Nutrition and Mental Health

This Advanced CE Intensive is based on the understanding that most mental health and behavioral disorders are like a 3-legged stool, with bio-nutritional, psycho-social, and spiritual components, all of which need to be addressed for sustained recovery. It introduces the role nutrition plays in mental and behavioral health and how to incorporate it into clinical practice. Clinicians will learn about the impact dysregulated blood sugar has on mood and behavior and simple ways to keep it optimally balanced. They will learn the symptoms of depleted neurotransmitters and how to use over-the-counter amino acids to rebuild them. Nutritional approaches to sleep, pain, and addiction will also be covered.

This product is not included in the APA Unlimited CE program.

Knowledge Verified Designation
This designation indicates that participants have demonstrated understanding of the subject matter through assessment within the learning experience. It does not represent certification, licensure, or verified competency in professional practice.

Module 1: How Nutrients Form the Foundation of Mental Health and Behavior

1. Describe the role of a well-fed, well-functioning brain in managing mood and behavior.
2. Name four specific ways a well-fed, well-functioning brain manages mood and behavior.
3. Name four physical structures or processes in the brain involved in mood and behavior regulation.

Module 2: The 5-Star Pro-Recovery Diet: Eating Habits that Support Brain, Mood, and Health

1. Describe each of the five stars of the Food/Mood Eating Plan.
2. Explain the role of reactive hypoglycemia in mood and behavior disturbance.
3. Explain the necessity of reading food labels for the maintenance of mood and behavior.
4. List four potential issues to keep in mind when helping a client personalize their food plan.
5. Discuss the role of psychotherapy in helping your clients achieve optimal self-care in their food choices.

Module 3: Introduction to the Role of Targeted Amino Acid Therapy in Neurotransmitter Restoration

1. Describe the role of amino acids in human beings.
2. Describe the role of targeted amino acid therapy in neurotransmitter restoration.
3. Describe the role of the Amino Acid Therapy Chart in clinical assessment and treatment.

Module 4: The Catecholamines and L-Tyrosine

1. Describe the role of the catecholamine system in human survival and thriving as a species.
2. Describe reward deficiency syndrome and its role in mental health and addictive disorders.
3. Describe the usage of the amino acid L-tyrosine to rebuild mood, energy, and focus in people with depleted catecholamine function, and in those recovering from stimulant use disorder.

Module 5: Nutritional Support of the Serotonin Neurotransmitter System to Help Relieve Symptoms

1. Name four functions of serotonin in the central nervous system.
2. Name four key symptoms of low serotonin in a client.
3. Describe the typical dosing range for 5-HTP and tryptophan for the above symptoms.
4. Discuss the potential value of using 5-HTP if someone is on one serotonergic drug.

Module 6: Nutritional Support of the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Neurotransmitter System to Help Relieve Symptoms of Physical Tension, Anxious Overwhelm, and Sensory Processing Issues

1. Explain the role of GABA in mental health and sleep.
2. Name three supplements which support the GABA system.
3. Describe the relationship between GABA and glutamate as it might appear clinically.

Module 7: Nutritional Support of the Endorphin Neurotransmitter System to Help Relieve Symptoms of Emotional and Physical Pain, and Support Recovery from Opioid Use Disorder

1. Describe the role of endorphins in emotional well-being.
2. Describe the symptoms of low endorphins.
3. Name two ways to support endorphin activity and production.
4. Describe how depleted neurotransmitters drive tolerance and the move from early-stage addiction to late-stage addiction.
5. Name three goals during opioid withdrawal.
6. Name three categories of nutrients that can support the relief of pain.