main course (not that she's the first person to suggest this. I've heard of cauliflower "steaks" before.)
I know all I've done is complain. I was still able to finish the book. Most of the book was okay before the suggestions on restriction. I liked the scientific explanations in the beginning, and I appreciated that there were sources listed. But I feel the book was less about anxiety and more about how to keep your blood sugar and weight low.
First off, do not bother with this book if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I thought it would at least be talked about in its own section given the high prevalence of depression and anxiety with IBS and how it is an obvious manifestation of problems in the gut/brain connection, but it was only mentioned briefly in the beginning. All of her advice on what to eat is not geared toward people with IBS. In fact, many of these "healthy" foods might make me feel physically awful.
A major problem I find in American media is that commercials, talk shows, and even books like this one basically assume you are overweight or are always just about to be, assume you love to binge eat french fries and ice cream, and are looking to lose a few to twenty pounds or more. I sympathize with people who struggle with this, but it's mentally unhealthy to talk as if this applies to everyone. I grew up underweight and hearing these messages as if eating fat is dangerous because then it will be so hard to lose because it's assumed everyone has a few extra pounds when I actually should have eaten more was not good.
I also thought it was odd for a book about mental illness, specifically anxiety, and food to almost never mention eating disorders, which are anxiety-based. Only in the back for 2 or 3 pages did she talk about orthorexia and how it's unhealthy to overrestrict (and then goes on to recommend a LOT of restrictions.) She did say she cannot treat people with eating disorders because they need a separate team with physical monitoring, which is understandable, but I would have been curious how she thinks someone with anorexia should eat when she recommends so many vegetables and low glycemix index food. This book largely talks as though the cause of some people's anxiety is prediabetes or metabolic syndrome. Personally I know mine is genetic and environmental, but I was interested in this book to see if I could incorporate any foods I hadn't heard of that might lessen anxiety.
Beyond that, I found some of the suggestions in the back ridiculous, and I'm not the only one judging by the reviews. What is most surprising is that while she recommends severe restriction of foods many people eat everyday in the name of "fighting anxiety," when it comes to caffeine consumption, she says to limit coffee to "2-3 cups per day." It doesn't make sense to only eat one slice of bread per week and have no ice cream or candy to help anxiety if you are going to ingest a drug that causes anxiety multiple times a day. She recommends no more than one SLICE of bread per WEEK. I read in the earlier section about limiting simple carbs, but I didn't know she meant such severe restriction. I thought it might be a typo until she said it again. Judging by that standard, all sandwiches lean towards unhealthy for her. (Also, practically, are you going to buy/bake a whole loaf and only eat one slice? There are more slices per loaf than people in an average household.) She even says to limit oatmeal, which according to many other sources is very healthy.
It was also contradictory how she says that traditional healthy diets like from Japan regularly eat rice, sometimes with every meal, and yet it should still be restricted like bread. I get occasional hypoglycemia and I don't understand how someone could follow all her suggestions of intermittent fasting, eating a light dinner, AND limiting all of the higher glycemic index carbs and still get enough calories and feel full. Not to mention suggesting that broccoli can be a main course (not that she's the first person to suggest this. I've heard of cauliflower "steaks" before.)
I know all I've done is complain. I was still able to finish the book. Most of the book was okay before the suggestions on restriction. I liked the scientific explanations in the beginning, and I appreciated that there were sources listed. But I feel the book was less about anxiety and more about how to keep your blood sugar and weight low.
February 10, 2024
This is definitely more of a book for beginners. The title is also slightly misleading. I was expecting to find specific foods that were good for anxiety, but it's really more about how a healthy diet in general helps lower anxiety. I still found it interesting.
She does an excellent job with the scientific parts. I've read whole books on some of the things that she manages to adequately cover in just one chapter or less. I loved how she broke down macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, supplements etc. This is the strongest part of the book IMO.
Even though I liked the book, it wasn't the most helpful for me other than to reinforce some valuable things about diet and nutrition. I was hoping to get some new recipes at least, but the only ones that looked appealing were very similar to some already in my arsenal. The others seemed laced with garlic and cilantro. No thanks. 3.75 stars
She does an excellent job with the scientific parts. I've read whole books on some of the things that she manages to adequately cover in just one chapter or less. I loved how she broke down macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, supplements etc. This is the strongest part of the book IMO.
