The connection between nutritional deficiencies and physical illness is well documented. But, did you know that there may be a connection between what you eat and how you feel mentally? Lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep, inactivity, and stress can lead to irritability and affect your mood. However, what you eat may also play a role.
An emerging area of science uses nutrition to enhance brain health. Known as Nutritional Psychology or Nutritional Psychiatry, this area of science recognizes the many roles that nutrients play when it comes to mood, behavior, and overall brain health. Nutrients allow chemical reactions to occur, support the function of cells and their ability to produce energy, reduce inflammation, and help with detoxification or removal of what the body does not want. Approximately 20-40% of the nutrients and energy we consume is used by the brain. When we eat, we are also feeding our brain [i].
The Connection Between the Gut and the Brain
From bite to brain: The quality of the food we eat directly and indirectly affects our brain and behavior. To function properly, the brain relies on appropriate nutrients, including lipids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which we derive from food [ii]. Once food is digested and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, these nutrients eventually reach the brain. The array of food we eat also indirectly affects the brain through alterations in the trillions of bacteria colonized in the gut, the microbiota. These alterations include changes in the microbial composition, diversity, and activity of the gut. The brain’s capacity to regulate appetite and energy levels, for example, relies on certain metabolites (short chain fatty acids) produced by gut microbes [iii].
Playing telephone: Through bidirectional communication channels and multiple feedback loops known as the gut-brain-axis, the gut and its microbiome talk to the brain, particularly the cognitive and emotional centers of the brain, and the brain talks to the gut and its microbiome [iv]. Although not yet well understood, evidence suggests that interactions between the gut and brain occur through the vagus nerve, circulating blood levels, and the immune system. For example, neurotransmitters are chemical messengers produced in the gut that can transmit sensory signals through the vagus nerve to the brain and affect its function, including movement, emotion, learning, and memory. Reduced levels of some of these neurotransmitters are associated with symptoms of depression [v]. Precursors to neurotransmitters, like serotonin (associated with sleep, appetite, pain, and mood) and dopamine (associated with depression), are also produced by gut microbiota and travel through the blood to the brain. Once they arrive and accumulate in the brain, these precursors are transported across the blood-brain-barrier and taken up by neurotransmitter-producing cells where they then affect cognition and emotion. We obtain these precursors from our foods; the amino acid tryptophan (found in turkey and dark leafy greens) is a precursor to serotonin and the amino acid tyrosine (found in soy, peanuts, fish, and milk) is a precursor to dopamine. When there is a balanced gut microbiota, these amino acids can be metabolized and play their role in affecting the brain [v].
Trouble in the gut: When there is an imbalance in gut microbiota (or dysbiosis), various neurological disorders, including major depressive disorder, symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood, memory, and indicators of reduced quality of life can occur [iii]. In other words, the presence or absence of certain microbes can be brain altering. While advances in DNA sequencing and other technologies including the use of fecal transplantation, prebiotics, and probiotics continue to reveal the links among gut microbiota, the brain, and effects on mood and behavior, one thing is for sure: what you eat matters.
Diets
What to eat: Studies show that certain diets are associated with lower likelihood of developing depression. These include the Norwegian and Mediterranean diets which are characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean meats [vi]. Additional foods like olive oil, low-fat dairy, and those with antioxidants are also associated with lower risk of depression [vii]. In one study of both male and female adults, self-reported levels of anxiety, stress, and well-being improved when a dietary pattern similar to the Mediterranean diet was followed regardless of BMI and lifestyle factors (physical activity, alcohol, and smoking), and the risk of depressive symptoms was highest among women who ate a pro-inflammatory diet [vi]. Similar to the Mediterranean diet, a plant-based diet was associated with positive changes in gut microbial composition and supports cognition [iv]. In one literature review of approximately 13 studies, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables was associated with self-reported increased life satisfaction, happiness, lowered stress, improved mood, and well-being, with vegetables having the greatest influence on total eating happiness [viii]. The DASH diet, characterized by a high intake of plant proteins, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and restricted amounts of sodium, red meat, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages, is associated with improving symptoms of anger, depression, anxiety, tension, and vigor [ix]. A vegan diet may improve tension, depression, anger, fatigue, stress, and anxiety [ix]. On the other hand, a diet similar to the Western diet, characterized by a high intake of energy-dense, high-fat, high-sugar products, red and/or processed meat, refined grains, high-fat dairy products, butter, potatoes, high-fat gravy, and alcohol with low intake of fruits and vegetables, is associated with an increased risk of depression [vi]. The latter was also concluded in a meta-analysis of 21 cross-sectional and cohort studies from 10 countries, although not all studies adjusted for lifestyle behavior and environmental stressors [vii].
