Nutrition and Mental Health

Deborah Colson, Cognitive Nutritional Therapist at Re:Cognition Health, was interviewed by Primal Cure TV in a programme about the role played by nutrition in optimising mental health.

Nutritional supplements to support brain health

Deborah uses diet, supplements, exercise and other lifestyle interventions to help people improve their mental health. She has extensive experience in supporting a range of neurological conditions such as: ADHD, autism, dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Mental health treatment options

In the interview, Deborah explains that there is a lack of understanding about the options available to people affected by mental health. She notes that they often stop looking when they seek advice and treatment from mainstream medical practitioners.

Deborah believes that diet can be used to support conventional mental health treatments, like therapy and medication. This is a belief supported by many studies that have recognised the important role played by nutrition in supporting mental health

Bacteria and mental health

Deborah also shares her insight on the role of the microbiome, the complex ecosystem of bacteria in the body. The microbiome plays an important role in modulating inflammation in the body, something essential for good mental health.

Boosting cognitive performance

The best vitamins and minerals to optimise cognitive performance are also explored. Deborah explains that nutrients are important because of their role as building blocks for neurotransmitters. They also influence inflammation, something that underpins many mental health conditions.

Sugar and the brain

Deborah highlights that sugar can increase the risk of disrupting brain function as well as driving up inflammation in the body and brain, contributing to conditions like anxiety and depression.

She also explains that sugar can have long term effects on wellness, increasing the risk of dementia by 20% as well as increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.