The Q&A Files
The Q&A Files drops A Wellness Explosion
💥 BOOM! Attention Wellness Warriors. The game changer you have been waiting for is finally here. Say hello to “The Q&A Files,” where wellness meets revolution and your questions lead to new discoveries. Spearheaded by Trisha Jamison, your host, a Board Certified Functional Nutritionist. Cohost Dr. Jeff Jamison, a Board Certified Family Physician, and featured guest, Tony Overbay, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. This podcast blends three diverse perspectives to tackle your questions on health, nutrition, medicine, mental wellness, and relationships. Dive into a world of expert insights and actionable advice, all sparked by your curiosity. Tune in, ignite your wellness journey, and join the Wellness Warrior community.
The Q&A Files
59. Food and the ADHD Connection: Another Cost of Processed Foods, Part 2
The gut-brain axis represents one of the most fascinating and consequential connections in our bodies, with profound implications for mental health. Did you know that 90% of serotonin—the neurotransmitter regulating mood, sleep, and anxiety—is actually produced in your gut? This revelation explains why what we eat directly impacts how we think and feel.
For parents struggling with children experiencing ADHD symptoms, this episode delivers eye-opening research on how eliminating artificial food dyes, preservatives, and high-sugar foods has shown remarkable improvements in focus and impulse control. We explore practical approaches to introducing healthier options that won't trigger resistance from even the pickiest eaters.
Perhaps most alarming is our deep dive into industrial seed oils—those supposedly "heart-healthy" cooking oils that undergo extreme chemical processing. From hexane extraction (using a petroleum-derived neurotoxin) to high-heat deodorization creating trans fats, these oils undergo a shocking transformation before landing on supermarket shelves. We break down how these oils disrupt metabolism, drive chronic inflammation, and potentially contribute to everything from heart disease to cognitive decline.
The standard American diet contains an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of up to 50:1, when it should be closer to 3:1. This imbalance creates the perfect storm for systemic inflammation affecting both body and mind. But there's hope—we outline simple, practical alternatives and a three-step approach to making sustainable changes that won't overwhelm your already busy life.
Small, consistent changes add up to significant health improvements. Share this episode with someone who needs this information, and send your questions to trishajamesoncoaching@gmail.com to help shape future discussions about reclaiming your health one small decision at a time.
Questions: email us at trishajamisoncoaching@gmail.com.
Problems in your marriage? Trisha is here to help. She loves helping couples find connection and reignite the fun! She coaches strictly online and makes every encounter memorable. Email her at trishajamisoncoaching@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.
Hello and welcome to the Q&A Files, the ultimate health and wellness playground. I'm your host, tricia Jamieson, a board-certified functional nutritionist and lifestyle practitioner, ready to lead you through a world of health discoveries. Here we dive into a tapestry of disease prevention, to nutrition, exercise, mental health and building strong relationships, all spiced with diverse perspectives. It's not just a podcast, it's a celebration of health, packed with insights and a twist of fun. Welcome aboard the Q&A files, where your questions ignite our vibrant discussions and lead to a brighter you. Welcome back Wellness Wires to part two of our deep dive into ultra-processed foods. In our last episode, we uncovered how these foods hijack our taste buds, disrupt our metabolism and fuel chronic disease. But today we're shifting gears. We're diving into the gut-brain connection, the role of food and mental health, and the hidden dangers of seed oils. Of course, we're going to answer more of Amanda's questions, including how diet impacts ADHD and anxiety and what small changes can make the biggest difference. So if you're ready for more eye-opening insights and practical solutions, let's jump right in.
Speaker 2:Okay, let's go. Trisha, I have a celebration since our last episode.
Speaker 1:Okay, what's your celebration?
Speaker 2:I've embraced a complete whole foods diet. I now have a six pack abs, I am in phenomenal shape and I have a unicorn, whoa, that strolls in the backyard and you have a unicorn in one week. Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 3:That is impressive I can see the nub on your forehead, where the newborn nub is coming through.
