Women & Worth - Worth https://s45834.pcdn.co/women-worth/ Worth Beyond Wealth Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:18:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://s45834.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cropped-worth-favicon-32x32.png Women & Worth - Worth https://s45834.pcdn.co/women-worth/ 32 32 Earth Day’s Complex Legacy in the Climate Change Era https://s45834.pcdn.co/earth-days-complex-legacy-in-the-climate-change-era/ Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:18:26 +0000 https://worth.com/?p=102533 In 1970, a middle-aged senator and a college student joined forces to make up a new national holiday for April 22. Gaylord Nelson and Denis Hayes led a coalition that created Earth Day to focus attention on a rapidly deteriorating environment. The problems were obvious: Skies and rivers were brown and noisome, toxic waste sites littered the landscape, and the U.S. Surgeon General declared lead poisoning a “national health problem.” 

Earth Day 1970 brought people (mostly white, young, and liberal) together on college campuses and in school auditoriums. High schoolers biked through smog-choked Denver and picked up litter on the state capitol lawn. Walter Cronkite hosted a CBS News special at the end of the day in which he concluded, “As a demonstration, it was mixed—beyond expectations here, far below there.” 

He underestimated.

Earth Day rode on a growing movement for environmental reform. Congress had passed the Clean Air Act in 1963 and the National Environmental Policy Act in January 1970. But actions accelerated after Earth Day, including—in fairly short order—the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency; the passage of the Clean Water Act, National Forest Management Act, and Endangered Species Act; and the beginning of the process to phase out leaded gasoline.

Earth Day largely succeeded in its goals: Skies have cleared up considerably from where they were, even in places like LA (although it still has a long way to go). And urban sewers like New York’s East River are now prime waterfront property. What’s more, Earth Day was part of a global trend of eco reform. Paris’s Seine River will (probably) be a competition venue at this year’s Summer Olympics. EarthDay.org claims to be active in more than 190 countries. 

Earth Day’s 1990 Reboot

In my freshman year of college—two decades after the first Earth Day—I joined a coalition of students in Washington, D.C., who united with Hayes and other earlier-generation leaders to reboot the movement.

Some of the environmental threats were still obvious and in the popular zeitgeist. “I’ve gotten real concerned over what’s going to happen with all the garbage,” Andie MacDowell’s character tells her therapist in the 1989 movie Sex, Lies, and Videotape. I felt the same. I could easily smell Staten Island’s massive Fresh Kills Landfill when I visited my big sister in New York City in the early 1990s. (It’s since been buried and turned into a park.)

But climate change was largely invisible. You couldn’t see the floods, droughts, disappearing glaciers, or planetwide coral bleaching that were, at that point, mostly just predicted to happen. So public attention focused on the obvious—like all that garbage. Recycling bins appeared everywhere. My “earthy-crunchy” friends and I even dug through trash cans on campus to redirect glass, aluminum, and plastic to the proper containers.

Corporate America jumped on the new environmentalist wave—in its marketing. The chemical industry assured the public that plastic could be rejuvenated at scale—part of many proclamations by companies that were often little more than feel-good advertising. Three decades later, as little as 21% of all U.S. recyclables make it into the bin, according to new research from The Recycling Partnership. And almost all the plastic that does still ultimately ends up in landfills, according to Greenpeace, which concluded that recycling plastic at scale is essentially impossible.

Of course climate change was on activists’ minds decades ago: It was already the biggest concern for many in my circles. But it was a lot harder to communicate to the public. Earth Day got a second reboot in 2000 to focus more on this greatest of challenges.

Earth Day in the Climate Era

Today is the 54th anniversary of Earth Day. That’s not the kind of round number that usually triggers a retrospective. But this is the most significant Earth Day in decades—the first in which the planet has consistently passed the 1.5 C warming mark that portends a point of no return.

Climate change has met our expectations from all those years ago—in the worst way. And it’s no longer hidden. Unprecedented Canadian forest fires choked the east coast last year and are expected to this year. Torrential rains just doused the Arabian Peninsula, of all places. Half the world’s coral reefs will be subjected to bleaching ocean temperatures this year, and global greenhouse gas emissions are still rising. The list could go on for pages and pages.

