FEATURED Medical education topic:
The Power of Diet for Treating Mental Illness

What is the problem? 
Nutrition plays a crucial role in brain development and function. New data is emerging on the importance of diet for mental health. This includes data on dietary components that can exacerbate mental health symptoms, as well as information on the positive, protective effects of specific nutrients. Inflammation, intestinal microbiota, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neural plasticity are all shown as potential mechanisms in the relationship between diet and mental health. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the key dietary factors to screen for in patient dietary intake and to understand a few key dietary recommendations that can be shared with patients. 

Proposed Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, the learners will be able to:

• Identify key dietary exposures that can exacerbate mental health issues
• Understand the brain mechanisms behind dietary effects
• Share three simple tips for healthier eating with their patients
• Name the micronutrients with the most significant influence on mental health

If your medical staff needs an update on dietary influence on mental health, consider contacting our office to book a speaker at 877-505-4777 or info@speakersnetwork.com.

REFERENCES
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11133159
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.pn.2024.07.7.52