Speaker 2:Okay, but I have thought about it a lot, though I have thought about it so much and I know last time I confessed that I had not cleaned up my diet in anticipation of surgery, and it is so fascinating to just still now notice that I'm continuing to not clean up my diet prior to surgery. So now I'm accepting the fact that I will not be cleaning up my diet, but I will after surgery. Okay, Well that's only a couple of weeks and then you'll be happy.
Speaker 3:That's right. I cannot wait to report.
Speaker 1:But remember, in two weeks, those twins the one that had a whole foods diet, the other one that had an ultra processed diet how their markers were significant in two weeks. One lost weight one had less sleep chronic issues.
Speaker 2:Yes, go ahead. So what is interesting is I did get a thing from my surgeon and I thought it was just a sales pitch, and they recommended. And so, Dr Jeff, I mean I don't want to waste time on this, I know, but so I ordered these it's some different shakes and things like that and I'm supposed to start Monday, 14 days out from surgery, and then they have enough for two weeks after surgery as well. So I was reading a bit about that, so this was on my mind. So actually I'm probably going to clean up my diet a little bit, and then I haven't really looked into Well be sure you look at what they're putting in the shakes.
Speaker 1:Oh, I'd love to see what's on the shakes you?
Speaker 3:know, because sometimes there's so much high fructose corn syrup and other things like that.
Speaker 2:And I realized as I was looking at these. Then I went to Google and thought, did I just impulsively spend money on something I don't need? And I realized there's a whole market I want to say a cottage industry in things to eat and drink before and after surgery.
Speaker 3:Very good and it could be good stuff. You know, one of the things I found as a person who's worked in the hospital on and off for a long time, is that the hospital post-operative diets are terrible.
Speaker 2:Oh, I can imagine they're terrible. Think of what you know you've got jello with those red dyes?
Speaker 1:No, not good yeah.
Speaker 3:So you know it's so they're so bad for you and there's so many things I mean it'd be better if they just gave them water compared to what they're given and they're supposed to be dietician supported and recommended. And I'm like you gotta be kidding me.
Speaker 2:I'll return and report on that, for sure, and maybe we could break down the ingredients, maybe in a future episode, because I am curious Well that's one of the things that I love to teach my clients is how to turn the package around and look at the ingredient list.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so for sure. But let's start focusing on the mental health, and I think that this is the part that really fascinates me is when it comes down to the gut-brain axis. Fascinates me is when it comes down to the gut-brain axis.
Speaker 3:Jeff, you've talked about serotonin and where that is produced in where the gut, the gut.
Speaker 1:Yeah, there's a little bit that's produced in the brain as well, yeah, but 90% of serotonin the neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep and anxiety is produced in the gut. So if your gut is inflamed and imbalanced from ultra processed foods, what happens? Of course, it's going to directly affect your brain chemistry, and that's why people who eat whole foods tend to report better health and why processed foods are linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety. So for Amanda's teenager with ADHD, would diet play a role?
Speaker 3:What do you both think and the answer is absolutely yes, and this goes to my question I asked last time to Tony. What have you noticed, tony, about when you eat certain foods or you're high in sugar, or tell me how that affects the way you process?
Speaker 2:Okay, this is and I'm pulling up right now. There's a book by Dr Daniel Amen and it's called Healing ADD. Yes, and it's an older one, but he and I had to dig this thing back out. This whole thing has been good for me because, to answer your question, dr Jeff, this is an area that I just I truly don't know what I don't know and I'm aware that I am not embracing it, because I know and I went back and read in this healing ADD, dr Amen basically says here's these various types of ADD, and then he says here's what they consist of, here's what's happening in the brain, here are the foods and things that, in supplements, you could try if you don't want to go medication and I know that I went right to medication and I often wonder what it would feel like to do.
Speaker 2:Foods, and then this sleep that I know we've talked about before, because every now and again, if I do get a good night's sleep and I've probably been eating a little bit better I really do feel far more present. So this is this whole thing has had me doing a little bit of self-confrontation. Oh good, excellent, yeah it really has.