But many of the most hopeful expectations have also come true—especially in green power. Since 1977, solar panel costs have dropped from $126 per watt to 26 cents—and solar is now recognized to be the cheapest form of energy in most cases. Wind power prices are actually dropping faster than experts had predicted just a few years ago. CO2 emissions per capita have fallen considerably in the U.S. and China.

The progress on electric vehicles is stunning. General Motors’s all-electric EV1 was quite sophisticated when it debuted in 1996, and even pretty respectable by today’s standards. It was notoriously expensive to develop and produce, however. GM got cold feet, shut down production, and in 2003 began a process of literally crushing nearly all the models as their leases expired. 

But the product’s demise inspired Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to found Tesla Motors in 2003. Electric vehicles are now the leaders in innovation and style. They may not be taking off as fast as boosters had hoped. But their growth rate is in line with how all new technology gradually ramps up. Sure, electric vehicles accounted for just 7.6% of the U.S. auto market in 2023, but that’s up from 5.9% in 2022, and it could top 30% by the end of the decade, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Changing Views

Hearts and minds have changed, too. Environmental values have progressed from the earthy-crunchy minority to the bulk of people today. A Pew Research Center survey (from 2021) found that the majority of every U.S. generation, from Boomers up, feels that addressing climate change should be a top priority. The percentages generally go higher as respondents’ age goes lower. And the partisan divide may be fading. About half of Millennials and adult Gen Zers who identify or lean Republican felt that addressing climate change needs to be a priority. (Another study shows that anxiety about the climate predominates among younger people across 10 countries, including the U.S.)

A Deloitte survey found that slight majorities of Millennials and working-age Gen Zers in 44 countries research a company’s environmental impact and policies before accepting a job (though far fewer would quit over what they learn).

And many corporations have progressed from greenwashing to serious sustainability commitments that might meet with approval, such as in material sourcing, waste reduction, green-energy purchasing, and more. Several of these efforts are led by people Worth has honored in the Worthy 100 and Groundbreaking Women, such as Vincent Eckert (Swiss Re), Alex Liftman (Bank of America), and Rachel Slaybaugh (DCVC).

Do all these positive technological and cultural developments bring hope that humanity will turn back from the brink? Yes. Are they a guarantee? No. 

Stay tuned.

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Rock the Boat on Concert-packed Ocean Cruises https://worth.com/rock-the-boat-on-concert-packed-ocean-cruises/ Mon, 25 Mar 2024 11:51:20 +0000 https://worth.com/?p=100873 Going to a music festival can often be a mind-blowing experience, but not all of us are enchanted by the idea of camping out in the Black Rock Desert for a week of primal hedonism. Even in less rustic environments, finding decent accommodations and better-than-average food is often a hassle, not to mention the unpredictable weather. This year, instead of grappling with the elements at Burning Man or Coachella, consider attending a festival at sea. 

Music cruises have been around for over a decade. Coachella even jumped on the bandwagon back in 2012 with the Coachella Cruise. Hosting only 2,800 fans, it was the opposite of Coachella in the desert, which now hosts 125,000 people each weekend. Those who were on the Coachella Cruise were able to hang out by the pool with Jarvis Cocker from Pulp, attend a wine tasting hosted by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, and join a literary event hosted by Father John Misty. That type of access still exists on board the modern music cruise. At sea, the audiences are manageable, the performances are intimate, and the hallway conversations often include your favorite rock star.

Crafting an Onboard Experience for Music Lovers

Atlanta-based Sixthman has been holding music festivals at sea since 2001. They collaborate with artists, managers, and agents to redefine the music festival by combining it with a vacation and in the process, break down the fourth wall. Producing festivals with hospitality and the fan experience at the forefront ensures guests return to music cruises year after year. “Super serving is the best way to describe it, for fans and artists alike,” says Mike Simon, a talent buyer for Sixthman. “We cater to exactly the type of experience fans want while being at sea, in a tropical location, on vacation—elevated with multiple stages and fun activities like a live Q&A with the performers or hosting a game with the bands involved.”

