Supporting brain health
There is a wealth of research indicating that diet and lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on symptoms of a wide range of health conditions. However, when it comes to brain health, diet is only one piece of a complex puzzle.
Our neurological health outcomes are determined by a number of factors, including:
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Our genetics
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Our familial health history
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In utero development
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Our method and timing of birth
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Our own health history
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Life events including adverse childhood events (ACE's)
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Previous or current stress and/or trauma
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Lack of sleep
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Use of medications
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The effectiveness of our detoxification pathways
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The effectiveness of our immune function
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Our hormonal balance
In addition to this, the food and drink we consume, the balance of our microbiome and our ability to break down and absorb nutrients, and our ability to utilise these nutrients effectively at a biochemical level, all contribute to our neurological health outcomes.
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Our neurological health can also be greatly impinged by ingestion of any number of environmental toxins, including heavy metals, plastics, pesticides, fumes from perfumes, fragrances and petrol, and exposure to various pathogens, such as viruses, parasites and moulds. We aren't only what we eat, we are what we ingest.
With such a complex web of potential root causes of a health condition, it's important that a multi-factorial approach is considered. We have to take into consideration all of the biochemical pathways, how they intertwine, and how to best support these pathways so that they function optimally.
Neurological health and gastrointestinal health are interlinked via the gut brain axis, and so neurological symptoms can be greatly impacted by an imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract. When supporting any number of neurological conditions, a deep understanding of both the bodies' nutrient status and nutritional needs, and of the genetic SNP's that may prevent optimum nutrient function, is also essential.
Lifestyle support, including dietary intake, exercise, and management of stress and sleep are all key to improvement in symptoms. Often diet alone isn't enough to correct imbalances, so therapeutic nutraceuticals can be utilised to optimise nutrient status and balance biochemical pathways. Finally, ensuring that you have the ability to detoxify can be massively impactful.
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Medications can support those with a diagnosis. The aim of functional nutrition is to work synergistically with your primary health care provider while addressing the root cause of your health condition.
For more information on how to best support your diagnosis through diet and lifestyle interventions, reach out to Dr Kirstie Lawton for a free 15 minute chat, or to arrange a clinical consultation, get in touch either through the contacts page or at kirstie@younutritionclinic.com
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