Nutritional Psychiatry in Clinical Practice
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.
Acetylcholine #
a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, playing a key role in cognitive function and memory formation, with research suggesting that dietary factors such as choline intake can influence its synthesis and function. Related terms include cholinergic and anticholinergic. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of acetylcholine and its relationship with dietary factors can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support cognitive health. For example, a diet rich in choline-containing foods such as eggs and soybeans may help support acetylcholine synthesis and cognitive function in individuals with cognitive impairment.
Adaptation #
the process by which the body adjusts to changes in its internal or external environment, with nutritional factors playing a crucial role in this process, and maladaptation potentially leading to pathological conditions. Related terms include homeostasis and allostasis. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the concept of adaptation can help clinicians develop personalized nutrition plans that support the body's adaptive responses to stress and promote resilience. For instance, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help support the body's adaptive response to stress and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Amino acid #
a building block of protein, with essential amino acids requiring dietary intake and non-essential amino acids being synthesized by the body, and playing critical roles in various physiological processes, including neurotransmitter synthesis. Related terms include protein and peptide. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of amino acids in neurotransmitter synthesis and brain function can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For example, a diet rich in tryptophan-containing foods such as turkey and fish may help support serotonin synthesis and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Antioxidant #
a compound that helps protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, with dietary antioxidants such as vitamins C and E playing a crucial role in maintaining cellular health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Related terms include free radical and oxidative stress. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of antioxidants in protecting against oxidative stress and promoting cellular health can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For instance, a diet rich in antioxidant-containing foods such as berries and leafy greens may help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Anxiety #
a mental health condition characterized by feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension, with nutritional factors such as omega-3 fatty acid intake and gut microbiome composition playing a role in its development and treatment. Related terms include stress and depression. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the relationship between anxiety and nutritional factors can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support anxiety management. For example, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of anxiety symptoms.
Bdnf #
brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein involved in the growth and maintenance of neurons, with exercise and nutritional factors such as omega-3 fatty acid intake influencing its expression and activity. Related terms include neurotrophin and synaptic plasticity. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of bdnf in neuronal health and neuroplasticity can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support brain health. For instance, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help support bdnf expression and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Carbohydrate #
a macronutrient that provides energy for the body, with complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and fruits being rich in fiber and nutrients, and simple carbohydrates such as sugars being rapidly digested and absorbed. Related terms include glycemic index and glycemic load. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of carbohydrates in energy metabolism and blood sugar control can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For example, a diet rich in complex carbohydrates may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of mood disorders.
Choline #
a nutrient that serves as a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, with dietary sources including eggs, meat, and soybeans, and playing a critical role in cognitive function and memory formation. Related terms include acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of choline in acetylcholine synthesis and cognitive function can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support cognitive health. For instance, a diet rich in choline-containing foods may help support acetylcholine synthesis and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Cortisol #
a hormone released by the adrenal gland in response to stress, with elevated levels being associated with anxiety, depression, and metabolic disorders, and nutritional factors such as omega-3 fatty acid intake influencing its regulation. Related terms include stress and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of cortisol in stress response and metabolic regulation can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support stress management and metabolic health. For example, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce cortisol levels and alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Dha #
docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a critical role in brain function and development, with dietary sources including fatty fish and algae oil, and being involved in the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress. Related terms include epa and alpha-linolenic acid. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of dha in brain function and development can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support brain health and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. For instance, a diet rich in dha-containing foods may help support brain function and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Depression #
a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest, with nutritional factors such as omega-3 fatty acid intake and gut microbiome composition playing a role in its development and treatment. Related terms include anxiety and bipolar disorder. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the relationship between depression and nutritional factors can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support depression management. For example, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Dietary pattern #
a pattern of eating that is characterized by the types and amounts of foods and nutrients consumed, with healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet being associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved mental health. Related terms include nutrition and epidemiology. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of dietary patterns in mental health can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For instance, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Epa #
eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a critical role in the regulation of
Fiber #
a type of carbohydrate that is not digestible by the body, with soluble fiber such as oat bran and fruits helping to regulate blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, and insoluble fiber such as whole grains and vegetables helping to promote regular bowel movements and gut health. Related terms include prebiotic and probiotic. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of fiber in gut health and metabolic regulation can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For instance, a diet rich in fiber-containing foods may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Flavonoid #
a type of polyphenol that is found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and tea, with flavonoids such as quercetin and epicatechin having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and being involved in the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress. Related terms include polyphenol and phytochemical. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of flavonoids in inflammation regulation and oxidative stress can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For example, a diet rich in flavonoid-containing foods may help reduce
Gluconeogenesis #
a metabolic pathway that involves the generation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids and fatty acids, with gluconeogenesis being an important mechanism for maintaining blood sugar levels during periods of fasting or low carbohydrate intake. Related terms include glycogenolysis and glycolysis. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of gluconeogenesis in blood sugar regulation can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support metabolic health. For instance, a diet that includes adequate protein and healthy fats may help support gluconeogenesis and regulate blood sugar levels.
