#456 How Smartphones Are Rewiring Our Brains, Why Social Media is Eradicating Childhood & The Truth About The Mental Health Epidemic with Jonathan Haidt

Over one billion people worldwide have some type of mental health diagnosis - a statistic that suggests the current approach to treating these conditions may not be enough. For those struggling, perhaps despite their medication, it can feel easy to lose hope of feeling well again.  In this conversation, I speak to someone who has been a psychiatrist for more than 25 years and who for many years, felt that her impact on patients was limited until she learned about the incredible healing power of food.  Dr Georgia Ede is a Harvard trained, board certified psychiatrist specialising in nutritional and metabolic psychiatry. Her 25 years of clinical experience includes 12 years at Smith College and Harvard University Health Services, where she was the first person to offer students nutrition-based approaches as an alternative to psychiatric medication.  She co-authored the first inpatient study of the ketogenic diet for treatment-resistant mental illness and is the author of the wonderful new book Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind: A Powerful Plan to Improve Mood, Overcome Anxiety and Protect Memory for a Lifetime of Optimal Mental Health.  Georgia explains that, almost unknowingly, many of us have been feeding our brains improperly for our entire lives. We explore what she considers to be the five foods that have the most potential to be problematic for our brain health and how quickly we can start to feel the benefits if we are able to cut back on them. This highlights a key point that both Georgia and I are extremely passionate about - that, for most of us, in the modern day food environment, what we cut out of our diet is more important than what we put in.  We talk about the relationship between blood glucose and brain glucose. Georgia outlines the whole foods that Georgia believes can be problematic, especially if we are having problems with our mood or have a mental health diagnosis. We also discuss why Georgia believes that the Mediterranean diet - whilst better than the Standard Western Diet is not optimal, and we cover Georgia’s clinical research about the potential benefits of ketogenic diets in treating mental health.  Georgia is a wonderful physician who cares deeply about her patients and is helping many of them gain relief and sometimes remission from long standing mental health problems. That being said, there is no question that some of her recommendations may at first glance appear to controversial.  Throughout the conversation, I have tried my best to provide clarity and make sure that you clearly understand why Georgia is recommending the changes that she is. But, as you are listening, please do remember, that there is no one dietary approach that is going to work for everyone, at every stage in their life. Buy tickets for my stage tour https://drchatterjee.com/tour. Thanks to our sponsors: https://drinkag1.com/livemore https://calm.com/livemore Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/464DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a world of demands, distractions and endless to-do lists, sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by all the things we have to do or want to do leaving us feeling stressed or anxious.Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.Today’s clip is from episode 260 of the podcast with Oliver Burkeman - journalist and author of the brilliant book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management For Mortals.Oliver believes that many of the productivity hacks that we learn are a delusion. Time management doesn’t mean becoming more productive, it means deciding what to neglect.In this clip, he shares some of his tips to help overcome overwhelm, make better choices, and build a meaningful relationship with time.Thanks to our sponsor https://www.drinkag1.com/livemoreSupport the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/260DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt lonely, even when surrounded by people? Do you struggle to forge meaningful connections in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world? If so, you're not alone. Loneliness is on the rise in many countries around the world and more people than ever before are feeling alone and isolated. In today’s episode of my Feel Better Live More podcast, I'm joined for the second time by Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy - the 21st Surgeon General of the United States. He received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard, his medical degree from the Yale School of Medicine, and his Masters in Business Administration from the Yale School of Management. In his role, Dr Murthy helps to advance the health and wellbeing of all Americans and has worked to address several critical public health issues. In our conversation, we discuss the growing epidemic of loneliness and its impact on our health. Vivek shares profound insights on the far-reaching consequences of loneliness, which extend beyond mental health to include physical health problems, including an increased risk of stroke, dementia, heart disease, and premature death.  We delve into the root causes of the loneliness epidemic, exploring how fundamental shifts in technology and culture have altered the way we connect with others. Vivek emphasises the importance of taking social risks, building communication skills, taking regular social media breaks, the life changing benefits of volunteering, and he talks about the idea that simply dedicating just 10-15 minutes per day, to work out our social muscle will very quickly start to deepen our connections with the world around us. This thought-provoking conversation is for anyone looking to foster authentic connections in an increasingly disconnected world and deepen the relationships that matter most. