DR. UMA NAIDOO

Transforming Mental Health Through Nutrition

COURTNEY MCGEE

2025

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In a world where mental health struggles are reaching epidemic levels, Dr. Uma Naidoo is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to healing—one that starts on your plate. A nutritional psychiatrist, trained chef, and author, Dr. Naidoo is the Director of Nutritional & Lifestyle Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she leads the charge in integrating food and mental wellness. In an interview with TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli and Anthony Lolli, Editors-in-Chief of longevity and wellness platform Biohack Yourself, for the influential upcoming women’s health documentary, “sHEALed,” Naidoo shared insights on how nutrition impacts mental health, why women must take control of their diets, and practical strategies for improving brain function through food.

The sHEALed Documentary is the sister documentary to Biohack Yourself, which became a massive success after exploding on the scene in December 2024 and ignited a firestorm of interest in information focused on health and longevity. Biohack Yourself features 114 prominent and respected high-profile politicians, doctors, bestselling authors, Ph.D.s, M.D.s, scientists, chemists, inventors, biotech investors, and world-renowned academics. Stemming from the success of Biohack Yourself, TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli and Anthony Lolli have grown Biohack Yourself Media to become the number one resource for health news, publishing over 500 articles ranging from breaking news to peer reviewed content.

The Gut-Brain Connection: “A Romance That Shapes Your Mood”

Dr. Naidoo refers to the gut-brain relationship as a “gut-brain romance.” This concept, which she first introduced in her book This Is Your Brain on Food, explains how the trillions of microbes in the gut microbiome influence mood, cognition, and overall mental health. “Modern science has only begun to uncover this connection in the last two decades, but Hippocrates knew about it centuries ago,” she said. “Your gut health directly impacts how you feel.”

For women, this connection is even more profound. “Our hormones, mood regulation, and stress response are all tied to the gut microbiome,” she explained. This means that what we eat can either improve or worsen anxiety, depression, and cognitive function.

A Personal Journey into Nutritional Psychiatry

Dr. Naidoo’s passion for the field began in childhood. Raised in a family that valued both traditional medicine and holistic healing, she grew up watching her grandmother prepare meals using fresh, homegrown ingredients. “I learned early on that food was medicine,” she recalled in an interview for the influential upcoming women’s health documentary, “sHEALed.” “But when I entered medical school, I was shocked that nutrition was barely discussed.”

Her career took a pivotal turn when a patient confronted her about a prescription that led to weight gain. After a deep discussion about the patient’s lifestyle, she realized that teaching people about nutrition could be just as powerful as prescribing medication. “That moment changed everything for me,” she said. “I decided to bridge the gap between food and mental health.”

How Food Affects Mental Health

Dr. Naidoo emphasizes that mental health is no longer just an ‘above-the-neck’ issue—it’s deeply connected to diet and lifestyle. She explains how food affects brain function:

Ultra-processed foods lead to inflammation, disrupting neurotransmitter function and increasing the risk of anxiety and depression.
Refined sugars cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to mood instability.
Healthy fats (like those from nuts, seeds, and fatty fish) support brain function and reduce inflammation.
Fermented foods (like yogurt and kimchi) introduce beneficial bacteria that promote a balanced gut microbiome.

“The food you eat gets broken down and interacts with your gut microbiome. It can either produce beneficial compounds that support mental clarity or toxic byproducts that fuel anxiety and depression,” she said.

Women’s Mental Health: A Crisis That Needs Attention

According to Dr. Naidoo, the COVID-19 pandemic intensified an already growing crisis in women’s mental health. “We saw an increase in suicide rates among young women and rising cases of postpartum depression,” she noted. Additionally, many women experience medical gaslighting—having their symptoms dismissed or downplayed.

“Too often, women are told, ‘It’s just hormones, take this pill,’” she said. “But food can be a powerful tool in restoring balance.”

She highlights that postpartum health, menopause, and hormonal changes can all be positively influenced by diet. “Food alone is not the answer, but it’s a critical part of the solution,” she said.

Actionable Strategies for Better Brain Health

Dr. Naidoo developed a simple approach to improving mental well-being through diet: S.O.A.R.

Swap: Replace unhealthy foods with better alternatives. Example: Instead of sugary orange juice, eat a whole orange for fiber and nutrients.
Optimize: Increase the intake of brain-boosting foods like leafy greens, berries, and healthy fats.
Add: Introduce more fermented foods and omega-3-rich sources like salmon and walnuts.
Reinforce: Create sustainable habits that support long-term mental and physical health.

She also emphasizes the importance of hydration, sleep, movement, and mindfulness. “Just 10 minutes of sunlight in the morning can provide 80% of your daily Vitamin D needs,” she said. “Small changes add up.”

The Mental Load of Motherhood: “You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup”

A significant part of Dr. Naidoo’s work focuses on empowering mothers. Many women struggle with guilt when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their families. “Some moms say, ‘You have to live, just relax,’” she said. “But what does ‘living’ mean? Taking charge of what goes into your body is the ultimate form of self-care.”

She encourages women to view healthy eating as a job—just like brushing your teeth. “It’s not about perfection. It’s about making the best choice available to you,” she said. “And when you start feeling better, you’ll want to keep going.”

Food, ADHD, and OCD: The Hidden Connection

Dr. Naidoo has observed a rise in ADHD, OCD, and autism spectrum disorders, particularly in children. “The food we eat plays a critical role,” she said. “For example, glutamates found in processed foods can worsen OCD symptoms.”

While she acknowledges that mental health conditions are complex, she believes that removing harmful foods and adding beneficial nutrients can significantly improve focus, mood, and behavior.

A Transformational Case Study

One of Dr. Naidoo’s most memorable patients was a young professional who developed severe anxiety after a job promotion. “She was traveling five days a week, eating on the go, and drinking more alcohol at networking events,” she said. “Her diet suffered, and so did her mental health.”

Instead of prescribing medication immediately, Dr. Naidoo worked with her to adjust her nutrition. “We planned healthy snacks, incorporated mindfulness techniques, and optimized her sleep,” she said. “Within weeks, her anxiety levels improved.”

The Future of Nutritional Psychiatry

Dr. Naidoo believes that nutritional psychiatry will become a cornerstone of mental health treatment. However, more research and public awareness are needed. “We must shift from a system that only prescribes medication to one that also educates and empowers individuals,” she said.

She encourages people to start small. “You don’t have to overhaul your entire diet overnight,” she said. “Begin with one change at a time, and build from there.”

“Your Brain’s Health Starts on Your Plate”

Dr. Naidoo’s mission is clear: mental health begins with nutrition. Through her books This Is Your Brain on Food and Calm Your Mind with Food, as well as her Masterclass and clinical practice, she continues to educate the public on the power of food as medicine.

“Women are at the center of their families’ health,” she said. “By making informed food choices, they can improve their own mental well-being and set the foundation for their children’s future.”

As research continues to validate the gut-brain connection, Dr. Naidoo’s work is proving that what we eat doesn’t just fuel our bodies—it shapes our minds.

Check here for information about the upcoming spring 2025 edition Biohack Yourself Magazine, where the team at Biohack Yourself Media dives deeper into their insights on biohacking, longevity and cutting-edge wellness strategies. Biohack Yourself Magazine is the first peer-reviewed longevity publication with international distribution across the U.S. and Canada, bringing science-backed health optimization, functional medicine and performance-driven breakthroughs to a broader audience. Pick up a copy at major retailers, including Barber & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger, Indigo/Chapters, and select fitness gyms and pharmacies.