info_outline
Modern Psychiatry and Addiction Recovery: Feeding the Brain with Umar Latif, MD S02E22
12/28/2025
Modern Psychiatry and Addiction Recovery: Feeding the Brain with Umar Latif, MD S02E22
A Root-Cause, Nutrition-Informed Approach to Mental Health and Recovery In this episode of Power Up Recovery with Nutrition, host Christina Veselak sits down with Umar Latif, MD, a triple board-certified psychiatrist in general psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and addiction medicine, to explore a modern, evidence-informed approach to mental health and addiction recovery. Dr. Latif shares how his work with veterans, first responders, and individuals with dual diagnoses led him beyond symptom-based psychiatry toward a whole-person, root-cause model that integrates neuroscience, nutrition, functional psychiatry, psychotherapy, and lifestyle medicine. Together, they discuss why feeding the brain with the nutrients it requires is foundational to recovery, resilience, and long-term prevention. This conversation highlights why addiction is not a moral failing but a brain-based condition influenced by biology, blood sugar, micronutrients, neurotransmitters, trauma, and environment—and how addressing these factors restores hope, agency, and lasting healing. Key Topics Discussed Modern psychiatry and addiction recovery Addiction as a brain-based condition Feeding the brain with nutrients for recovery Blood sugar instability and cravings Amino acids in early recovery and post-acute withdrawal Root-cause and functional psychiatry approaches Micronutrients and neurotransmitter balance Trauma, ADHD, and relapse risk Integrating nutrition, psychotherapy, and neuroscience Empowerment, hope, and long-term prevention Meet our Guest Umar Latif, MD is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology with triple board certification in General Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. He was selected as a George W. Bush Institute Scholar as part of the 2021 Stand-To Veteran Leadership program in service of improving veteran outcomes. Dr. Latif currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Enterhealth as well as Medical Director of his private practice: The Noesis Clinic, an adult and geriatric outpatient private practice that specializes in early detection of Alzheimer’s dementia and TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). In addition, Dr. Latif teaches medical students as an Affiliate Clinical Associate Professor at the Texas A&M College of Medicine. To Connect:LinkedIn: Blog: Website: Website: References and People Mentioned – Triple board-certified psychiatrist in general psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and addiction medicine; Chief Medical Officer at Enterhealth. – Host of Power Up Recovery with Nutrition and educator in Academy for Addiction & Mental Health Nutrition – Psychiatrist and educator in functional and nutritional psychiatry whose work influenced Dr. Latif’s training. Bill Wilson – Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, who emphasized vitamin therapy, particularly niacin, in recovery. – Dual-diagnosis treatment center integrating psychiatry, nutrition, neuroscience, and addiction recovery. Key concepts referenced include nutritional psychiatry, amino acid therapy, reactive hypoglycemia in early recovery, root-cause and functional psychiatry, trauma-informed care, and prevention through nutrition and lifestyle medicine. Discover More Unlock a world of resources at 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 Support Our Mission Check out our nonprofit initiative, Eating Protein Saves Lives, at 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: 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. Music by: Bensound License code: GFZAESIUP3ZUNGXM 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.
/episode/index/show/ac3b6e43-9dc6-4f5e-ac4b-f91b77262597/id/39544605