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com. Buy tickets for my stage tour https://drchatterjee.com/tour Thanks to our sponsors: https://boncharge.com/livemore https://drinkag1.com/livemore Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/462 DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many of us don’t realise the profound impact that chronic unmanaged stress can have on our physical health, even if we’re eating well and getting plenty of movement each day.Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.Today’s clip is from episode 416 of the podcast with Dr Tara Swart, neuroscientist, former medical doctor & psychiatrist, lecturer at MIT, executive coach, and author of the best-selling book ‘The Source’.Chronic stress can have a huge impact on physical and emotional health. In fact, 80-90% of what a doctor sees on any given day is somehow related to stress. But did you know that it can also impact where our bodies store fat?In this clip we discuss the impact stress can have on our health, and Tara shares some of the most effective ways to manage stress and also build resilience.Thanks to our sponsor https://www.drinkag1.com/livemoreSupport the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/416DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the age of 103, not only is today’s guest the oldest I’ve ever welcomed onto my podcast, but she’s also the oldest returning guest, too!  Dr Gladys McGarey is the co-founder of the American Holistic Medical Association and the author of the fantastic book The Well-Lived Life: A 103-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age. She began her medical practice at a time when women couldn’t even own their own bank accounts, and over the past sixty years, she’s pioneered a new way of thinking about disease and health that’s transformed the way we imagine health care and self-care around the world. In this wonderful and uplifting conversation, and with her trademark humour and compassion, Gladys offers profound insights on living with purpose, navigating adversity and finding healing within ourselves.  We explore how to avoid living with regrets, the importance of parents truly listening to and supporting their children and finding your unique purpose that ‘feeds your soul’. We also look at how we can bring a more positive attitude to negative experiences and how Gladys lives by what she calls her "5 Ls" - life, love, laughter, labour and listening. Still thriving at 103, she embodies staying curious, adaptable and active. During our conversation, she shares her views on ageing, believing in ‘ageing into health’ rather than ‘anti-ageing.’ She also stresses the importance of doctors listening to - and loving - their patients but that it’s ultimately us who are responsible for our own healing. Gladys’s century of life experiences has something to offer everyone. Her wisdom will inspire you to reflect on your own purpose, face life's challenges with resilience and make the most of the years ahead. It was an honour to speak to Gladys again and have such a deep and honest conversation with her. I hope you enjoy listening to her as much as I did. Her playfulness, humour, and can-do attitude remind us that it's never too late to learn, grow and make a positive impact on the world around us.  Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com. Thanks to our sponsors: https://vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://drinkag1.com/livemore Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/460 DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the most courageous, compassionate thing you could do in life, was to learn how to be with yourself?Today’s clip is from episode 387 of the podcast with Buddhist monk, meditation teacher and author of ‘A Handbook for Hard Times: A Monk’s Guide to Fearless Living’ - Gelong Thubten.In this clip he explains that when we distract ourselves by scrolling, overeating, or drinking for example, we’re pushing away emotional pain or discomfort – even if we may not realise it. But the discomfort is really in the pushing. If we can learn instead to sit with what’s making us uncomfortable, those emotions start to transform.Thanks to our sponsor https://www.drinkag1.com/livemoreSupport the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/387DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever woken up from a vivid dream and wondered about its meaning? Or perhaps questioned the purpose of dreaming altogether? It’s certainly a fascinating topic and one which I have never covered before on my podcast.  This week, I’m delighted to welcome back Dr Rahul Jandial, a dual-trained neurosurgeon and neurobiologist. He is an expert in brain health, a world-renowned brain surgeon who routinely undertakes complex cancer operations and he’s also the author of the brand-new book, ‘This is Why You Dream: What Your Sleeping Brain Reveals About Your Waking Life’.  During our conversation, Rahul explains his belief, that we sleep, in order to dream. When we are asleep, our brains are not resting but instead shift into a different state where areas linked to imagination and creativity become more active. While dreams remain a largely unexplained phenomenon, Rahul shares his insights into common dream themes, the importance of dreams in childhood brain development, and the highly personal nature of dream interpretation. He also covers practical techniques for remembering dreams, the concept of lucid dreaming, the potential links between dreaming and future brain health, and also shares some profound insights about the brain at the time of death.  