Supporting the brain​

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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. 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. ​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. 

 

However, when it comes to brain health, diet is only one piece of a complex puzzle.​ Our neurological health can also be greatly impaired 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, pathogenic bacteria, parasites, fungus and moulds. We aren't only what we eat, we are what we ingest. The effectiveness of our detoxification pathways, the effectiveness of our immune system and our metabolic balance play a huge role in our neurological health. 

 

Health outcomes are also determined by a number of additional factors, including:

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• Our genetics 

• Our familial health history

• In utero development

• Our method and timing of birth

• Our own health history

• Life events, including adverse childhood events (ACE's) 

• Previous or current stress and/or emotional trauma

• Physical trauma, particularly to the head, neck or spine

• Quality of sleep

• Use of medications

• Hormonal balance

 

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. 

 

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. 

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What to expect 

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Conventional medicine offers a wide range of support those with a diagnosis. The aim of integrative functional nutritional therapy is to work synergistically with your primary healthcare provider while addressing the root cause of your health condition.​ 

 

You Nutrition Clinic has a primary focus on neurodegenerative health. Support is available for those who have been diagnosed with, have symptoms of, or are at risk of developing the following medical conditions: ​

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• Motor Neurone Disease/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (MND/ALS) 

• Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) 

• Parkinson's Disease 

• Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease 

• Huntington's Disease 

• Inclusion body myositis (IBM) 

• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) 

• Epilepsy and seizure disorders 

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders including ADD, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia and dyspraxia 

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There is a growing body of evidence supporting the utilisation of nutrition, lifestyle and therapeutic supplementation to benefit those who have symptoms of a dysfunctional brain, or a diagnosed neurological condition. However, this is a complex  journey that requires commitment from both practitioner and client. As such, for any brain related health condition, commitment to regular consultations over a minimum 6-month period is expected.

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​To support clients with a neurological health diagnosis, a consultation plan will be put together based on the client's presentation. Areas that we will focus on during our time working together may include: 

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• Optimisation of the gut microbiome

• Optimisation of dietary intake

• Optimisation of liver detoxification pathways

• Optimisation of metabolic health

• Optimisation of hydration and electrolyte status

• Reduction of systemic inflammation

• Mitochondrial support 

• Improvement in sleep quality

• Stress management

• Reduction in exposure to environmental factors 

• Addressing other potential root causes, triggers and drivers of symptoms and diagnoses.

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On occasion, further support from external practitioners may be recommended, which may include counselling, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. Support will be provided in finding the most appropriate practitioners.

 

For more information on how to best support your diagnosis through diet and lifestyle interventions, reach out to arrange a free initial chat.