Course Description
"Food for Thought: The Relationship Between Food, Gut, and Brain" is an eye-opening course that explores the fascinating connection between nutrition and mental health. Led by world-renowned researcher Professor Julia Rucklidge, this introductory-level course delves into the groundbreaking science behind how our dietary choices can significantly impact our mental wellbeing. Whether you're a health professional, someone struggling with mental health challenges, or simply curious about the intersection of food and brain health, this course offers valuable insights and practical knowledge to help you build a better brain through nutrition.
What students will learn from the course
- Understand the evolution of our food supply and its impact on mental health
- Recognize key food components relevant to brain health
- Discover dietary patterns that maximize nutrient density for optimal mental wellbeing
- Explore the connection between dietary choices and mental health outcomes
- Examine and critically evaluate dietary advice for better mental health
- Learn simple, actionable ways to improve your diet for enhanced brain function
- Identify individual and environmental factors affecting nutrient supply to the brain
- Explore the paradigm shift of using broad spectrum micronutrients for mental health challenges
- Understand when supplementation may be necessary to alleviate mental health suffering
Pre-requisites
While a science background would be desirable, it is not required to participate in and benefit from this course. The content is designed to be accessible to learners from various backgrounds, making it suitable for anyone interested in the relationship between food, gut, and brain health.
What the course will cover
- The history of using food as a treatment for mental health
- Essential food components to consider when making dietary choices
- The importance of micronutrients, such as minerals and vitamins, for brain health
- Dietary patterns that promote mental wellbeing
- The impact of individual and environmental factors on nutrient supply to the brain
- The role of supplementation in addressing mental health challenges
- Practical strategies for implementing a brain-healthy diet
Who this course is for
- Health professionals working with individuals facing mental health challenges
- People struggling with low mood, anxiety, or stress
- Individuals supporting others with mental health issues
- Anyone interested in the relationship between nutrition and mental health
- Students and professionals in psychology, toxicology, and nutrition
- Individuals seeking to improve their overall mental wellbeing through dietary changes
How learners can use these skills in the real world
- Health professionals can incorporate nutrition-based interventions into their treatment plans for patients with mental health issues.
- Individuals struggling with mental health challenges can make informed dietary choices to support their wellbeing.
- Caregivers and support persons can provide evidence-based nutritional guidance to those they assist.
- Nutritionists and dietitians can expand their expertise to include mental health considerations in their practice.
- Researchers in psychology and nutrition can apply this knowledge to further investigate the links between food and mental health.
- Anyone can use these insights to optimize their diet for better brain health and overall mental wellbeing.
Syllabus
MODULE 1: Nutrition and Mental Health: Why now?
MODULE 2: Introduction to nutrients relevant to brain health.
MODULE 3: Dietary patterns and mental health.
MODULE 4: The factors that influence the supply of nutrients to the brain.
MODULE 5: Supplementation as treatment for mental health problems: The evidence.
MODULE 6: The bigger context: What can you do to build a better brain?
By enrolling in "Food for Thought: The Relationship Between Food, Gut, and Brain," you'll gain valuable insights into the cutting-edge field of nutritional psychiatry and learn how to harness the power of food and nutrients to support mental health and build a better brain.