Speaker 2:So and I also, I really don't believe you can lead someone to where you haven't been. You can, you can provide them with information. But I've thought about this a lot and I really do want to. After surgery, after I load up on ice cream and everything cookies, but then after that, because apparently my neck is going to be, my throat's going to be really sore for about two to three weeks, and people claim that they do a fair amount of weight.
Speaker 3:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But then I really really want to.
Speaker 2:I mean because I'm going to have surgery, I'm getting old, I don't want to have a diminished quality of life, so the timing of this is very good.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so I appreciate that. And research shows that kids who consume artificial dyes, preservatives and high sugar foods tend to have higher rates of hyperactivity and focus issues. That's what you're talking about. So the gut microbiome directly impacts brain function. Cleaning up the diet can definitely improve symptoms significantly.
Speaker 3:And I recognize also that it's really hard to control someone else's food, Whether it be even a child. If they're a chocoholic, they're going to figure out a way to hide underneath the table and eat a bowl of ice cream without you knowing about it. They're going to figure out ways and sometimes it's really hard, especially when you know that this is a problem for them. If they know they can't have something, what do they want?
Speaker 1:Oh, what a work right?
Speaker 3:Oh for sure, you turn into little three-year-olds yes, and sometimes little three-year-olds turn into little three-year-olds too.
Speaker 3:So, you have to make sure that you I don't know you got to balance this somehow and I'm not sure what the answer is on that. But the balance has got to be you can't just say no to everything you have to be all at once, especially, but making it so that you can change the narrative into look at all these things you can have. And we're going to focus on this. We're not going to say you can't have this, but we're going to say we're going to have more of the good stuff and something like that you start crowding it out.
Speaker 3:Yes, exactly Because it's so much harder to tell a person no, you can't have, than it is to say look, we're trying all these cool new things.
Speaker 1:Well, and that's so true, and I always tell my clients it's the 80-20 rule. You can't not indulge at times. You have birthday parties, you have celebrations, you have things that you want to celebrate and that's fun. We do that as human beings with food. But it's just the problem is it's the other way around. We're eating 80% terrible and maybe 90% terrible and maybe 10% better. I'm not even good, say good.
Speaker 1:It was interesting. There was a study done and they had, I think, third graders and they brought in a bunch of like cauliflower, broccoli, all these different vegetables. Most of the kids didn't even know the names of them. That was third grade. But if you brought in a can of green beans, they all knew what a can of green beans were, but not the fresh vegetables. So that's really telling where our country's going. But the fact that there's some studies that have shown that kids that have ADHD who have eliminated artificial food dyes and processed sugars had noticeable improvements in focus and impulse control. So the studies are there, the information is there. When they do add those whole, dense, nutrient-based foods like healthy fats and quality, protein, rich, fiber vegetables, their symptoms improved even more, and so I think it just starts around the table at home family. It's incorporating those new vegetables and foods. Our little Riker when he was-.
Speaker 3:A grandson.
Speaker 1:He's almost six now. Yeah, he's our little grandchild. He used to just love avocados and he still does, but just as like a little 18 month old, that's what he wanted. Well, why was that? Because that's what his mom fed him, right? And it takes about 15 times for taste buds to change. So if a child doesn't like something, you don't just quit and just stop introducing those foods, you continue that. So it takes up to 15 times for children to go. Huh, well, maybe I, maybe I do like this and so we just have to keep giving that to them.
Speaker 2:What was that? So can I add something to this? Okay, so I like where I, of course I love where this is going and back to the you can't lead someone where you haven't been before. I think there's a in my mind, there's a, there's a like a what macro? Or micro macro, bigger picture view that I'm trying to embrace. That I think back to when I would tell the kids they needed to do something, and if they said why? And I would say, well, because that's what you're supposed to do, or this is what's good for you.
Speaker 2:But if I wasn't doing it myself, not only was I not modeling it, because kids are mapping our, us and relationships and the way we interact with others, and I think even in our relationships with food and money and our bodies. And so I have thought about this that if I want to get my kids to eat well, but they've seen me not eat well for a long time then I just I'm starting to get into the woo-woo energy vibe kind of space here where I'm not projecting that with confidence at all, and so then if they are trying to fight me on it, then I can't really stand from a place of like grounded presence of, because, because it matters, because this is this is the right thing to do. It has helped me. I can't come from a place of experience, so I do think that maybe, or, amanda, I do think we're playing the long game here and so often we just want to know what do I do right now to make me feel better and make everything change? So everything is better right now, and I was thinking about this more from the question last week.
