61. Why Your “Healthy” Foods Might Be Making You Anxious with Dr. Uma Naidoo

What if your anxiety isn’t just emotional—but something deeper starting in your gut? In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sit down with Dr. Uma Naidoo, Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist and bestselling author of Calm Your Mind with Food, to explore the powerful link between what we eat and how we feel. We unpack how artificial sweeteners, processed foods, and even “healthy” snacks can silently disrupt your gut-brain connection—impacting mood, focus, and emotional resilience. Uma shares her own healing journey through cancer, and how simple, grounding meals became her medicine. You’ll learn why your microbiome matters, how to spot food-mood triggers, and which everyday habits can help soothe anxiety from the inside out. Dr. Uma Naidoo is a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and bestselling author of Calm Your Mind with Food. She’s also the founder of the first U.S. hospital-based nutritional psychiatry clinic at Mass General. We Also Discuss: 00:53 – What’s really happening to our gut and skin with artificial sweeteners? 02:49 – The myth of the “perfect” diet—and why ancient wisdom still works 09:43 – Uma’s cancer diagnosis and how food became her medicine 14:50 – Why your mood swings might start in your microbiome 21:46 – The missing link in most mental health prescriptions 28:14 – Processed foods, pandemic habits, and how they rewired our brains 37:14 – The hidden anxiety triggers lurking in everyday ingredients 48:38 – Uma’s SOAR method: a gentle reset for clarity, calm, and energy Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8:I’m always searching for wellness that’s simple, effective, and rooted in science. That’s why I love IM8, a daily drink with 92 nutrients designed to support energy, gut health, and longevity.Use code MONASHARMA10 for 10% off at im8health.com. Pendulum: Nourish your gut, support your whole body—head to pendulumlife.com and use code MONA for 20% off your first membership order. Cymbiotika: I Cymbiotika daily—and only recommend what I actually love. Get 20% off at Cymbiotika.com/MONASHARMA — code MONASHARMA. Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips. Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Uma Naidoo Website: https://umanaidoomd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drumanaidoo Book: https://umanaidoomd.com/pages/calm-your-mind-with-food