Inflammation: One possible link between diet and poor mental health and well-being is the inflammatory effect that certain foods may have on one’s body. The gut microbiome can trigger pro- and anti-inflammatory immune responses and inflammation in the brain [iv]. Chronic inflammation (elevated biomarkers of immune activity in the blood) is associated with depression and other mental disorders [x]. In one study of more than 40,000 women ages 50-77 followed over 12 years, those who ate a diet high in sugar-sweetened soft drinks, refined grains, red meat, diet soft drinks, and margarine (inflammatory foods), and low in red wine, caffeinated coffee, olive oil, and green leafy and yellow vegetables (protective foods) showed a greater risk of depression than those who ate a diet low in inflammatory foods and high in protective foods [xi].
Ultra-processed foods: Perhaps the greatest source of inflammatory foods for most Americans is highly processed foods known as ultra-processed foods. Ultra-processed foods are foods that are low-priced, shelf-stable, highly palatable (high fat, high sugar), industrial formulations derived from food combined with artificial additives such as preservatives, fillers, and dyes [xii]. A greater intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with greater odds of depressive and anxiety symptoms, trauma, and stress [xii]. When high amounts of sugar are consumed, free radicals and pro-inflammatory substances in the gut may be produced [ix]. A dietary pattern high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium may increase negative moods [ix, xiii]. In one study over a 5-year period, individuals ingesting the highest amounts of ultra-processed foods were significantly more likely to report mild depression, mentally unhealthy days, and anxious days per month [xiv].
Evidence suggests that emulsifiers, artificial food coloring, and other chemicals (eg. carboxymethylcellulose, polysorbate-80) alter the gut microbiota thereby fostering the body’s inflammatory response [xii]. Exposure to BPA used in plastic packaging may impact stress hormones and lead to anxious and depressive states, while certain artificial sweeteners (saccharine, aspartame) and MSG (monosodium glutamate) may affect neurotransmitters that regulate mood [xii].
Feelings derived from stress can influence appetite-related hormones (eg. cortisol) in our body and alter eating behavior. Emotional eating and comfort foods like ultra-processed foods are often sought in times of stress. Both the change in microbiota and hormones raise the desire for hyper-palatable foods leading to a higher risk of depression and other mood changes [vi, xii]. Eating ultra-processed foods such as potato chips once in a while may not be harmful, but a diet where ultra-processed foods become a staple may be.
Nutrient Deficiencies
While following an existing dietary pattern may be useful to improve mood, understanding the basis behind eating healthy diets may prove helpful. Deficiencies in certain vitamins, minerals, and additional nutrients are associated with serious cognitive and mood problems [xv]. The extent to which mild deficiencies also impact cognition and mood are still being researched, but here’s what we know:
- Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play roles in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions, including cognitive function. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression [xvi]. A deficiency in B-12 is also associated with fatigue and lethargy [ii]. Vitamin B-12 is plentiful in animal products such as fish, lean meat, poultry, eggs, and low-fat and fat-free milk. If necessary, fortified breakfast cereals (unsweetened preferably) are also a good source of B-12 and other B vitamins [xv]. Reach out to Ina for good food sources of all B vitamins.
