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. 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

• 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 trauma

• Lack of sleep

• Use of medications

• The effectiveness of our detoxification pathways

• The effectiveness of our immune function

• 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 is essential.  

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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 functional nutrition 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 and in particular ALS/MND, however, there is support also available for mental wellness, nutritional psychiatry and neurodivergence. Support is available for the following health concerns and medical conditions: ​

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

• Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)

• Parkinson's Disease

• Huntington's Disease

• Epilepsy

• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Conditions such as bipolar, psychosis, schizophrenia, schizo-effective disorder and PTSD

• 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.

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For additional support for ALS/MND, it's highly recommended that all clients enroll on the Healing ALS 47 step programme. 

 

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