Throughout our conversation, Rahul emphasises that although dreams have captivated humans for centuries, they remain a mysterious and intensely personal aspect of our lives. However, if we approach our dreams with curiosity, they have the potential to gift us valuable insights about the contents of our minds and our emotions.  The topic of dreams clearly resonates with many of you - I received over 1,000 comments and questions about dreams when I announced this upcoming episode on my Instagram page.  And, I’m happy to say that Rahul answers some of these questions throughout our discussion, offering his unique perspective as both a neuroscientist and a neurosurgeon.  So whether you're a vivid dreamer or someone who rarely remembers their dreams, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into our sleeping minds. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com. Thanks to our sponsors: https://drinkag1.com/livemore https://calm.com/livemore Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/458 DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you could slow down ageing or even reverse it?Today’s clip is from episode 338 of the podcast with medical doctor and best-selling author Dr Mark Hyman. His latest book, Young Forever: The Secrets To Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life, challenges us to reimagine our biology and the entire process of ageing.In this clip Mark explains how our daily food choices influence the speed at which we will age, and shares some powerful research showing that we we might be able to reverse our biological age by up to three years in just eight weeks.Thanks to our sponsor https://www.drinkag1.com/livemoreSupport the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/338DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is about a topic that I am truly passionate about - the introduction of social media and smartphones into all aspects of our lives - and what impact this is having on us individually, collectively and, perhaps most urgently, what impact is this having on our children.  Jonathan Haidt is arguably one of the worlds’ most eminent psychologists. He is a Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University’s Stern School of Business and the author of 4 best-selling books, including his latest The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.  In this episode, Jonathan and I explore how the fundamental differences between online and real-world interactions are affecting young people's social, emotional and cognitive development. We discuss why girls face unique risks on social media, from damaged relationships and reputations to harassment, and how gaming and pornography are shaping boys' expectations of relationships. Jonathan also shares some eye-opening data about the link between a decline in teen mental health and the widespread adoption of smartphones and social media. He emphasises the need for collective action to create healthier norms around technology use, both at home and in schools. We dive into practical strategies for parents, including setting clear boundaries and prioritising hobbies and family time. Our conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating technology use in a world where the pace of change has been so fast. Jonathan remains optimistic that we're nearing a tipping point and outlines four key norms we can all adopt with our children—even if they’re already dependent on their phones throughout the day. We also discuss in detail what we believe schools could be doing to help their students have less screen time and the importance of collaborating with other families to support healthier habits. As a parent and a doctor, I'm deeply concerned about the mental health crisis facing our children and young people. But if, as a society, we can come together to raise awareness and take purposeful action, we can create a healthier future for the next generation. I think this is one of the most important conversations that I have ever had on my podcast. Jonathan and I both believe that the rewiring of our children’s brains to be one of the most urgent societal harms that needs addressing.  My hope is that you find this conversation eye opening, enlightening and thought provoking - and I very much hope it prompts you to take action. Buy tickets for my stage tour https://drchatterjee.com/tour Thanks to our sponsors: https://boncharge.com/livemore https://drinkag1.com/livemore Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/456 DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's easy to believe that we have to dedicate lots of time and energy to exercise. That, unless we're pushing ourselves to our limits, it's not worth doing. But my guest this week disagrees - as do I.Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.Today’s clip is from episode 404 of the podcast with medical doctor and neuroscientist, Dr Tommy Wood.Like myself, Tommy is passionate about empowering you to take control of your health by simplifying the wealth of existing information and giving you practical, realistic recommendations.In this clip he shares his current perspective on movement and why you don’t need to exercise for hours to gain benefits for your body and your brain.Thanks to our sponsor https://www.drinkag1.com/livemoreSupport the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/404DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.