Speaker 2:I really think that it would start with, even if she's not mentioning it to her kid right now, she's doing the research. She reached out to us. We're talking about it. So that already says she's trying to find out more. She's probably going to, yeah, but some things that you know, the yeah, yeah, but I don't even know where to start. Absolutely that you know, and so then, but I do think it might be as, not as simple, but as her starting to figure out what is best for her and her starting to do it, She'll probably even get teased if they're teenage children, you know, oh, look at you.
Speaker 2:Or cause, and this is where I talk about the shelf life. How long will she do it, has she said in the past we're going to all do better. I'm going to do better and then she hasn't. And no shame in my dojo. I think this is part of the human experience and that's why this time it's so funny. I sound like this guy, because when I do it this time, you guys, after surgery, it is a lifestyle change. Now I've said that several times, to the point where now my family jokes with me If I start saying I'm going to eat better, do whatever. Oh, lifestyle change. I'm like uh-huh, yeah, but I think that you do need to internalize it. So right now I'm motivated.
Speaker 1:Well, and the thing is is that you have to want to do it.
Speaker 1:Yep and I love the fact that she wants to do it and those. We actually have some great thoughts. We've got a couple of things other than that that we're going to work on answer some of her other questions on like seed oils but we definitely, when we get down the road, we're going to talk about some of those other options that she can do. So, yes, so hang on, tony. She brought up a concern about seed oils, and why are they such a big concern?
Speaker 1:I don't know enough about seed oils, so I'm going to tell you this is such a great question and it makes me crazy when I look on the back of a package and it just has all this crappy, these seed oils, the seed oils like soybean, canola, corn oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, safflower oil, grape seed oil.
Speaker 2:No, I said, they sound great. I mean, this is what's funny?
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, they do right.
Speaker 2:My whole point was like I didn't even know. This was a thing to ask.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yes, this is such an incredible question. Cotton seed oil, rice bran oil all of these oils are full of omega-6 fatty acids which cause chronic inflammation, which is linked to arthritis, heart disease, obesity, autoimmune diseases, when consumed in excess.
Speaker 1:We're going to talk about what happens. Excess. We're going to talk about what happens. So when a oil is oxidized, and that means when it is heated these oils become unstable, creating oxidized lipids that damage cells and accelerates aging. You want to live longer, so this is one of these things that will help you. It disrupts metabolism, linked to insulin resistance, weight gain, metabolic dysfunction, and it's linked to mental health issues as well. So excess omega-6 intake is associated with depression, anxiety, adhd and cognitive decline. So why are they harming our gut? It's because these damage the gut lining, contributing to leaky gut, food sensitivities and inflammation. So now I want to take you through what happens when a seed is processed.
Speaker 1:The industrial seed oil goes through an intense chemical extraction process that removes nutrients, it introduces toxins and makes the oils prone to oxidation. So here's a step-by-step breakdown of how these oils are made. Step one most of these oils come from genetically modified or GMO crops, such as we just talked about the soybean, corn and rapeseed oil, which is a canola oil. So these crops are heavily sprayed with glyphosate, which is Roundup, a pesticide linked to gut health issues, which disrupts hormones and can cause cancer. Two, second step seeds are heated to extreme high temperatures. The seeds are heated to 200 to 300 degrees to start breaking them down. This destroys beneficial nutrients and causes oxidation, producing free radicals that damage cells in the body.
Speaker 1:Step three chemical solvent or extraction of hexane. Because seeds contain very little oil naturally, a chemical solvent called hexane, which is a petroleum and it's a derived neurotoxin, is used to pull the oil out. Hexane is a byproduct of gasoline production and is classified as a neurotoxin by the CDC. This process leaves behind traces of hexane in the final product. So although the industry claims it's safe in small amounts, studies have found that hexane residue can remain in oils and processed foods.
