Brain Energy by Christopher M. Palmer, MD, proposes a unifying theory that mental illnesses stem from abnormal brain energy metabolism, specifically issues with mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. The book connects mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD to metabolic issues, suggesting that treatments (including diet, like the ketogenic diet) that improve cellular energy production can offer new pathways for healing. It argues that this metabolic model links genetics, inflammation, hormones, and trauma, offering a new framework for understanding and treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions.