Artists benefit from the experience as well, says Simon. “Everyone is there for the duration of the festival, exploring and getting to know each other. By day two and three, the ship becomes home, and the energy in the artist’s lounge is magical.”

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Maggie Rose has performed on several music cruises. “So many of the people I met on those trips have become lifelong fans. The cruises facilitate a really special kind of relationship between artist and listener because there’s more access to one another. One of my favorite experiences was playing on the Cayamo cruise because it was a great fit musically and so many of the people I met were returning from previous years, excited to enjoy a week of perfectly curated music from familiar artists and make new discoveries, like me! I’ve since joined Sixthman for the blues cruise and beach boys cruise.” 

Opportunities for Musicians

The collaborative nature of the festivals also benefits the artists in a way that supports their work. Oftentimes, the headlining artist is programming the festival line up, as was the case for 2023’s Headbangers Cruise. Lamb of God was the host partner, so their management company and agency worked with Simon and his team to develop the show.

As Simon explained, Sixthman was helping the artist realize their creative vision for the festival. “The festival is booked with artists that the host talent wants to have on the ship and who they know their community will be excited to see.” Randy Blythe, the lead singer of Lamb of God, is also a surfer and is already scouting out surfing expedition spots for the next Headbangers cruise.

“It’s that elevated experience that fans can only get on one of our boats,” CEO Jeff Cuellar explains, “Some artists are now creating their own whiskeys, or they have their own beers and different types of things they’re creating. Our environment works so well because we can showcase all that to a dedicated audience. It’s a way to curate a lineup, not only of bands, but also experiences.”

But, what about the vacation part? Cruises offer something for everyone at every price point, and a Sixthman festival, like other themed cruises , is no different. The customer service team is engaged with guests early on to ensure that their trip is tailored to the type of vacation they want to have. If a guest knows that they want to dine in the steakhouse on most nights, for example, they can bookmark that with Sixthman customer service rep, and it will be integrated into their package.


The outdoor pool daytime pool party set can feel totally different from the sultry evening lounge vibe,” says Maggie Rose.”

It’s also a vacation for the artists. “The different venues give each show a different experience so it never feels stale, “ says Maggie Rose. “The outdoor daytime pool party set can feel totally different from the sultry evening lounge vibe. It also allows us to switch up our set lists, and it challenges us to show some repeat concertgoers everything we can. I also love the friendships that I have struck up with fellow artists on the ship and the spontaneous collaborations that come from us all being together. By day three I am greeting guests and artists at breakfast like they’re old friends. I always hit the spa, gym, and casino, and there is never a chance of going hungry.”

The Growth of Experience Cruises

Cruise travel is one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism, according to the Clia State of the Cruise Industry Report. Post-pandemic, cruise travel has not only been reinvigorated, but cruise lines are attracting younger travelers seeking immersive, bucket-list experiences like seeing their favorite band up close in an intimate setting.

Wellness and health cruises have also become major priorities for cruise lines, as have themed cruises that go beyond a music festival. Expedition cruising, one of the fastest growing cruise experiences, takes passengers off the cruise ship for guided tours to remote locations via kayaks and submarines. Hospitality brands like Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection have also expanded into maritime offerings by transforming cruises into resort-like journeys where each state room has a private balcony and world-renowned wineries and chefs offer master classes and sommelier dinners.

Copy of Copy of CL 68 FULL RTB@SEA DAY2 ©MMP2023

The accelerated growth of the cruise industry offers tremendous opportunities, according to Sixthman’s Cuellar. “I only see room for growth at this moment. I don’t think there’s an oversaturation. I think there’s space for more, and I’m excited about what we’ve got in store for 2024, 2025, and beyond.”

Sixthman is already diversifying into different entertainment genres, exploring culinary experiences, Broadway performances, and cruises themed around popular TV shows, like the upcoming Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise—a chance to vacation with your favorite Hallmark stars. They’re also building immersive cultural activities into cruise itineraries, allowing passengers to connect with the destinations they visit on a deeper level. 

