#168. Why the American Diet Is Ruining Mental Health? - Dr. Georgia Ede | Harvard Psychiatrist

Insulin's Role

Insulin plays a crucial role in our body's metabolism, but its levels can become dangerously high due to modern dietary habits. Georgia Ede explains that while insulin is necessary for survival, excessive levels can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin to protect themselves 1. This resistance can result in a brain that is flooded with glucose yet unable to utilize it effectively, potentially leading to various chronic diseases 2.

You do not want to be in a high insulin state all the time. You need to give yourselves a rest, a break from food processing.

--- Georgia Ede

The prevalence of ultra-processed foods in our diet contributes significantly to this issue, as they are designed to spike insulin levels and keep them elevated 3.

   

Managing Insulin

Managing insulin levels involves making informed dietary choices and lifestyle changes. Georgia Ede suggests starting with whole foods, avoiding anything with an ingredient label, as these are often ultra-processed and detrimental to insulin balance 4. Testing for insulin resistance is also recommended, which can be done through simple measures like waist circumference or triglyceride levels 5.

The simplest thing that every family, every person can do is if it has an ingredient label, don't eat it.

--- Georgia Ede

By reducing carbohydrate intake and incorporating regular exercise, individuals can lower their insulin levels and improve overall metabolic health 5.