- Omega 3 fatty acids are needed for overall brain and nervous system functioning. They are essential in that our body does not produce them and they must be consumed in our diet. Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and seed and nut oils such as flax, chia, sunflower, soybean, and walnuts. Diets high in omega 3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and improve mood [ix]. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends fish be eaten at least twice per week by children and adults [xv].
- Magnesium inhibits inflammation. A low vegetable and whole grain diet is associated with low magnesium intake. Along with obesity, a diet deficient in magnesium has been associated with elevated inflammatory biomarkers in children [xv]. A Mediterranean Diet is high in magnesium and the link between a Mediterranean Diet and improved mood may be due to its high magnesium content [ix]. Foods high in magnesium include chlorophyll-rich vegetables, nuts, seeds, fatty fish like salmon and halibut, and whole grains.
- Vitamin D has many roles and contains anti-inflammatory properties. A deficiency in Vitamin D is associated with symptoms of depression and negative emotions [xvii]. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight (skin exposed to UV light produces Vitamin D) and diet. Foods high in Vitamin D include fatty fish, fish eggs or caviar, organ meats, egg yolks, and mushrooms.
- Protein is instrumental in repairing and building body tissues and can affect brain development, function, and physical and mental health. Many neurotransmitters in the brain are made from the amino acids in protein. A diet deficient in the amino acids tyrosine (used to make dopamine) and tryptophan (used to make serotonin) is associated with low mood and aggression [xviii]. Choose foods rich in lean, high quality protein such as meats, poultry, milk, other dairy products, eggs, and dark leafy vegetables. It is suggested that a plant-based diet rich in a variety of protein-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and legumes should provide adequate protein coverage, subject to individual needs [xix].
- Foods containing probiotics and foods serving as prebiotics may help the gut in its communication with the nervous system by maintaining a balance of good bacteria. As mentioned above, these bacteria and their by-products influence brain function and behavior. Discuss with your doctor and registered dietitian the possibility of supplementing with pre and probiotics. Supplementation of probiotics in older adults improved mental flexibility and reduced stress [xx]. Foods containing probiotics include plain yogurt, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut. Prebiotics serve as food for the microbiota. Foods that act as prebiotics include asparagus, garlic, onions, walnuts, bananas, oats, apples, leeks, chickpeas, and lentils.
- Additional nutrients associated with depression or mood status are deficiencies in iron, iodine, chromium, selenium, zinc [xviii], vitamins C and E, phytochemicals and other antioxidants [ix]. Each of these nutrients is required for proper coordination, communication, and functioning within the body and nervous system. Ina can help you explore foods containing these nutrients.
What does all this mean?
Even though eating ultra-processed foods may make you feel good in the short term, in the long run it may not. As scientific researchers continue to work towards identifying the role and causal mechanisms that diet may have on mood, it is clear that an imbalanced gut flora and nutritional deficiencies can affect mental health. What foods will you choose for your next meal?
Tips
- Eat a diet rich in nutrient dense, whole foods such as the Mediterranean and DASH diets.
- Include foods containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties such as salmon, kale, garlic, wild rice, and blueberries.
- Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables daily. The fiber in them is associated with improved brain health and function [iv].
- Ultra-processed foods containing sugar and fat can induce bloating, sluggishness, and promote negative feelings.
- Choose extra virgin oil for your salads. Extra virgin olive oil in particular has phenolic compounds that has anti-inflammatory properties [xxi].
- It is never too late to change your gut microbiota. Major diet changes in adulthood can modify the microbiota in just days [iii].
- Stress may cause increased gut permeability or leaky gut and inflammation which is implicated in chronic depression [xx]. If stressed, avoid the habit of reaching for sugar-ladened food providing a quick energy boost. Fluctuations in blood glucose can cause distinct changes in mood. Reach for fruits or vegetables (which are anti-inflammatory) with a healthy protein and/or fat to stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Focusing on what’s going well in your day instead of what’s going wrong may improve your health. Studies show that positive emotions can help deal with stress and improve energy [xxiii], and may help make better food choices.