For those unsure about taking a cruise or questioning its value, Cuellar and Simon agree—a music cruise delivers an unparalleled experience. Onboard entertainment, access to performers for behind-the-scenes moments are more than worth the plunge when combined with the luxury of a cruise and beach vacation. More than 50% of guests return yearly, reinforcing the value. Cuellar encourages skeptics to take the risk, promising an unforgettable return: “Just let go, take the chance, take the risk. I promise you will not regret it. You will come back.”  

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Q&A: Misty Copeland on Ushering in the Next Generation of BIPOC Ballerinas https://worth.com/qa-misty-copeland-on-ushering-in-the-next-generation-of-bipoc-ballerinas/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000 https://worth.com/?p=101574 Misty Copeland, the first Black principal dancer at the esteemed American Ballet Theatre, and one of Worth’s Groundbreaking Women of 2024, joined my Zoom call with the same sunny smile that has charmed audiences for over a decade. But Copeland, the most famous prima ballerina in the world, has extended her impact beyond the theater where she built her name and formidable reputation. 

From starring in the viral Under Armour campaign titled “I Will What I Want,” to performing with late superstar Prince during his “Welcome 2 America” tour, Copeland has transcended the world of classical dance and become a household name. Through her non-profit, the Misty Copeland Foundation, she advocates for greater inclusion across the predominantly white art form of ballet. In addition to her career as a dancer, she is also an author, producer, founder, and activist. In our conversation, we touched on each of her projects and discussed her role as mentor to the next generation of BIPOC dancers. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

Can you tell me a little bit about The Misty Copeland Foundation? 

I thought that this was something I would do much later in my life. [But] it just makes sense to do it now. And it was really weighing heavy on me during the pandemic, where it was like, ‘we’re missing out on so many opportunities to bring the arts and bring dance to Black and Brown kids and under-resourced communities, how can I tap into this? And how can I have a presence and make an impact in this space?’ 

And so, in starting the foundation, which is going to grow in so many different directions, we focused on our signature program—the Be Bold program—a free ballet class in an after-school setting. Right now we’re at 15 different community sites in the Bronx, and in Harlem. We’re reaching about 500 kids at this point, and we’re just coming into our second year of the program. 

What made you decide to focus on an after-school program first?

Someone who gave me an opportunity at my community center—a Boys and Girls Club, saw potential in me. I was exposed to this art form in a way that I never otherwise would have had anything to do with if someone had not come into my community and given me an opportunity to see if this was something I could do. 

Not even just to become a professional, but to be able to develop the skills and the tools that being a part of an art form can give you.  I feel like it’s my duty, having the platform that I have to be able to use my power to give back in this way. So it’s really exciting to see the program growing and growing so quickly. It’s really beautiful.

A stat that I was shocked to read on your foundation’s website is that 25 million children would participate in an after-school program if they had access to it. And that underserved population is disproportionately made up of children of color. 

You have been such a force of positive change for so many people. And in your 2022 memoir, The Wind at My Back, you talked about your mentor, Raven Wilkinson. I can’t help but think that there might be a lot of pressure for you to perform a similar mentorship role but on a much larger (digital) scale. And I was wondering if you feel that pressure? And if so, how do you deal with that?

From a young age, I’ve been so fortunate to have support, mentors, and people that have been there for me. And so I think I naturally saw how important it was for me to move into that position. It’s always felt really organic. The way ballet is structured, the information that we’re learning, and the tools that we’re [being given], have been passed down from one mouth to the next body, from generation to generation. So I feel like there’s this authentic and natural mentorship that happens within ballet…And it feels important, it feels like it’s my responsibility, especially as a Black woman, to give back and to represent…I just feel that it’s important for me to have that voice. But I definitely don’t feel pressure, it feels like this is what I need to be doing.

Going back to what you were saying about this lineage, and how there’s this built-in mentorship, is there anyone in particular you strive to emulate? Who have your greatest inspirations been?