Glycemic index #
a measure of the effect of a food on blood sugar levels, with high-glycemic foods such as sugars and refined grains causing a rapid increase in blood sugar levels and low-glycemic foods such as whole grains and vegetables causing a more gradual increase. Related terms include glycemic load and insulin sensitivity. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of glycemic index in blood sugar regulation can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support metabolic health. For example, a diet that includes low-glycemic foods may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Gut #
brain axis: a bidirectional communication network that connects the gut microbiome to the central nervous system, with gut-derived metabolites and hormones influencing brain function and behavior, and nutritional factors such as fiber and polyphenol intake playing a critical role in shaping the gut microbiome and its relationship with the brain. Related terms include microbiome and neurotransmitter. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of the gut-brain axis in mental health can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For instance, a diet rich in fiber and polyphenols may help support the gut microbiome and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Insulin sensitivity #
a measure of the body's ability to effectively use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, with impaired insulin sensitivity being a hallmark of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and nutritional factors such as fiber and omega-3 fatty acid intake playing a critical role in maintaining insulin sensitivity. Related terms include insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of insulin sensitivity in metabolic regulation can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support metabolic health. For example, a diet rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids may help support insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders.
Ketosis #
a metabolic state in which the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, with ketosis being induced by a low-carbohydrate diet or fasting, and having potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of epilepsy, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Related terms include ketogenic diet and low-carbohydrate diet. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of ketosis in metabolic regulation can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support metabolic health. For instance, a ketogenic diet may help support weight loss and improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Lipid #
a type of macronutrient that includes fats and oils, with lipids playing critical roles in energy metabolism, cell membrane structure, and hormone regulation, and nutritional factors such as omega-3 fatty acid intake influencing lipid metabolism and inflammation. Related terms include fatty acid and triglyceride. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of lipids in energy metabolism and inflammation regulation can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For example, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce
Macronutrient #
a type of nutrient that provides energy for the body, with carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids being the three main types of macronutrients, and nutritional factors such as macronutrient balance and quality influencing health outcomes. Related terms include micronutrient and calorie. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of macronutrients in energy metabolism and health outcomes can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For instance, a diet that includes a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids may help support energy metabolism and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Microbiome #
a community of microorganisms that inhabits a particular environment, with the gut microbiome playing a critical role in digestion, immunity, and brain function, and nutritional factors such as fiber and polyphenol intake influencing the composition and function of the gut microbiome. Related terms include gut-brain axis and probiotic. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of the microbiome in mental health can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For example, a diet rich in fiber and polyphenols may help support the gut microbiome and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Micronutrient #
a type of nutrient that is required by the body in smaller amounts than macronutrients, with vitamins and minerals being examples of micronutrients, and nutritional factors such as micronutrient deficiency influencing health outcomes. Related terms include macronutrient and calorie. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of micronutrients in health outcomes can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For instance, a diet that includes adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals may help support cognitive function and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Neuroplasticity #
the ability of the brain to adapt and change in response to experience and learning, with neuroplasticity being influenced by nutritional factors such as omega-3 fatty acid intake and exercise, and being critical for learning and memory formation. Related terms include synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of neuroplasticity in brain function and behavior can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support brain health. For example, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help support neuroplasticity and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Neurotransmitter #
a chemical messenger that transmits signals between neurons, with neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine playing critical roles in mood regulation, motivation, and cognitive function, and nutritional factors such as amino acid intake influencing neurotransmitter synthesis and function. Related terms include synapse and neuron. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of neurotransmitters in brain function and behavior can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For instance, a diet rich in tryptophan-containing foods may help support serotonin synthesis and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Omega #