- Look for interventions to reduce stress. Studies show that stress can reduce levels of micronutrients in your body [xxiv]. It may also affect the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, leading to more stress [xxv]. Try a 30 second body scan to relieve stress or mindful diaphragmatic breathing.
- Be mindful when you eat. Mindfulness eating is associated with improved mood, promotes awareness of satiety cues, and may help us make healthy snack choices [xxvi]. So, savor your food (its smell, taste, texture), consider the effort it took to grow, its connection to nature, and make healthy choices. It just might improve your mood!
Next Steps
As you consider the impact that diet, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies may have on your mood, remember to reach out to your medical provider if you are experiencing any mental health issues. Taking care of your mental health is equally as important as taking care of your physical health and critical to optimizing overall well-being.
References:
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Susan started Savor Health after losing a close friend to a brain tumor and, through that experience, becoming aware of the significant unmet nutritional needs of people with cancer. Struck by the fact that her friend was told “nutrition doesn’t matter” and “eat whatever you want,” Susan read the evidence-based literature on the subject, interviewed oncologists, oncology nurses and oncology dietitians, as well as patients and caregivers, and found that, in fact, nutrition does matter in oncology. Armed with solid scientific evidence supporting the clinical and quality of life benefits of proper nutrition, Susan left Wall Street and created Savor Health, an AI-based provider of personalized and clinically appropriate nutrition solutions for cancer patients, their caregivers and health enterprises. Susan brings to Savor Health over 25 years of industry experience in healthcare and business as well as expertise in strategy, finance and management.
Marissa Buchan is a registered dietitian, with advanced practice certifications in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) and Clinical Research (CCRP). She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Duke University, and Master’s of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. Marissa worked for 10 years at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in both the clinical research and nutrition departments. In addition to counseling patients before, during, and after cancer therapy, she spearheaded nutrition-research efforts for the bone marrow transplant service. She has co-authored over 20 articles and has a particular interest in the role of nutrition on the intestinal microbiota and its impact on patient outcomes. When Marissa’s not wearing her lab coat, she’s in her apron whipping up healthy and delicious recipes that you can find on her blog, Get Off Your Tush and Cook.
Dr. DeFrance has a unique background including clinical interventional cardiologist, chief medical officer, educator, outcomes researcher and entrepreneur. He has expertise in Lifestyle medicine in which he was board certified in 2020 and is highly interested in the prevention and reversal of chronic disease. Dr. DeFrance also has expertise in appropriate utilization of technology in medicine, healthcare economics, value-based metrics, and educational design and delivery. He worked as Chief Medical Officer for HealthHelp, one of the largest specialty benefit managers in the US, and led large teams of healthcare professionals in writing evidence based appropriate care guidelines and rule sets which improve the quality and safety of medicine for over 20 million people in the US while also creating sustained savings in healthcare. He has also designed clinical decision support systems that are currently in use helping to improve patient care.
Alyson is a registered nurse and is certified in oncology nursing (OCN) through the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). She also has her certification as an ONS Biotherapy and Chemotherapy Provider. Alyson studied nursing at Thomas Jefferson University where she obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). Since starting her nursing career in 2004, Alyson has had a strong dedication and commitment to oncology patients. She has worked inpatient specializing in Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation. Alyson currently works in outpatient oncology at the North Shore-LIJ Monter Cancer Center. Alyson is part of the clinical team at Savor Health where she counsels patients on oncology and oncology nutrition issues and contributes to website and other Savor Health content.