I’ve had so many. Arthur Mitchell, who is the founder of the Dance Theatre of Harlem and was the first black principal dancer at the New York City Ballet. To have [had] him in my life for as long as I did, and see what he built for our community…creating this incredible opportunity for Black and Brown dancers, he’s someone that has really inspired me in ways that I think I’m not conscious of in the moment. Even with creating my foundation, I’m like, ‘Oh, this is Mr. Mitchell in me. Wanting to do this work and give back to the community.’ 

Someone [who is] a strictly ballet-based inspiration I would say is Irina Kolpakova, who has been my ballet mistress, or like my coach, for my whole career. She had a phenomenal career—a very famous Russian ballerina…She’s in that space, and she’s working with us on our craft, but reminding us that [we are] human and we have so many other aspects of ourselves. And I think that just having that human connection brings out the better artist in you as well because you understand your worth and your value. And that it’s not just ballet that defines you. She’s got a really special way of connecting with the dancers that she works with.

Can you tell me about your petition to expand the shade range of the Pointe shoe emoji? 

You know, I’ve had so many conversations where people are like, ‘Is this really an important thing?’ And of course it’s not at the top of the list of things that are important in the world. But yes, it is important. I think that young people look at social media as tools that are a part of how they get their voices out. And emojis happen to be part of that. It’s a part of what represents them, who they are, and what it is they’re saying. So I just think it’s really important that there’s representation in that space as well.

What was the process of producing and starring in “Flower”?

Oh my gosh, it was such a big learning curve. For me and my partner, Leila—we both founded Life in Motion productions—we really came into this process gung-ho. We knew that there are important stories that we wanted to tell and, in a way, that a lot of people don’t understand what it is to be a dancer. 

I read that it was a bit of an homage to the silent Black films of the 1920s. Is that true?

Yes! The original concept came about with Nelson George, who was the director and producer of my [2015] documentary, “A Ballerina’s Tale.” And when we came together, and got together with Leila, we really started to create the concept. Him wanting to capture me on film, doing what I do on stage, which is movement, dancing, acting, and telling a story through that form kind of evolved into ‘Well, maybe this is a silent film.’ And then going back and thinking about Black silent films and the importance of that genre—and the fact that it got wiped away. [Meaning that] when old Hollywood was looking to make space, they burned all the Black silent films. 

[So we were] thinking of like, how can we pay homage and give back, and show the power of Black bodies moving on film and on screen?

We did the fundraising on our own during the pandemic—over Zoom. We were doing the casting, finding our entire team of crew and directors. It was a really hard process. And for me to be on this [production]  side of things, but also be preparing to be in front of the camera and doing something that is a bit different from what I’m used to—Yeah, it was an emotional roller coaster. But we’re so proud of what we created. And I feel like we learned what to do, and what not to do, and that people do want to see this work. We’ve had such an incredible response and turnout whenever we’ve done screenings all over the United States.

When telling your story, what does the press typically get wrong?

I understand people want to have a headline, or they want to get clicks or sell magazines, or whatever it is, but I think it’s important to remember that I’m not the first to do this. Yes, I’m the first black woman [to be principal dancer] at ABT, but I think really honing in on how I got here, and that there are so many dancers that don’t have big names, and weren’t famous, or didn’t even dance for a major ballet company, but contributed to me getting to this place, I think, is something that often is overlooked. 

What can we ask our readers to do to help you?

First and foremost, support the arts by showing up and buying a ticket. Even if it’s a cheap ticket in the back, even if it’s a student ticket, I think showing support in that way is invaluable. 

Beyond that, stepping outside of your comfort zone, doing research, and finding organizations that connect with you, and then making donations. You know, the arts are not government-funded here in the States. These are independent entities that are trying so hard to do work that should be offered in our public schools the same way any other subject is. 

