The Science of Caregiver Stress: How to Rewire Stress & Restore Calm | with Dr. Jayanth Peddi

In this hopeful and eye-opening conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Jayanth Peddi, a UK-based GP and integrative/functional medicine practitioner. Together, they tackle one of the most pressing realities for dementia families and professionals alike: chronic caregiver stress. Dr. Peddi explains how stress reshapes the brain–body connection, why mindset and sleep are non-negotiable, and simple, practical steps caregivers can take today to feel calmer, stronger, and more in control.

👤 Meet Dr. Jayanth Peddi:

Dr. Jayanth Peddi, MBBS, MRCGP is a family physician (GP) in Leeds, UK, practicing integrative and functional medicine. He leads Lifecare Functional and Integrative Medical Clinic and is associated with Serenity Health & Wellness in Leeds, offering adjunctive wellness therapies.

📌 Topics Discussed:

- The brain as a “frequency generator” and how thoughts influence physiology

- What long-term high stress does to caregivers (nervous system, hormones, fatigue)

- Parasympathetic vs. sympathetic: why balance matters and how to restore it

- Practical resets: meditation, breathwork, sleep timing, movement, nature

- Nutrient basics for stressed bodies: Vitamin D + K2, B-complex, magnesium, and minerals

- Vagus-nerve support and neural therapy as a rapid “calm-down” intervention

- Why genetics ≠ destiny for most chronic conditions; the empowering role of lifestyle

- Water quality, environmental load, and starting small (one habit at a time)

- Emotional detox: releasing stored stress and how it accelerates physical healing

- Hopeful perspectives on dementia care and areas for future deep dives

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome & Laura’s intro to Dr. Peddi

02:40 – From illness to integrative medicine: Dr. Peddi’s journey

08:10 – Caregiver stress 101: what constant stress does to the body

14:45 – Mindset, meditation, and brain “frequency”: changing your state

21:30 – Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic; vagus-nerve reset tools

27:00 – Practical basics: sleep window, breathwork, daily movement

32:10 – Foundational nutrients for caregivers (D/K2, B’s, magnesium, minerals)

38:35 – Water quality & environmental load: realistic upgrades

44:20 – Emotional detox & releasing stored stress

50:15 – Hope for dementia families; why genetics isn’t destiny

56:00 – Where to learn more & how to connect with Dr. Peddi

💡 Key Takeaways:

- Your thoughts are biochemical. Changing your mindset shifts stress chemistry.

- Calm is trainable. Short daily meditation + breathwork can reset your system.

- Protect your sleep window. Earlier lights-out supports brain detox overnight.

- Replenish what stress depletes. Consider Vitamin D + K2, B-complex, magnesium, and multi-minerals (consult your clinician).

- Vagus-nerve support helps. Interventions like neural therapy may create a rapid, felt sense of balance.

- Start small. Pick one habit (sleep, breathing, water, or a 5-minute practice) and build from there.

- You’re not powerless. For most people, genetics ≠ destiny—daily choices matter.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

Practices: meditation, guided breathwork, daily movement/walks, sauna, emotional release work

Nutrient foundations: Vitamin D + K2, B-complex, magnesium, multi-mineral support

Topics to explore: vagus-nerve stimulation, neural therapy, water filtration, photobiomodulation

🤝 Connect with Dr. Jayanth Peddi:

Clinic: Lifecare Functional & Integrative Medical Clinic

Wellness: Serenity Health & Wellness

Website: lifecarefunctionalandintegrativemedicine.com

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeonRepeatPodcast

If this episode gave you a breath of hope, please like, subscribe, and share it with a caregiver or clinician who needs it. You’re not alone. 💛