Chelsey is a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Oncology nutrition (CSO). She completed her Dietetic Internship at Northwell Health, received her BS in Dietetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her MS in Nutrition at Stony Brook University’s School of Medicine. Chelsey works as an outpatient dietitian at Mount Sinai covering all of the downtown cancer services at Mount Sinai Beth Israel and Philips Ambulatory Care Center. Chelsey works with patients and families before, during and after treatment to optimize their nutrition through dietary counseling and support. Chelsey has experience counseling clients with a variety of diagnoses including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, head & neck cancer, and more. Chelsey also enjoys sharing nutrition knowledge with her peers by running a monthly Employee Wellness program that showcases healthy topics, recipes and food demos.
Michelle is a Registered Dietitian specializing in oncology. She works as a clinical dietitian at an ambulatory cancer center in New York City and is a consultant for Savor Health. She is passionate about educating oncology patients on the importance of nutrition during their fight against cancer and helping them to optimize their nutrition through all phases of treatment. Michelle received her Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University.
Denise Sievering is a Registered Dietitian who is board certified in Oncology Nutrition as well as Nutrition Support. A fluent Spanish speaker, Denise joined the Savor Health team to support Spanish speaking cancer patients and to continue to expand the Platform’s nutritional strategies and recommendations in Spanish. Denise holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University, and completed her internship at New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYP). Denise started her career as a registered dietitian at NYP-Columbia University Medical Center, primarily covering inpatient Oncology units. Denise also holds a Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from New York University, and incorporates her advanced training in motivational interviewing and empathic listening in her patient encounters, particularly those whose lives have been forever changed by a cancer diagnosis. A New Jersey native, Denise now resides in sunny San Diego, CA where she works as a part-time outpatient Oncology dietitian at Scripps Health-MD Anderson Cancer Center, and also works as an inpatient dietitian at Kaiser Permanente. In her spare time, Denise can be found at a mom-and-pop taco shop, one of the many local craft breweries, and exploring her new city of San Diego with her husband and her rescue pup, Ripley.
Karen is a Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition and registered in New York as a Certified Dietitian Nutritionist. Fluent in Spanish, Karen joined the Savor Health team to support Spanish speaking cancer patients and to continue to expand the Platform’s nutritional strategies and recommendations in Spanish. Karen received her Bachelor of Science degree from Ithaca College and her Master of Science degree from Hunter College. She works as an outpatient oncology dietitian in New York. Karen often works with local community centers to host nutrition programs for cancer survivors and their families, leading classes on how to live healthier lifestyles throughout their continuum of care. The American Institute of Cancer Research selected to showcase one of her many programs at their conference in 2019. Karen has written for and lent commentary to various publications and truly enjoys teaching people how to eat better. She loves to cook and strongly feels that healthy food doesn’t have to taste bad.
Allie is a Registered Dietitian and a Certified Specialist in Oncology (CSO). She joins Savor in 2023, bringing years of experience from the John Theurer Cancer Center in New Jersey, where she worked with patients with a variety of cancers. Her goal is to help people feel their best, both mentally and physically, when physical health challenges arise. She believes in the power of nutrition ever since the impact it made on her athletic career as a volleyball player during college. Allie graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree from University of Maryland-Baltimore County and has her Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Wisconsin Stout. She enjoys travelling, enjoying different cuisines, cooking, and hiking and other outdoor activities with her family and dog.
Julia Penberg is a seasoned healthcare professional with more than 30 years of experience focusing on maximizing operational excellence, leading clinical program development and building strong cross-functional teams. Her previous roles include overseeing the performance of clinical managers and nurse practitioners across multiple markets within United Healthcare-Optum’s Medicare Advantage and dual-eligible special needs populations, payer outreach and program development at Mayo Clinic, ground level specialty hospital development and direct patient care as a family and dermatology nurse practitioner. Julia volunteered as an operating room nurse and nurse practitioner on several mission trips to Romania and was a support group leader for the Kansas City chapter of the International Myeloma Foundation. Her motivation throughout her career has been with wellness promotion, disease risk modification and ensuring the best patient experience across the health continuum. Ms. Penberg received an MBA from the University of Dallas; a MS in Nursing from the University of Kansas and a BS in Nursing from the University of Texas-Austin. She is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Rachel is a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (“CSO”). She joined NYP-Columbia as the outpatient oncology dietitian in 2020 after working at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for two years. Rachel completed her dietetic internship through Keene State College in 2017. She is pursuing an MS in Integrative Nutrition at Stony Brook University and has a BS in Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise from Virginia Tech. Rachel provides nutrition counseling to all types of oncology patients and helps them understand the mental and physical benefits of nutrition as an ally in their fight against cancer. In her free time she enjoys slow meals with family and friends, Pilates, and tending to her fire escape garden.
