Personalized Nutrition in Mental Health
Expert-defined terms from the Global Certificate in Nutritional Psychiatry course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Amino Acid #
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for various bodily functions, including the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognitive function. Related terms: protein, neurotransmitter, mental health. In the context of personalized nutrition in mental health, amino acid supplementation, such as tryptophan and tyrosine, may be recommended to support mood regulation and cognitive function.
Antioxidant #
Antioxidants are compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation. Related terms: oxidative stress, inflammation, mental health. A diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, may help mitigate the negative effects of oxidative stress on mental health.
BDNF #
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the growth and maintenance of neurons. Related terms: neuroplasticity, neuronal health, mental health. A diet that supports BDNF production, such as one rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may be beneficial for neuronal health and mental well-being.
Blood #
Brain Barrier: The blood-brain barrier is a specialized barrier that separates the brain from the bloodstream, regulating the passage of nutrients and other substances into the brain. Related terms: nutrient uptake, brain health, mental health. A healthy blood-brain barrier is essential for maintaining proper brain function and mental health.
Cognitive Function #
Cognitive function refers to the mental processes that enable us to carry out daily tasks, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. Related terms: brain health, mental health, nutrition. A diet that supports cognitive function, such as one rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, may help mitigate the risk of cognitive decline.
Cortisol #
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that plays a role in the body's response to stress. Related terms: stress, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, mental health. Elevated cortisol levels can have negative effects on mental health, and a diet that supports cortisol regulation, such as one rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may be beneficial.
DHA #
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for brain function and development. Related terms: omega-3 fatty acids, brain health, mental health. DHA supplementation may be recommended to support brain health and mitigate the risk of mental health disorders.
Dietary Pattern #
A dietary pattern refers to the overall combination of foods and nutrients that an individual consumes. Related terms: nutrition, mental health, personalized nutrition. A healthy dietary pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
EPA #
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for brain function and development. Related terms: omega-3 fatty acids, brain health, mental health. EPA supplementation may be recommended to support brain health and mitigate the risk of mental health disorders.
Epigenetics #
Epigenetics refers to the study of gene expression and how it is influenced by environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle. Related terms: gene expression, nutrition, mental health. A diet that supports epigenetic health, such as one rich in folate, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Fatty Acid #
Fatty acids are a type of nutrient that are essential for various bodily functions, including brain function and development. Related terms: omega-3 fatty acids, brain health, mental health. A diet that supports fatty acid production, such as one rich in alpha-linolenic acid, may be beneficial for brain health and mental well-being.
Food Intolerance #
Food intolerance refers to an adverse reaction to a particular food or nutrient, which can have negative effects on mental health. Related terms: nutrition, mental health, personalized nutrition. Identifying and avoiding food intolerances, such as gluten intolerance, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Functional Medicine #
Functional medicine is a medical approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of disease, rather than just treating symptoms. Related terms: personalized medicine, nutrition, mental health. A functional medicine approach to mental health may involve personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.
Gene Expression #
Gene expression refers to the process by which genes are turned on or off, and how they are influenced by environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle. Related terms: epigenetics, nutrition, mental health. A diet that supports healthy gene expression, such as one rich in polyphenols, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Gut #
Brain Axis: The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication network between the gut and the brain, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood and cognitive function. Related terms: gut health, brain health, mental health. A diet that supports gut health, such as one rich in prebiotics, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Histamine #
Histamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood and cognitive function. Related terms: neurotransmitter, brain health, mental health. Elevated histamine levels can have negative effects on mental health, and a diet that supports histamine regulation, such as one low in histamine-rich foods, may be beneficial.
Hypothalamic #
Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a complex neuroendocrine system that regulates the body's response to stress. Related terms: stress, cortisol, mental health. A diet that supports HPA axis function, such as one rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Inflammation #
Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can have negative effects on mental health. Related terms: oxidative stress, mental health, nutrition. A diet that supports anti-inflammatory processes, such as one rich in antioxidants, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Insulin Resistance #
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body becomes less responsive to insulin, which can have negative effects on mental health. Related terms: glucose metabolism, mental health, nutrition. A diet that supports insulin sensitivity, such as one low in added sugars, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Kynurenine Pathway #
The kynurenine pathway is a metabolic pathway that plays a role in the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. Related terms: neurotransmitter, brain health, mental health. A diet that supports kynurenine pathway function, such as one rich in tryptophan, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Lipid Peroxidation #
Lipid peroxidation is a process in which fatty acids become damaged, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation. Related terms: oxidative stress, inflammation, mental health. A diet that supports antioxidant defenses, such as one rich in vitamin E, may be beneficial for mitigating lipid peroxidation and supporting mental health.