Speaker 1:Step four bleaching and deodorizing removes natural color and smell. So after extraction the crude oil is dark and it smells bad and tastes rancid. So to fix this, the oil is bleached with chemicals to remove its natural color. Then it goes through high heat deodorization to up to 500 degrees to remove its unpleasant odor. This process creates trans fats, which are linked to heart disease, obesity and metabolic disorder. So if anything says hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil of any kind on the back of your ingredient list, it is a trans fat. So even if the product says no trans fat, because we're not supposed to have trans fats in our foods anymore, that is the trans fat, the partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated vegetable oil. So really, really important to start looking into your ingredients on the pack of your packages. You don't believe what it says on the front. Heart health, natural all these things are just a joke.
Speaker 1:Number five chemical additives are added. These are where synthetic preservatives like BHT, bha, are added to keep the oil from going rancid. Anti-forming agents, silicone-based chemicals, are also added to the oil to last longer in fryers. Mulchifiers and stabilizers are also added to prevent separation and packaged foods. Step six package and solid as heart healthy oil, just what I talked about.
Speaker 1:The final product is marketed as heart healthy, despite being stripped of nutrients, filled with chemical residues and prone to oxidation, which destroys our cells. These oils are then added to processed foods, fats, fast food, fryers and bottled cooking oils. So what makes them dangerous? Number one inflammation and chronic disease. So the high product is high in oxidized omega-6 fatty acids, which again drives chronic inflammation, a cause of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, arthritis and autoimmune conditions. Again, hidden trans fats we just talked about that. Trans fats we just talked about that.
Speaker 1:The heating and processing create trans fats, which are banned in so many other countries but exist still in the United States as seed oils. Hexane residue is in our foods. Studies show that some processed foods contain trace amounts of hexane, a toxic neurotoxin linked to nerve damage and dizziness. So this is linked to mental health issues. Excess omega-6 fatty acids contribute to depression, anxiety, adhd and brain fog by disrupting the balance of healthy fats in the brain.
Speaker 1:So instead of toxic seed oils, opt for natural, stable fats that support your body, which include extra virgin olive oil, cold pressed, rich in antioxidants. You want to make sure that bottle is glass and dark and so when you shake the bottle, there's actually remnants. In the bottom, there's particles. That is the first cold press of extra virgin olive oil. Avocado oil that's high in monosaturated fats and that is stable in high heat. So if you're cooking oil and your oil starts to smoke, it just turned into trans fat. It completely broke up those molecules and it just destroyed your oil. So if your oil starts to smoke, you want to throw it out.
Speaker 1:Coconut oil contains MCTs, which boost metabolism and brain function. Grass-fed butter and ghee. These are rich in fat-soluble vitamins and anti-inflammatory. Butyrate Animal fats, tallow, lard, duck fat they're all stable in cooking and they're high in essential nutrients. So the idea of your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio should be two to one or three to one, but the standard American diet is closer to 20 to one or even 50 to one, and that is a recipe for metabolic disaster. These oils are found literally in all processed foods Think fast food, salad dressing sauces. All processed foods think fast food, salad dressing, sauces, packaged snacks, even our so-called health foods like protein bars and Tony just had to leave, but he had a protein bar and I wanted him to take a look at the ingredient list.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I think Tony couldn't take it anymore.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I think he was Exactly. He had to go help his mom. So what are the better alternatives? I'm sure that that was pretty overwhelming, but I think it was super important to understand what seed oils are all about, because people talk about it. Why are they such a big deal? Well, I hope I just helped you understand why seed oils the unhealthy seed oils are such a big deal. Do you have any thoughts, Jeff?
Speaker 3:No, I think you covered that really well. It's one of those things that for me too, it's really hard when people say they're doing all the good things, they're having salads for lunch, and I say, okay, well, cool, I'm glad you're having salads for lunch, but tell me about your salad. Oh, I put all these vegetables in it and I just cover it in ranch dressing, and ranch is almost always the worst. It's got lots of sugar, lots of the bad seed oils and you'll, basically, you might as well have had a cheeseburger than had the ranch, right? So you know, I think people are so conditioned to think that they're doing themselves a favor when they have a salad, but then they drench it in some of these unhealthy dressings and it makes it so much worse.
