Food, Nutrition, and Mental Health

Countless studies have established a clear link between what we eat and our physical health. Increasing evidence shows that nutrition also plays a crucial role in mental health outcomes. The complexities of causality and the underlying biological mechanisms are still being unraveled; meanwhile, it is essential that today's mental health professionals be equipped to provide their clients with informed guidance on nutrition, counsel clients on ways that diet can optimize mental health, and recognize when to make referrals to registered dietitians or lifestyle medicine specialists. Food, Nutrition, and Mental Health delves into the vital intersection of these key areas, providing a much-needed overview of the relevant topics. Organized into four sections, this guide explores • The influence of macronutrients and micronutrients on mental health alongside the impact of dietary patterns—such as the "Standard American Diet," the Mediterranean Diet, and the Planetary Health Diet—on mental well-being. • The connection between food insecurity, diet quality, and mental health; rating scales and assessments to screen for food insecurity; and available public health programs and resources. • The effects of psychotropic medications on weight, eating disorders and disordered eating, the gut-brain connection, and the microbiome's role in mental health. • How activities such as cooking, gardening, and growing food can benefit physical and mental health. Each chapter concludes with Clinical Pearls that translate the most salient information into plans of action, as well as summarizing Key Chapter Points.While maintaining the scientific rigor required by clinicians, this book is accessible to a broader audience. Food, Nutrition, and Mental Health helps both professionals and their clients make sound nutritional choices that support mental health.