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7 Nutritional Hacks for Depression & Anxiety https://worth.com/7-nutritional-hacks-for-depression-anxiety/ Wed, 13 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000 https://worth.com/?p=101036 At any moment in time, approximately 26% of Americans are struggling with a diagnosable mental illness. So, if you have dinner with three friends, the odds are one of you is not doing well. Most common are depression and anxiety, with a 29% chance of receiving a depression diagnosis in a lifetime, and a 31% chance of experiencing anxiety. Many people suffer from both.

Unfortunately, most of us don’t make the connection between the way we feel and labels like depression and anxiety. We assume that having low energy and being unmotivated or anxious is what everyone experiences.  

Dr. Uma Naidoo, a leader in the new field of nutritional psychiatry, Harvard professor, and director of the ground-breaking Nutritional & Lifestyle Psychiatry Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, told Worth, “A family member might tell them they’re acting differently, withdrawn, or losing weight. The same with anxiety. Someone may be waking up with a pit in their stomach and not tie it to anxiety.”

Dr. Drew Ramsey, also a nutritional psychiatrist, and author of Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety, feels the words ‘depression’ and ‘anxiety’ are bandied about so heedlessly and in so many different contexts, that, not surprisingly, they mean different things to different people.  When he and Dr. Naidoo use the words, they refer to diagnoses consistent with the DSM-5, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is the bible used by mental health professionals.

A poor diet can cause more than the triumvirate of diseases everyone can recite verbatim–obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Also, multiple studies conducted over the last 20 years have demonstrated a connection between a poor diet and mood disorders like depression and anxiety. The problem is that most of us haven’t been paying attention to these studies.

According to Naidoo, Here’s What the Scientists Have Found

Sugar. There’s an astonishingly high correlation between sugar consumption (from foods and sodas) and depression. The reason may be that sugar impedes the body’s ability to make a protein (BDNF) that is essential for brain growth, development, and stress management.

High-glycemic-Load Carbohydrates. Carbs that are easily turned into glucose (sugar) in the body. This includes anything made with white flour (like bread and pasta), white rice, and potatoes. However, low-glycemic index carbs, like beans and most fruits, are not damaging. Several large studies have shown a correlation between consumption of high glycemic load carbs and depression.

Artificial Sweeteners. Not surprisingly, these compounds which are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, have multiple negative effects on the brain. Aspartame (think Diet Coke) inhibits dopamine and serotonin. Sucralose causes mice to develop the same gut bacteria tied to depression in humans.

Bad Fats. This includes trans fats, which were banned in the U.S. in 2020, and saturated fats. It also includes many fried foods because even ‘good’ fats, reused many times and kept at high temperatures, can become harmful.

Caffeine and alcohol (if anxiety and/or sleep are concerns)

The Gut Microbiome in Anxiety and Depression

Everywhere we turn these days, people are talking about the gut microbiome, the living organisms in the digestive tract that help break down food. We now understand they do much more than that. They create and respond to neurotransmitters that, via the vagus nerve and the circulatory system, are in direct conversation with the brain. Joe Weiss, Gastroenterologist, and Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego, told Worth, “First, you must understand that there are over a trillion species of microbes, and they are everywhere, not just in the gut. They’re floating in the air. We all have unique species on our skin, in our lungs, eyes, ears, etc. They’re even inside cells in the body.” This connection starts when we are embryos. The same cells that become the brain and spinal cord travel through the body to form the enteric (gut) nervous system.

The ones in the enteric nervous system are responsible for most of the body’s serotonin. “Everyone thought serotonin worked only in the brain. We now know that only 5% is in the brain. Over 90% is made in the gut and stays there,” he added.

Other heavy-hitting neurotransmitters made in the gut include dopamine (pleasure, addiction, Parkinson’s if too low, schizophrenia if too high), adrenaline (fight or flight), GABA (calmness, ability to focus), and acetylcholine (memory and cognition).

The above is why psychiatrists like Drs. Naidoo and Ramsey know they can improve many psychiatric conditions with what amounts to a prescriptive diet. Their recommendations overlap because both are using the results of high-level studies to shape their advice.  