3: a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that plays critical roles in inflammation regulation, brain function, and heart health, with omega-3 fatty acids such as epa and dha being found in fatty fish and algae oil, and being involved in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Related terms include fatty acid and polyunsaturated. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation regulation and brain function can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For example, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce
Oxidative stress #
a state of imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in the body, with oxidative stress being involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases, and nutritional factors such as antioxidant intake influencing oxidative stress levels. Related terms include free radical and antioxidant. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of oxidative stress in chronic disease pathogenesis can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support health outcomes. For instance, a diet rich in antioxidant-containing foods may help reduce oxidative stress and alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Polyphenol #
a type of phytochemical that is found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and tea, with polyphenols such as quercetin and epicatechin having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and being involved in the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress. Related terms include flavonoid and phytochemical. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of polyphenols in inflammation regulation and oxidative stress can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For example, a diet rich in polyphenol-containing foods may help reduce
Probiotic #
a live microorganism that is similar to the beneficial microorganisms found in the gut microbiome, with probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium being found in fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir, and being involved in the regulation of gut health and immune function. Related terms include prebiotic and gut microbiome. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of probiotics in gut health and immune function can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For instance, a diet that includes probiotic-containing foods may help support the gut microbiome and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Protein #
a type of macronutrient that is composed of amino acids and is involved in the building and repair of tissues in the body, with protein intake influencing muscle mass, bone density, and immune function, and nutritional factors such as protein quality and amino acid profile influencing health outcomes. Related terms include amino acid and peptide. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of protein in tissue repair and immune function can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For example, a diet that includes adequate amounts of high-quality protein may help support muscle mass and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Serotonin #
a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of mood, appetite, and sleep, with serotonin levels being influenced by nutritional factors such as tryptophan intake and gut health, and serotonin dysfunction being implicated in the pathogenesis of depression and anxiety. Related terms include tryptophan and neurotransmitter. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of serotonin in mood regulation can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For instance, a diet rich in tryptophan-containing foods may help support serotonin synthesis and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Stress #
a state of physiological or psychological tension that can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental, psychological, and physical stressors, with chronic stress being associated with a range of negative health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease, and nutritional factors such as omega-3 fatty acid intake influencing stress response and resilience. Related terms include cortisol and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of stress in mental health can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support stress management and resilience. For example, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce cortisol levels and alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Tryptophan #
an amino acid that serves as a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, with tryptophan intake influencing serotonin synthesis and mood regulation, and tryptophan deficiency being associated with depression and anxiety. Related terms include serotonin and neurotransmitter. In Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of tryptophan in serotonin synthesis and mood regulation can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For instance, a diet rich in tryptophan-containing foods may help support serotonin synthesis and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Vitamin #
a type of micronutrient that is required by the body in small amounts for normal growth and development, with vitamins such as vitamin D and vitamin B12 playing critical roles in energy metabolism, nerve function, and immune function, and nutritional factors such as vitamin deficiency influencing health outcomes. Related terms include mineral and micronutrient. In the context of Nutritional Psychiatry, understanding the role of vitamins in health outcomes can inform the development of personalized nutrition plans to support mental health. For example, a diet that includes adequate amounts of vitamin D may help support mood regulation and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
Whole grain #
a type