Book SummaryBrain Energy, by Christopher M. Palmer

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Brain Energy

What if the key to understanding and treating mental illness isn’t in the brain itself, but in how the brain gets its energy? In Brain Energy, psychiatrist Christopher M. Palmer proposes a theory that mental illnesses result from problems with your metabolism—the process that converts food into energy for your body. He argues that when your brain doesn’t get enough energy, it doesn’t function properly and problems arise. But by making lifestyle changes that boost metabolic efficiency and ensure your brain gets the fuel it needs, you can lessen symptoms or even prevent mental disorders from developing in the first place.

Palmer has been involved in...

Brain Energy Summary Part 1: Why We Need a New Theory of Mental Illness

Before we discuss the brain energy theory, let’s examine why we need a new theory for mental illness in the first place. Palmer explains that our current understanding of mental illness is far from complete: We’ve only identified risk factors—characteristics that put someone more at risk of developing a mental disorder—but we still don’t understand what causes mental illness. Without knowing the cause, we can only treat symptoms—not the illness itself.

(Shortform note: Our current understanding of what causes mental illness remains incomplete partly due to insufficient funding for research. Only about $3.7 billion is spent annually on mental health research worldwide; in contrast, both cancer research and infectious disease research receive more than twice that amount. Furthermore, the distribution of the limited resources for mental health research is unbalanced, with over half going to basic research (which might include discovering risk factors, for instance) while studies on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment receive much less support.)

What Is Mental Illness?

Palmer...

Brain Energy Summary Part 2: The Brain Energy Theory

We’ve talked about how diagnosing mental illnesses is complicated and how there appears to be a common cause that links all mental illnesses and metabolic diseases. Now, let’s explore Palmer’s theory for what that cause is.

According to Palmer’s brain energy theory, mental disorders are caused by metabolic issues. As earlier mentioned, metabolism is the process that converts food into energy, keeping your cells healthy and allowing your body to grow, maintain itself, and get rid of waste. If your metabolism malfunctions, the energy in your body gets disrupted, and depending on where this malfunction occurs, you might experience a range of mental and physical symptoms. Palmer notes that your brain consumes about 20% of the energy your body produces, which makes it highly reactive to imbalances in the amount of energy it receives.

(Shortform note: Other researchers add that your brain consistently uses about 20% of your body’s energy regardless of the mental task you’re performing. This energy consumption remains relatively constant because your brain is...

Brain Energy Summary Part 3: Ways to Improve Your Metabolic Health

Now that we’ve discussed the brain energy theory and how your metabolic health is linked to mental illnesses, let’s explore how you can improve your metabolic health and, in turn, your mental health. First, we’ll explore some of the factors that affect metabolism and put you at risk for mental disorders. Then, we’ll outline Palmer’s suggested treatments. Finally, we’ll discuss Palmer’s advice for implementing these treatments.

Factors That Affect Metabolic Health

Palmer writes that all factors that increase the risk of mental illnesses also affect your metabolism and the functioning of your mitochondria. He identifies some of these factors:

Genetics: Research shows that many genes associated with mental illnesses are responsible for your metabolic functioning. Although you can’t change your genes, you can alter how they are expressed. Your DNA contains instructions for how your body functions, and it has chemical tags that can be added or removed. These tags tell your body whether to turn certain genes on or off, for instance.

(Shortform note: Gene editing technology offers potential cures for genetic diseases, including some mental illnesses. However, many people...

Shortform Exercise: Evaluate Your Metabolic Health

Palmer’s brain energy theory suggests that your mental health is closely linked to your metabolic health. Examine your current lifestyle habits and identify areas that might be impacting your metabolic functioning to improve your overall health and well-being.

How would you describe your current diet? Reflect on the types of foods you regularly consume and whether they align with Palmer’s recommendations for a nutritious, whole-food based diet.