Dementia is a growing global health challenge, affecting 1 in 11 people over 65. Cognitive nutrition directly affects brain metabolism, structure, memory and attention. Eating healthier food is associated with a larger brain tissue volume in the hippocampus- the part of the brain that controls memory (according to the NIH).

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For example, as a cognitive nutritionist I will prescribe a personalised nutrient dense diet which is neuro-protective against cognitive decline, preserving brain tissue as we age. Antioxidants in fruit and vegetables protect against damage to brain cells. Nutrition can amongst other other things reduce insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, poor metabolic health such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, plus weight gain around the middle associated with some of the different types of dementia.

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I work with the functional medicine approach to poor brain health, cognitive decline, and neurological conditions with tailored protocols. This approach focuses on determining the underlying causes in order to promote recovery or stabilisation of health. For instance, this might also involve supporting the gut brain axis by addressing the gut microbiome - see this blog about the gut being the second brain. Or checking the oral microbiome as oral pathobionts (harmful bacteria) can directly breach the blood-brain barrier. Blood test panels can determine deficiencies that adversely impact the brain. Nutrigenomic testing can see how food can interact with your genes to create precision nutrition. Lifestyle medicine (and coaching around behavioural change) can also enhance neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new connections) by addressing the other important pillars - stress management, exercise and sleep.

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Increasing diagnoses of ADHD and autism are thankfully resulting in more awareness of neurodivergence. As someone with ADHD, I have seen how nutritional medicine for ADHD and autism can rectify nutrient deficiencies, reduce neuroinflammation, balance brain chemistry (increasing noradrenaline and dopamine, reducing glutamate, for example), diminishing brain fog, and enhancing cognition. It may also entail improving gut function because of the gut-brain axis, identifying food intolerances (if relevant) and even identifying genetic weakness around methylation for example or neurotransmitters to reduce their influence on brain health- see nutrigenomics. It’s powerful stuff.

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You are also more likely to have food addiction or a bad relationship with food because of ADHD impulsivity (sugar lights up our reward centre) and to get that dopamine hit! So providing support for this and for emotional eating is also very important, where relevant. 

 

Rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are skyrocketing worldwide which highlight just how widespread the crisis has become. I also see people with conditions such as bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, PMDD (a severe form of premenstrual tension). All of which may respond well to dietary changes, supplementation and functional medicine. 

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Women are particularly vulnerable to mental illness after childbirth. Studies show that 10–20% of mothers experience postnatal depression, while women with bipolar disorder face an additional risk of postpartum psychosis.
 

Sadly, the UK is facing a severe mental health crisis. The NHS lacks both the resources and funding to provide the level of care people desperately need. I’ce seen this firsthand — like many others, I've has experienced the shortcomings of mental health support in the UK. 
 

However, I use Nutritional Psychiatry (balancing the mind with nutritional measures, nutrigenomics, supplementation, and lifestyle interventions), which is a growing field with an increasing evidence base and recognition
 

There is no shame in taking medication for mental health – in fact, it can often be life-saving. My programmes are always designed to work alongside medical prescriptions as part of an integrated healthcare plan. I am also able to collaborate with your GP, psychiatrist, or neurologist to ensure you receive the most comprehensive support.