Integrative & Functional Nutrition

“Nutrition is the most important missing link to mental health in society today.” (Leslie Korn, PhD)

Our nutrition is so fundamental to our health and wellness. Yet we are not taught this. As a doctoral-level psychologist, I was not required to take a nutrition course, nor do I remember ever being taught to include a nutritional assessment when meeting with patients for initial evaluations throughout the course of all my graduate training. Medical doctors trained in conventional Western institutions aren’t faring much better either. How can that be? This must change.

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is depleted of the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for optimal health and longevity. Not only are we not getting what we need from our food and soil sources, we are getting exorbitant amounts of toxins, poisons, and additives instead. And we wonder why we don’t feel good?!

If you are serious about your health and longevity, integrating functional nutrition into your overall treatment plan is not optional. And it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or unreasonably costly. You can make slow and steady changes over time that will dramatically transform your life and vitality.

Just say no-- to added sugars, industrial seed oils, fried foods, and artificial food coloring. Get in the habit of reading labels. The entire label. Simply reading the ingredient list can sometimes be enough motivation to put it down and move on.

Artificial food coloring is without question neurotoxic. That literally means toxic to your brain and nervous system. Too many children are medicated to manage behavior problems that did not start with the child, yet simply with the child’s diet. Hyperactivity, aggression, irritability, and mood swings are common effects of food dyes on the system.

Food intolerances and sensitivities (not potentially life-threatening allergies) are frequently missed but may underlie a range of symptoms including depression, brain fog, anxiety, chronic pain, and more. For example, many people do not tolerate gluten and dairy very well. They may not be allergic, but they may notice congestion, increased mucus, difficulty concentrating, or increased joint pain and stiffness in the days after eating these foods. Start to notice what you are feeling in mind and body after eating certain foods. Likewise, when you notice your feelings change, develop the habit of asking yourself what you ate in recent days. Make a mental note. Keep a food journal. You will be surprised.

Food is Medicine. Also not up for debate. You can learn how to incorporate food groups, spices, and herbs to support brain function, mood, energy, and decrease inflammation. Some of the core nutrients for mental health include vitamins D and B Complex, proteins, healthy fats and Omegas, and probiotics.

Mood follows food. We really are what we eat. More accurately, how we feel depends on how we eat.

Nutrition before prescription. If you are tired of adding a new medication for every new symptom, I encourage you to try a nutritional medicine approach.