Even though I liked the book, it wasn't the most helpful for me other than to reinforce some valuable things about diet and nutrition. I was hoping to get some new recipes at least, but the only ones that looked appealing were very similar to some already in my arsenal. The others seemed laced with garlic and cilantro. No thanks. 3.75 stars
June 26, 2024
This was nothing revolutionary as far as “nutrition” goes. I found it extremely bias to how the author herself eats based on her lifestyle and perhaps culture. For example, when speaking of the blue zones where people live the longest she agrees with some components but rejects others when in fact the purpose is showing that all these countries have this in common and perhaps contribute to longevity.
There’s also the catch all though that’s “everyone is different so you will have to find what works for you.”
There’s also the catch all though that’s “everyone is different so you will have to find what works for you.”
February 4, 2024
Great book! Easy to read - I liked how Dr. Naidoo laid out all of the science behind her recommendations before getting into the foods to focus on. Some of the recipes are a bit too adventurous for me, but I get the basics of focusing on eating whole foods. I’ll for sure be using this book as a reference.
January 23, 2024
there’s about 75 pages of this books that’s awesome and something everyone should read and be aware of, also something I will think of for a long time. However, the rest of it I thought was just unnecessary filler or extremely repetitive.
March 31, 2024
A good reminder that the brain and gut are very connected, containing practically suggestions for getting macro/micro nutrients and supplements. Helpful in charting the course to eat for anxiety control. Much of the info was known to me, but still helpful.
January 12, 2024
Some of the information was common knowledge, but there were some new insights too. The scientific studies to back the information were fascinating and eye-opening.
February 4, 2024
After reading Dr. Naidoo’s last book, I was super excited to get my hands on this one since I knew it would be more helpful to what I need. I found her last book extremely insightful and the research between our gut and brain very fascinating. I’m not sure exactly why, but this book fell a little short for me in comparison. I was hoping for more in depth takes on specific foods and I felt like some of that was only just skimmed at surface level. I’m excited to give some of her recipes a shot, though!
January 23, 2024
If you don’t have anxiety this book will give you anxiety.
January 12, 2024
Good information for someone who isn’t familiar with diets for mental well-being, or if a refresher is needed. Some of the recommendations and recipes were impractical for me as a mom of young kids, or when viewed through the lens of food access. Overall, I think the work she’s doing is important and I’ll continue to follow her!
December 5, 2023
However resistant we may be to the idea (and until a couple of years ago, I was pretty resistant myself), recent developments in science have made it pretty evident that it's not so much that we *are* what we eat, but more that *how we feel* is hugely influenced by what we eat. That realisation applies not only to issues such as maintaining a healthy weight or avoiding chronic disease such as cardiac issues, but also to mental health and wellbeing wrt depression and anxiety.
I have come across Dr Naidoo's work before, so was eager to get a closer look at this latest book. And it does not disappoint.
Step by step, she takes you through the process of understanding the way that food creates or impacts anxiety, how to regulate the kind of food you eat in order to minimise or cure such illnesses, and how to ensure that you can live your best life through making better food choices.
Dr Naidoo's advice includes the six pillars she has developed on how to plan your food to maximize your health outcomes and to calm the mind, the role of your microbiome in promoting your overall health, and how to free yourself from the inflammation that can adversely impact your physical and mental wellbeing. This is a terrific book to read and learn from if you are struggling with anxiety. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I have come across Dr Naidoo's work before, so was eager to get a closer look at this latest book. And it does not disappoint.
Step by step, she takes you through the process of understanding the way that food creates or impacts anxiety, how to regulate the kind of food you eat in order to minimise or cure such illnesses, and how to ensure that you can live your best life through making better food choices.
