In this episode, we welcome Dr. Rachael Hunter, a distinguished clinical psychologist and senior lecturer in psychology at Swansea University. Dr. Hunter joins us to delve into her groundbreaking research on "Plant-based Recovery from Restrictive Eating Disorders." Drawing from her wealth of experience working closely with individuals grappling with eating disorders, Dr. Hunter offers valuable insights into the transformative potential of plant-based diets in promoting recovery.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Hunter shares her deeply personal journey, including her courageous battle against Multiple Sclerosis. We explore the intricate connections between nutrition and mental health, gaining valuable insights into how a plant-based diet can nourish not only the body but also the mind and spirit.

“When I was diagnosed, I came across all of this research, and luckily for me, Professor Jelinek had pulled that work together into the Overcoming MS program. So there were dietary recommendations around a whole food plant-based diet, plus fish if people wanted that for the neuroprotective omega 3, and the program also includes stress management, which is anti-inflammatory. So meditation, mindfulness, and regular exercise. I came across that program, and that was really what led me to change my diet immediately to pretty much plant-based.” - Dr. Rachael Hunter

What we discuss in this episode:

- How plant-based eating can improve one’s relationship with food.

- Dr. Hunter’s symptoms before being diagnosed with MS.

- The connection between inflammation and MS.

- The lifestyle changes Dr. Hunter made after her diagnosis and the results of those changes.

- How the human body responds to optimism.

- Stress and the nervous system.

- The importance of removing toxicity from one’s life.

Resources:

- Overcoming MS: https://overcomingms.org/live-well/circles/

- Instagram: Dr Rachael Hunter (@drrachaelhunter) • Instagram photos and videos - https://www.instagram.com/drrachaelhunter/

- Twitter/X: Rachael Hunter 💙 (@drrachhunter) / X - https://twitter.com/drrachhunter