Allie Werner is a Registered Dietitian at Fresenius Kidney Care where she provides medical nutrition therapy diet counseling to patients on Dialysis. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in nutrition from Indiana University and completed her Master’s Degree and dietetic internship at Loyola University Chicago. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, checking out the amazing food scene in downtown Chicago, and exercising on her Peloton bike.
Immersed in the tech world for a decade, I've coded, led teams, and honed my skills in architecture and design. As a tech enthusiast, I've seamlessly woven through full-stack projects, fusing my love for code with the art of leadership.
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Rayna McCann is a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher and yoga4cancer certified. She received her BS in Nutrition at Penn State University and her MS from Stony Brook University. For work, Rayna wears many hats in the world of nutrition and worked for years in clinical settings focusing on oncology nutrition. She is also an Adjunct Professor and passionate about inspiring the future of dietitians. Throughout her career, she has received awards recognizing her dedication to patient safety and her contributions to improving malnutrition awareness. In 2022, Rayna was proud to accept the ‘Dietitian of the Year’ award through the Long Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Rayna has co-authored abstracts for poster presentations within the American Institute for Cancer Research conference, as well as, the Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference Expo and subsequent publication. She has enjoyed authoring articles, including an article for The Cure magazine regarding Multiple Myeloma and nutrition. When Rayna is not participating in nutrition related activities, she is dedicated to dog rescue.
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Dr. Becker has served in many roles throughout her career as a Transplant Surgeon. She is currently Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at LifeGift, an organ transplant procurement organization. Dr. Becker is a Past President of the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing (“OPTN/UNOS”) Board of Directors and served during tumultuous times. While serving as OPTN President, lung allocation and liver allocations were both amended to decrease geographic disparities. She has most recently served on the UNOS corporate affairs committee as an advisor. Dr. Becker is a former committee member for the National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine. She is currently serving on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) steering committee as the Co-Chair of a workgroup assessing patient factors contributing to kidney graft loss.
Jon Bond is one of the advertising and marketing industry’s most recognized thought leaders and entrepreneurs. He has developed several significant companies and marketing concepts over his 30-year career. Jon was Co-Founder and CEO of Kirshenbaum Bond and Partners (KBP). KBP was the first to develop the modern multi-disciplinary, integrated agency. He was CEO of Big Fuel (now part of Publicis) and co-founded and sold one of the first online media agencies (iballs) to Microsoft. Currently, Jon is founder and Chief Tomorroist at TOMORRO. Established in 2012, TOMORRO is a value accelerator using marketing, innovation, and strategic business development to help visionary companies achieve their ambitions.
Eliza is passionate about helping people live healthier and more fulfilling lives. She has held leadership, advisory and consulting roles at numerous health-focused companies, including RunKeeper, MyFitnessPal/Under Armour, Foodsmart (formerly Zipongo), January AI (precision health), Allara Health (women’s health) and Everyday Health (and their acquisition of weight-loss app, Lose It!). Eliza is a business operator with a track record of building and inspiring high-performing teams to deliver outstanding results and scale effectively. She has a foundation in finance and consulting and 10+ years of operational leadership at Bay Area startups, including two successful exists (MyFitnessPal, Ooyala). Eliza completed her MBA at Harvard Business School and graduated magna cum laude from Middlebury College with a double major in Art History & Economics. She is a Boston native living in New York with her husband and three children.