Dr Naidoo's advice includes the six pillars she has developed on how to plan your food to maximize your health outcomes and to calm the mind, the role of your microbiome in promoting your overall health, and how to free yourself from the inflammation that can adversely impact your physical and mental wellbeing. This is a terrific book to read and learn from if you are struggling with anxiety. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
December 13, 2023
𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚖 𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝙼𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚆𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝙵𝚘𝚘𝚍
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𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: 𝚂𝚎𝚕𝚏 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙
𝙿𝚞𝚋 𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝙳𝚎𝚌𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟸𝟼, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹
𝙼𝚢 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🤏𝚃𝚎𝚎𝚗𝚢 𝚝𝚒𝚍𝚋𝚒𝚝..”Relieve your anxiety with this full body approach to mental health from nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo, MD.” -Mark Hyman, MD
💭𝙼𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜….This one was excellent. I related so much to this author. As a cancer survivor x2 & someone with not one but 3 autoimmune conditions I am always anxious about when the next shoe is gonna drop…when will I be back in a hospital & away from my kids. It is always in my head. That anxiety is something that never leaves you. The author related to my actual thoughts like 100 times in this book. I am constantly trying to be as healthy as I can. I am a certified health coach & believe in the power of real food to heal our bodies. I also know how hard it can be to eat the right things when you are constantly anxious, depressed & sick. This book explained a lot about how our brain works & how when you are inflamed & stressed that the brain “tricks” us into thinking comfort foods will help. They are a quick “help”, but then do so much more harm then good(as we all know deep down). Our gut is our second brain & to be our best selves we have to be kind to our gut & eat real food!! This book validated so much for me. I highly recommend it. It is a very easy read too…no confusing medical jargon. *Crossposted from @ashisallbookedup
🥦🥑🍊🥬🫐🍐🫛🍠🍎
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: 𝚂𝚎𝚕𝚏 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙
𝙿𝚞𝚋 𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝙳𝚎𝚌𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟸𝟼, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹
𝙼𝚢 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🤏𝚃𝚎𝚎𝚗𝚢 𝚝𝚒𝚍𝚋𝚒𝚝..”Relieve your anxiety with this full body approach to mental health from nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo, MD.” -Mark Hyman, MD
💭𝙼𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜….This one was excellent. I related so much to this author. As a cancer survivor x2 & someone with not one but 3 autoimmune conditions I am always anxious about when the next shoe is gonna drop…when will I be back in a hospital & away from my kids. It is always in my head. That anxiety is something that never leaves you. The author related to my actual thoughts like 100 times in this book. I am constantly trying to be as healthy as I can. I am a certified health coach & believe in the power of real food to heal our bodies. I also know how hard it can be to eat the right things when you are constantly anxious, depressed & sick. This book explained a lot about how our brain works & how when you are inflamed & stressed that the brain “tricks” us into thinking comfort foods will help. They are a quick “help”, but then do so much more harm then good(as we all know deep down). Our gut is our second brain & to be our best selves we have to be kind to our gut & eat real food!! This book validated so much for me. I highly recommend it. It is a very easy read too…no confusing medical jargon. *Crossposted from @ashisallbookedup
January 25, 2024
Living with anxiety can be hard. Having been diagnosed with anxiety myself in 2020 (although realistically living with it for much longer), I am all too familiar with the different ways we try to cope with it. There is no single solution. Each person is different. For many, a combination of therapy and medication works well. For others, mindfulness and yoga can help. Some suggest that what we eat can make a difference. But can food help reduce anxiety?
In this guide, Dr Naidoo presents new research about the ways anxiety is rooted in the brain, gut, immune system and metabolism. Drawing on the latest science on the connection between diet and anxiety, she shows us how to effectively use food and nutrition as essential tools for calming the mind.
Complete with meal plans and recipes, this book is a really useful way of discovering how you can use food to your advantage when dealing with your mental health. However, this book does not completely discourage the consumption of animal products. I do not feel that one can be truly at peace mentally when consuming the negative energy of death and suffering. For this reason, I had to mark the book down to 3 stars. Despite much useful information otherwise.
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me the e-book to review.
In this guide, Dr Naidoo presents new research about the ways anxiety is rooted in the brain, gut, immune system and metabolism. Drawing on the latest science on the connection between diet and anxiety, she shows us how to effectively use food and nutrition as essential tools for calming the mind.
Complete with meal plans and recipes, this book is a really useful way of discovering how you can use food to your advantage when dealing with your mental health. However, this book does not completely discourage the consumption of animal products. I do not feel that one can be truly at peace mentally when consuming the negative energy of death and suffering. For this reason, I had to mark the book down to 3 stars. Despite much useful information otherwise.
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me the e-book to review.
