The Missing Link in Addiction Recovery: Brain Chemistry and Nutrition with Dr. Arwen Podesta EP23

Описание: Why Feeding the Brain Is Essential for Lasting Recovery

In this episode of Power Up Recovery with Nutrition, Christina Veselak speaks with Dr. Arwen Podesta, a New Orleans–based psychiatrist quadruple board-certified in adult psychiatry, addiction medicine, forensic psychiatry, and integrative medicine, about the missing link in addiction recovery: brain chemistry and nutrition.

Dr. Podesta shares why removing substances alone is not enough for lasting recovery, how nutrient depletion and blood sugar instability drive cravings and relapse, and how food, amino acids, vitamins, and targeted nutritional support help rebuild neurotransmitters, restore resilience, and support long-term mental health stability. This conversation challenges traditional addiction treatment models and highlights a more effective, humane, whole-person approach to recovery.
Meet Our Guest

Dr. Arwen Podesta is a nationally recognized psychiatrist, educator, and consultant specializing in integrative approaches to addiction and mental health treatment. She is the author of Hooked: A Concise Guide to the Underlying Mechanics of Addiction and Treatment and a Distinguished Fellow of both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Podesta is also the immediate past president of the Louisiana Psychiatric Medical Association and offers an online master class in addiction for professionals and the public.

To Connect:
Website: https://doctorarwen.com
YouTube: ‪@doctorarwenpodesta‬
Instagram: @doctorarwen

Full show notes, references, and resources: http://podcast.aminoacidtherapy.com/t...

Chapters:
00:00 – 02:21 | Podcast Intro
02:21 – 03:58 | Meet Dr. Arwen Podesta
03:58 – 07:45 | The Biological Roots of Addiction and Relapse
07:45 – 11:36 | Why the Brain Must Be Fed to Heal
11:36 – 15:28 | Recovery Capital and Brain Resilience
15:28 – 19:14 | Sugar, Dopamine, and Early Recovery Cravings
19:14 – 22:50 | Blood Sugar, Panic, and Relapse Risk
22:50 – 27:30 | Nutrition, Amino Acids, and Neurotransmitter Repair
27:30 – 33:13 | MTHFR, Genetics, and Brain Chemistry
33:13 – 40:29 | Key Nutrients for Mental Health and Recovery
40:29 – 48:30 | Zinc, Magnesium, and Postpartum Mental Health
48:30 – 55:11 | Amino Acids as a Foundation for Lasting Recovery
55:11 – 59:12 | Affordable Nutrition Strategies That Work
59:12 – 1:00:26 | Final Thoughts and Where to Connect

Discover More Unlock a world of resources at https://aminoacidtherapy.com/ where you’ll find expert insights, transformative training, and actionable tools to support your recovery journey. Whether you're looking for professional courses like our Level 1 Core Training

Learn more at https://feedtherecoveringbrain.com
Support Our Mission Check out our nonprofit initiative, Eating Protein Saves Lives, at https://eatingproteinsaveslives.org/ Learn how we’re improving lives and communities through better nutrition, the science of amino acid therapy, and our simple yet powerful message: Eat protein every 4 hours.

Also, if you’re just starting out or want a solid foundation, check out Eat: A Guide to Radiant Recovery Using Food and Amino Acids to Repair the Addicted Brain and Reduce Cravings by Christina Veselak. It’s a clear, powerful intro to the core concepts. Grab your copy here: https://www.eatforrecovery.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information shared is meant to inform and empower listeners but should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care and treatment.

Like this episode?
Subscribe, rate, and share it with a friend or colleague who needs this information.
Let’s make nutrition part of the conversation for lasting recovery.