46 | The Hidden Link Between Metabolism and Teen Anxiety: How Diet, Sleep & Blue Light Impact Mental Health with Dr. Matt Bernstein
Hi Parents,
What if easing your teen’s anxiety wasn’t just about therapy or medication - but also about their meals, sleep habits, and screen time?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Matt Bernstein, clinical psychiatrist and CEO of Accord, to explore the powerful, often-overlooked link between metabolism and mental health. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Bernstein shares how everyday choices - from the foods we eat to the light we’re exposed to - can influence anxiety, focus, and emotional regulation.
We break down how metabolic dysfunction (like blood sugar crashes, poor sleep, and blue light overload) can fuel anxiety in teens - and how simple, science-backed changes can help. Dr. Bernstein explains the benefits of a whole-food, high-fat, low-carb diet, how circadian rhythms affect mood, and why walking after meals might be one of the easiest tools for mental wellness.
You’ll also hear why ultra-processed foods are more damaging than we think, how screen time affects the brain, and why sleep is a non-negotiable for well-being. If your teen struggles with anxiety, low energy, or mood swings, this episode offers clarity and hope.
About Dr. Matt Bernstein:
Dr. Matt is a board-certified psychiatrist and CEO of Accord, a platform transforming mental health through metabolic care. A leader in the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry, he connects brain health to lifestyle habits like nutrition, movement, and sleep. In 2023, he hosted the first public conference on metabolic psychiatry to advance this important conversation.
This episode is packed with practical strategies to help your teen feel calmer, more balanced, and better equipped to thrive - even in a world full of sugar, screens, and stress.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
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