Nutritional Psychiatry 103: Diet and Mental Health Elimination Diets

Numerous studies confirm that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, proteins, and whole grains is beneficial. Studies report benefits for patients who suffer from depression, bipolar disease and anxiety. But macronutrient food diversity is only part of the story. Understanding micronutrients and where to get them is equally as important. In addition, caloric intake and different amounts of calories plays a role in healthy brain function. In this course, you will learn about specific micronutrients in food, how to increase vital ones such as B vitamins, folate, minerals, magnesium, and Omega-3 EFA’s, as well as different caloric food plans.

First off, we’ll take a look at reduced caloric intake diets and reasons to consider diets low in calories for certain time periods. We’ll also explore the research on intermittent fasting, and how this technique may impact glucose and insulin levels. We’ll explore possible mechanisms of action and the intriguing new scientific findings from intermittent fasting so you can speak to patients and colleagues from an educated perspective.

You will learn how to integrate specialty laboratory testing to aid in identifying micronutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, and successful elimination protocols. Michael Pollan says, “The human animal is adapted to, and apparently can thrive on, an extraordinary range of different diets, but the Western diet, however you define it, does not seem to be one of them.”

• Uncover the role of diet and micronutrients in mental health
• Learn how to implement specific dietary eliminations and reintroductions
• Dive into the value of reduced caloric intake and fasting in mental health conditions

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CME/CE Information

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Integrative Psychiatric Institute. The University of Colorado School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Colorado School of Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

In order to obtain your CME credit for this course, you will need to take and pass the CME quiz and complete a CME evaluation after watching the video. The quiz will be linked under the video. The Evaluation will follow automatically. If the quiz is passed, you will be prompted to download your CME certificate immediately after.

Mary Rondeau, ND

Mary Rondeau ND, RH(AHG) is a registered naturopathic doctor, functional medicine specialist and registered herbalist. Mary has been involved in naturopathic medicine functional medicine since 2005. Her interest in plants and natural healing stemmed from upbringing in the mountains learning about folk remedies with her mother as a child.

Mary specializes in functional medicine/naturopathic assessment for mental health disorders. Her eclectic training in traditional medicines took her around the world to study with Ayurvedic masters in India and Nepal and across the United States studying at large medicinal herbal farms for weeks at at time in the Appalachian mountains, her naturopathic doctorate degree in Tempe, AZ and her residency in Salt Lake City, UT. She has happily returned to her hometown of Fort Collins to practice.