Ethan Basch is an oncologist and cancer researcher at the University of North Carolina, where he is Chief of Oncology and Physician-in-Chief of the Cancer Hospital. Dr. Basch has conducted research on patient-centered cancer care models for the past two decades, developing connected health technologies and care delivery strategies to improve quality of care and the patient experience. His research group established that care teams miss more than half of patients’ symptoms during cancer care, and demonstrated that electronic tools not only can close that gap, but can improve cancer outcomes including quality of life, hospitalizations, and overall survival. He has published over 300 scientific papers on these topics, including in JAMA, New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, Journal of Clinical Oncology, JAMA Oncology, Cancer, etc. He has served on the Board of Scientific Advisors of the National Cancer Institute, the Board of Directors of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the Board of the International Society of Quality of Life Research (ISOQOL), and as an editor for JAMA. He received his MD at Harvard Medical School, residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital, and oncology training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he was on faculty until moving to North Carolina in 2012. The mission of his work is to improve the experiences and quality of life of people with cancer.
David Raben, M.D. is currently V.P. and Chief Medical Officer, Bicara Therapeutics. Dr. Raben is also on faculty at the University of Colorado where he is a board-certified Professor of Radiation Oncology and has recently been named a U.S. News Top Doctor. He received a B.A. in Psychology from Duke University in 1985 and completed his M.D. at Wake Forest University/Bowman Grey School of Medicine in 1990. After graduation, he completed residency in Radiation Oncology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital from 1991-1994, serving as a chief resident in 1994. Dr. Raben has developed nationally recognized clinical expertise over the past 20 years in the management of head and neck cancer (HNC), lung cancer and prostate/bladder cancers. Clinically, Dr. Raben has a strong interest in nutritional precision for patients, with an interest in reducing processed foods and sugars in patients with locally advanced cancers, especially ones with high cell turnover. An anti-inflammatory strategy with a Mediterranean dietary approach coupled with reductions in high carbohydrate loading may reduce or slow cancer progression and improve a patient’s intrinsic microbiome to enhance immune response to various therapies including immune enabling drugs like checkpoint inhibitors that have shown dramatic success recently in advanced cancers. From a research perspective, his focus has been on laboratory discoveries and innovative clinical trials in areas such as high risk, heavy smoker HNC patients and has explored approaches that inhibit cancer DNA repair or growth factor signaling. Dr. Raben recently completed the first Phase I clinical trial in the US with and oral DNA repair inhibitor (PARP inhibitor) and radiation for heavy smokers when combined with intensity modulated radiation (IMRT). His efforts currently center around evaluation of TGFb inhibition in HNSCC as well as the use of radiation to stimulate activity of immune enabling drugs. Nationally, Dr. Raben serves on the NRG Oncology head and neck steering committee as well as co-chairing the Developmental Therapeutics Co-Chair at the NRG. He actively serves as an ASCO Ambassador for Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Courses (MCMC) to help educate underserved areas around the world in cancer care. Finally, he serves an ad hoc reviewer for high impact journals such as Journal of Clinical Oncology, Annals of Oncology, JAMA Oncology, Oral Oncology, Head and Neck, Int. Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, Clinical Cancer Research and Cancer Research. He has authored over 140 publications.
Jason Montrie is an award-winning healthcare technology executive and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in building, growing, and scaling leading healthcare businesses. With a career that includes working at large health insurance companies like Humana, being Co-founder and CEO of the fastest growing heath insurance company in Illinois, and most recently serving as President of the premier healthcare data analytics platform and supplemental benefits company in the Medicare Advantage sector in Pareto Intelligence and Convey Health Solutions, Jason brings un unmatched set of experience and perspective to Savor which will help drive its growth.
Jonathan M. Kurie, M.D. Professor, Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, MD Anderson.