Transforming Health Through Nutrition, Empathy, and Research

I’ve been diving into some fascinating new research on the connection between environmental toxins and mental health—specifically PFAS, the synthetic chemicals found in everything from nonstick pans to food packaging to our drinking water.

A 2025 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders used machine learning to examine how blood levels of these chemicals relate to depression risk. What they found was striking: among the seven PFAS compounds studied, PFOS emerged as a significant predictor—with a threshold effect that suggests higher levels may increase vulnerability.

Now, I want to be clear: this doesn’t mean PFAS are the cause of depression. Mental health is multifactorial, and this study also highlighted the importance of income, social connection, lifestyle factors, and existing health conditions. We always have to hold nuance.

But as someone who takes a functional approach to mental health, I find this research meaningful. It reminds us that what’s in our environment matters—and that sometimes mood struggles aren’t just “in your head.” They’re in your water, your cookware, and your daily exposures.

The good news? Awareness opens doors. We can make informed choices about the products we use, the water we drink, and how we support our bodies in clearing what doesn’t belong. And even though these are referred to as “forever chemicals,” it does not mean we cannot reduce their levels with targeted interventions.

#pfas #foreverchemicals #functionalmedicine

For over a decade, I’ve been talking about ultra-processed foods—sometimes feeling like I was shouting into the void. But something has shifted.

A landmark Lancet Series just published the most comprehensive analysis ever on UPFs and human health, and it validates what so many of us have observed clinically: these products are engineered to override our biology, and our children are uniquely vulnerable.

The good news? Countries that have taken action are seeing real results. The science is settled. The momentum is building. And for the first time, meaningful change feels within reach. Swipe through to see what the research says—and why I’m more hopeful than I’ve been in years.

#nutrition #publichealth #upf

Tomorrow doesn’t have to feel like a nutritional minefield. After years of working with people navigating the intersection of mental health and food, I’ve learned that the most peaceful holidays happen when we stop performing and start being present.

These aren’t your typical Thanksgiving tips—no “earn your meal” nonsense here. Just real strategies grounded in dialectical thinking and nutrition science to help you stay grounded in YOUR version of dignity.

You’re not broken. You don’t need fixing. You just need permission to show up as you are.

Save this for tomorrow morning when you need the reminder 💜

#thanksgiving #nutritiontips #mentalhealthawareness

Your therapist should know about your sleep. Your doctor should ask about your loneliness. Your psychiatrist should understand nutrition. But they don’t, because we built mental healthcare wrong. Swipe to see what the science actually supports—and what’s been missing from your treatment all along.

#functionalmedicine #mentalwellness #nutritionalpsychology

What happens when we create space for honest conversation? 🤔

On October 23, 2025, in West LA, something remarkable unfolded. Not just another panel—but a true “town hall” where people courageously shared their lived experiences at the intersection of recovery and psychedelic medicine.

The voices that emerged:

* Treatment providers admitting what they see behind closed doors
* Recovery advocates wrestling with their own transformations
* Clinicians sharing both miracles and concerns

What struck me most wasn’t the expertise on stage—it was the vulnerability in the room. People named their truth, even when it challenged conventional recovery wisdom.

We held space for ALL perspectives:

* Those who found healing through plant medicine
* Those who maintain traditional sobriety paths are sacred
* Those still figuring out where they stand

No dogma. No judgment. Just humans exploring together.

What questions are you sitting with around recovery and emerging treatments?

Panelists: @drjoycebraverman @yeshaiablakeney_ @kalenflynnmd @skylightpsychedelics @mistamarcos

Grateful to so many others: @_deanmoses @bobby.gillam @miracleworkher @d.a.wiss @amyquinnlcsw @daveg_limitless @embodiedalchemycoach @mysticvessel_music @leisureproject.co

Leave a comment to let me know what topics to cover at my next event!!! Complex issues only 🫶🏼

The food industry just launched a new “transparency” coalition, and I want you to see what’s actually happening here.

PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, General Mills, Tyson, and Kraft Heinz have formed Americans for Ingredient Transparency (AFIT). They say they want to cut through confusion and ensure clear ingredient information. Sounds good, right?

Those of us who know the playbook aren’t buying it. They’re calling this what it actually is: a coordinated effort to block stricter state food safety laws and prevent future protections from passing.

This is the playbook we’ve been tracking for years—the same strategy Big Tobacco used. When states start passing laws that threaten their business model, they don’t reformulate. They federalize and water down protections under the guise of “uniformity.”

What gets me is the timing. California banned certain additives. West Virginia went after synthetic dyes. More states are proposing ingredient-specific restrictions. And suddenly, industry needs a “transparency coalition” that happens to advocate for federal pre-emption of these state laws?

I’m here to help you see the patterns. The fact that this coalition exists tells us something important: public pressure and state-level action are working. They wouldn’t spend millions on this if it weren’t threatening their bottom line.

Keep asking questions. And don’t fall for PR campaigns dressed up as consumer protection.