Leafy Greens. If Dr. Ramsey’s mantra was summed up in three words, it would be “eat leafy greens.” He’s so passionate about this that he’s even published a recipe book entitled Fifty Shades of Kale. He’s softened his stance a little in the decade since the book was published.  He now concedes that people who don’t like kale can expand their options to Swiss chard, broccoli rabe, collards, and spinach, all of which contain folate, a B vitamin necessary for the creation of neurotransmitters.

Rainbow Fruits and Vegetables. Dr. Ramsey’s favorite color in this ‘rainbow’ is the reddish-purple created by anthocyanins, an especially nutritious flavonoid (food pigment). Berries contain a lot of anthocyanins so I asked Dr. Ramsey about acai and blueberries, two fruits that have attained superfood status. He was dismissive, saying, “The reason I don’t rely on them is they’re expensive, they’re fetishized, and they’re unreachable to the average consumer. Most importantly, they miss the point. They’re no better than any other berry. All berries tend to be interesting and good for you.”

Seafood. Primarily fatty fish (for their omega-3 fatty acids) low on the food chain (to avoid mercury.) Dr. Ramsey points out that farmed salmon is dyed pink so he only consumes wild salmon. Also good are bluefish and mackerel. Vegans can get omega-3s from algae, although it is not as concentrated as in fish.

Nuts, Beans, and Seeds. A study on depressed and anxious college students in Australia a few years ago showed significant mood improvement in those who, among other things, added a serving of nuts to their diet each afternoon. Beans are an excellent prebiotic, indigestible fiber that feeds healthy large intestine bacteria.

Meat. The first controversial category on this list. Dr. Ramsey was a vegetarian but now believes that moderate consumption of ethically raised meat (grass pastured) is healthy, sustainable, lower calorie than grain-fed meat, and contains numerous essential nutrients including a nourishing fatty acid profile. 

Eggs & Fermented Dairy. It’s doubtful that anyone was surprised to see leafy greens on the list. We all know we should eat our vegetables, but many readers probably bristled at the often-maligned foods: eggs and dairy products. However, both psychiatrists told Worth that studies confirm choline (eggs) has been linked to decreased anxiety. Along with choline, eggs are high in high quality protein and B vitamins. Examples of fermented dairy include yogurt and kefir.

Dark Chocolate. The item everyone has been waiting for.  It turns out that (dark) chocolate is brain food. A study using U.S. government data from over 13,000 adults showed a 57%(!) reduction in depression in those who ate dark chocolate. However, if the study is to be believed, this group was eating an average of eight ounces of chocolate a day. If you’d like a return for a smaller investment that won’t expand your waistline, less than an ounce a day of dark chocolate reduces salivary cortisol, a stress and anxiety marker.

Although both nutritional psychiatrists agree about which foods are mood enhancers, Dr. Naidoo has a slightly different approach than Dr. Ramsey. In her bestselling book, This Is Your Brain on Food, she focuses on specific foods for specific mental disorders.  

For depression, she suggests probiotics (fermented dairy, miso, kimchi), prebiotics (legumes), omega-3 fatty acids (fish, dark leafy greens), and the Mediterranean diet (fruits and vegetables), almost all foods on Dr. Ramsey’s list. 

Neither doctor is expecting us to adopt a flawless diet. According to Dr. Naidoo, “It’s about exploring a diversity of foods which help your gut, which helps your mind.” So, if kimchi isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Just increase other foods on the list.

Dr. Naidoo believes anxiety is best controlled by cultured and fermented foods, tryptophan (as a supplement, not from foods), dietary fiber, and omega-3s. The latter two have an anti-inflammatory effect and inflammation is correlated with anxiety. She told Worth, “Poor diet leads to gut inflammation which leads to impairments like depression and anxiety, which often leads people to eat a poor diet. It’s a negative feedback loop.”

A sufferer of anxiety herself, Dr. Naidoo has just published a new book completely devoted to the subject, Calm Your Mind With Food.

I highly recommend both doctors’ books. They’re clear and easy to understand. Most importantly, they’re compelling. I’ve changed my diet since reading them. Maybe you will too.  

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