About this episode

Dr. Chris Palmer discusses how mental disorders are metabolic disorders and the impact of lifestyle on brain function.

I sit down with Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Chris Palmer to dive into his groundbreaking research on how mental disorders are fundamentally metabolic disorders of the brain. We unpack why traditional chemical imbalance theories fall short and explore how everyday lifestyle factors like diet, chronic stress, and substance use directly impact mitochondrial function and neuroplasticity. Dr. Palmer also shares vital insights on cannabis-induced psychosis, building genuine psychological resilience, and supporting loved ones through acute life crises. Whether you are struggling with anxiety or simply looking to optimize your mind, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for reclaiming your brain energy. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 00:34 - Why We Turn to Substances Under Stress 03:52 - Cannabis-Induced Psychosis & Schizophrenia Risk 06:07 - Defining Mental Illness as a Metabolic Disorder 13:03 - How Diet, Sugar, and Processed Foods Impact Brain Function 17:08 - Mitochondria, Neuroplasticity, and Hormone Balance 29:19 - Rethinking the Chemical Imbalance Model 41:20 - Psychosocial Stressors and Transgenerational Trauma 51:24 - Building Unshakeable Psychological Resilience…

People in this episode

Host: Connor Beaton

Guest: Chris Palmer

Topics covered

• mental health
• metabolic disorders
• psychosis
• neuroplasticity
• psychological resilience
• lifestyle factors

Keywords

• schizophrenia
• cannabis-induced psychosis
• diet
• mitochondria
• neuroplasticity
• psychosocial stressors
• mental crisis

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Harvard

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