Methylation #
Methylation is a biochemical process that plays a role in gene expression and the production of neurotransmitters. Related terms: epigenetics, gene expression, mental health. A diet that supports methylation, such as one rich in folate and vitamin B12, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Micronutrient #
Micronutrients are essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that are required in small amounts for proper bodily function. Related terms: nutrition, mental health, personalized nutrition. A diet that provides adequate micronutrients, such as vitamin D and magnesium, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Mitochondria #
Mitochondria are the energy-producing structures within cells, and mitochondrial dysfunction can have negative effects on mental health. Related terms: energy metabolism, mental health, nutrition. A diet that supports mitochondrial function, such as one rich in coenzyme Q10, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Neuroplasticity #
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt and change in response to experience and learning. Related terms: brain health, mental health, nutrition. A diet that supports neuroplasticity, such as one rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Neurotransmitter #
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons, and play a crucial role in regulating mood and cognitive function. Related terms: brain health, mental health, nutrition. A diet that supports neurotransmitter production, such as one rich in tryptophan and tyrosine, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Nutrient Deficiency #
Nutrient deficiency refers to a lack of essential nutrients, which can have negative effects on mental health. Related terms: nutrition, mental health, personalized nutrition. Identifying and addressing nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin D deficiency, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Nutrigenomics #
Nutrigenomics is the study of how genetic variation affects an individual's response to diet and nutrients. Related terms: personalized nutrition, genetics, mental health. A nutrigenomics approach to mental health may involve personalized nutrition recommendations based on an individual's genetic profile.
Omega #
3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that are essential for brain function and development. Related terms: brain health, mental health, nutrition. A diet that provides adequate omega-3 fatty acids, such as one rich in EPA and DHA, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Oxidative Stress #
Oxidative stress is a state of imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's antioxidant defenses, which can have negative effects on mental health. Related terms: inflammation, mental health, nutrition. A diet that supports antioxidant defenses, such as one rich in antioxidants, may be beneficial for mitigating oxidative stress and supporting mental health.
Personalized Nutrition #
Personalized nutrition refers to an approach to nutrition that takes into account an individual's unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Related terms: nutrition, mental health, genetics. A personalized nutrition approach to mental health may involve tailored nutrition recommendations based on an individual's specific needs and circumstances.
Phytochemical #
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plant-based foods, which can have beneficial effects on mental health. Related terms: nutrition, mental health, plant-based diet. A diet that includes a variety of phytochemical-rich foods, such as berries and leafy greens, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Polyphenol #
Polyphenols are a type of phytochemical that are found in plant-based foods, and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Related terms: phytochemical, antioxidant, mental health. A diet that includes a variety of polyphenol-rich foods, such as tea and dark chocolate, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Probiotic #
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial for gut health, and may have positive effects on mental health. Related terms: gut health, mental health, nutrition. A diet that includes probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt and kefir, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Psychobiotics #
Psychobiotics are live microorganisms that have a positive impact on mental health, and may be used as a therapeutic tool for mental health disorders. Related terms: probiotic, mental health, nutrition. A diet that includes psychobiotic-rich foods, such as fermented foods, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
S-Adenosylmethionine: S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a compound that plays a rol… #
Related terms: methylation, neurotransmitter, mental health. SAMe supplementation may be recommended to support mental health and well-being.
Serotonin #
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood and cognitive function. Related terms: neurotransmitter, brain health, mental health. A diet that supports serotonin production, such as one rich in tryptophan, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Stress #
Stress is a state of physiological or psychological tension, which can have negative effects on mental health. Related terms: cortisol, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, mental health. A diet that supports stress resilience, such as one rich in adaptogenic herbs, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Tryptophan #
Tryptophan is an amino acid that is converted into serotonin in the brain, and plays a crucial role in regulating mood and cognitive function. Related terms: amino acid, neurotransmitter, mental health. A diet that provides adequate tryptophan, such as one rich in lean proteins, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Tyrosine #
Tyrosine is an amino acid that is converted into dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, and plays a crucial role in regulating mood and cognitive function. Related terms: amino acid, neurotransmitter, mental health. A diet that provides adequate tyrosine, such as one rich in lean proteins, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Vitamin D #
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in regulating mood and cognitive function, and may have beneficial effects on mental health. Related terms: vitamin, nutrition, mental health. A diet that provides adequate vitamin D, such as one rich in fatty fish and fortified dairy products, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Zinc #
Zinc is a mineral that plays a crucial role in regulating immune function and neurotransmitter production, and may have beneficial effects on mental health. Related terms: mineral, nutrition, mental health. A diet that provides adequate zinc, such as one rich in oysters and red meat, may be beneficial for mental health and well-being.