Speaker 1:And there's some dressings that actually are made from avocado oil. I highly recommend those. So those are. I can't remember the name of that. Or even the olive oils you know as long as you're not heating olive oils.
Speaker 3:Those are wonderful, and they do a wonderful job of making your food feel more creamy and more, because our body loves fat, we love the taste of fat, and so these oils make it taste so good.
Speaker 1:Well, and fat doesn't make you fat.
Speaker 3:Sugar makes you fat. Right, sugar makes you fat, yes, and also sugar is what raises your cholesterol. So don't stop eating eggs just because you're worried about your cholesterol.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's a whole other subject. Yes, exactly Perfect. Just if you could afford them right now. Right, yeah, but these fats actually support brain health. They reduce inflammation and they stabilize your blood sugar levels, so unlike industrial seed oils, which promote inflammation and oxidative stress. So you want to really start focusing on that.
Speaker 1:Let's help Amanda with some practical side of things. Where should she start? So here's my three-step plan to make it manageable. Number one cut out one ultra processed food today. Just pick something simple a sugary drink, a packaged snack or just a fast food just today, and so every day. If you're doing one thing different, it's going to add up. Two replace it with a whole food alternative. I like to talk about crowding out because you don't want to say I'm not going to have this anymore or we can't do this because your brain all of a sudden wants it more. Jeff had talked about that. So you want to swap out your soda for sparkling water, chips for nuts or boxed cereal for eggs. Anything is going to make a difference. Three make meal prep easy. Choose simple whole food meals that fit a busy schedule, like smoothies, stir fries or just a sheet pan dinner. So the goal isn't perfection. It's about making better choices consistently. Small changes lead to big health benefits over time. Do you think that that sounds doable, jeff?
Speaker 3:I think it sounds very doable.
Speaker 1:Yeah, awesome, and I don't think we're going to talk about this today. I have this on the list, but there's so many foods that are banned in other countries that are not banned in the United States, like our dyes. There's so many dyes that are not banned in the United States, but I think we'll save that for another day.
Speaker 3:But I just yeah, and also it's going to possibly be changing with new administration too.
Speaker 2:We don't know what this is all going to mean.
Speaker 3:Yeah, we don't know what this is all going to mean yet, but there's possibility with the new administration and the White House and the new cabinet members that the FDA may change their stance on a few things. So we'll see.
Speaker 1:We'll see what happens. Let's hope that that really does happen. Any other thoughts that you may have it?
Speaker 3:Let's hope that that really does happen. Any other thoughts that you may have? No, I think just to remember that little changes can give big results. Like I always say to patients, big doors swing on small hinges. So all you have to do is make a little change and you can make a big difference in your life. So don't think you've got to change your entire life to be able to make things happen. Do one small thing, just like Tricia was saying earlier.
Speaker 1:Yep, and it really does add up. This has been such an insightful conversation and, amanda, I hope this gives you a great starting point. We covered the gut-brain axis, the impact of food on mental health and practical steps to swap out ultra-processed foods and inflammatory oils. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend who needs to hear it. And don't forget your questions do shape our discussion, so please send them to trishajamesoncoaching at gmailcom. And remember small intentional changes do add up and your food choices today do shape your health tomorrow. Wellness warriors, stay curious, stay informed and, as always, take care of your body and mind and we'll see you next time.
Speaker 3:Thank, you so much for joining us Bye-bye.
Speaker 1:Thanks for tuning into the Q&A Files, delighted to share today's gems of wisdom with you. Your questions light up our show, fueling the engaging dialogues that make our community extra special. Keep sending your questions to trishajamesoncoaching at gmailcom. Your curiosity is our compass. Please hit, subscribe, spread the word and let's grow the circle of insight and community together. I'm Trisha Jameson signing off. Stay curious, keep thriving and community together. I'm Trisha Jameson signing off. Stay curious, keep thriving and keep smiling, and I'll catch you on the next episode.