January 17, 2024
There is a connection between the food you eat and how it affects your brain and your body. This book explains how anxiety may be rooted in our brain, our gut, our immune system, and our metabolism and how to fix this so our minds are calm and functioning correctly. Dr. Naidoo, a board-certified nutritional psychiatrist, provides guidelines to apply the six pillars for calming the mind, personalizing a meal plan, and improving your overall mental well-being.
This book has three parts: The Problem, The Solution, and The Protocol. This book is recommended to anyone dealing with anxiety and new to nutrition.
6 Pillars to Calm Your Mind
1. Eat whole to be whole
2. The calming kaleidoscope plate
3. Magnify micronutrients
4. Prioritize healthy fats
5. Avoid anxiety-triggering foods
6. Find consistency and balance
This book is well-organized, well-researched, and presented in a friendly, relatable tone. Dr. Naidoo explains each concept thoroughly with many patient examples. A whole chapter is dedicated to recipes, including a lavender play dough (nonedible) recipe.
Overall, the concepts are not new.
This book has three parts: The Problem, The Solution, and The Protocol. This book is recommended to anyone dealing with anxiety and new to nutrition.
6 Pillars to Calm Your Mind
1. Eat whole to be whole
2. The calming kaleidoscope plate
3. Magnify micronutrients
4. Prioritize healthy fats
5. Avoid anxiety-triggering foods
6. Find consistency and balance
This book is well-organized, well-researched, and presented in a friendly, relatable tone. Dr. Naidoo explains each concept thoroughly with many patient examples. A whole chapter is dedicated to recipes, including a lavender play dough (nonedible) recipe.
Overall, the concepts are not new.
August 8, 2024
I’ve been looking into nutritionally based books with regards to anxiety and mental health. I really enjoyed this authors perspective - psychiatrist and chef. The initial paragraphs did a nice job discussing variety of factors at play (and again highlights that the literature relationship between mental health, diet and gut brain axis still lacking). She discussed a variety of dietary approaches (keto, plant based, IF). Plus some blue zone suggestions. But then the book started to get quite restrictive- 1 slice of (sourdough only) bread per week. A meal plan that was entirely veggies only. She was also giving very specific measurements and quantities which felt like it could be taken literally and lead to under eating. She has recipes in the back that sounded good.
Overall-glad I read it. Think I would’ve liked a bit more of a summary or call to action. And one star knocked down as I didn’t like the restrictive languages/ suggestions for portion sizes that seemed too one size fits all.
Overall-glad I read it. Think I would’ve liked a bit more of a summary or call to action. And one star knocked down as I didn’t like the restrictive languages/ suggestions for portion sizes that seemed too one size fits all.
April 15, 2024
While not revolutionary or novel to those who have read a lot on the subject, I did still find it to be an enjoyable read. The author presents solid information and includes the science of why she recommends certain things. She is very likable and while she is vegetarian, she is respectful of prospective readers' varying eating styles and aims to help, not shame, with recommendations and considerations for omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike. She promotes a plant based, whole foods diet that is free from highly processed foods. At the end, she includes a number of recipes that are in line with the diet she recommends, though no pictures are included, unfortunately. It was a nice refresher on some topics for me and is updated with information as recent as summer 2023 and I think it would be very beneficial for a reader who is new to subject, but looking to improve their health, as her writing is very approachable.
July 18, 2024
I discovered Dr Uma thanks to a masterclass subscription. I heard she was a psychiatrist and chef at the same time and that caught my attention. The first time I picked up this book and started reading I started feeling really happy because it all makes sense and her uniqueness in her field looks and is promising. By the time I've finished the book, I have several recipes to make (but havent done). I would do a further review when i've actually come to prepare some of those meals and actually experiment for myself in how i feel after eating those nourishing foods she writes about.
As with any other non fiction book that is usually categorized as self help, its effectiveness only relies on the actual action you take to use all the book's contents and learnings - but i do believe that this has been an idea that has been born in my subconscious and the roots will begin to grow as the journey evolves.
As with any other non fiction book that is usually categorized as self help, its effectiveness only relies on the actual action you take to use all the book's contents and learnings - but i do believe that this has been an idea that has been born in my subconscious and the roots will begin to grow as the journey evolves.
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