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Supporting Healthy Brain Function with Nutrition

Like the body, the brain needs proper nutrition to operate at peak performance.  Over time fast food, poorly balanced diets, chemicals, preservatives and the like take a toll on our brain, just like our bodies.

What is the connection between the Brain, Psychotherapy/Counseling, and Nutrition?  Neurofeedback, nutrition, and psychotherapy are processes that support the brain in a healing process, so the brain can operate in a smoother, more efficient pattern.  Imagine the changes that will take place in your everyday life once you boost your brain through targeted nutritional support. Consider nutrition to be part of the network that is necessary to rewire your brain.

Choosing the right foods provides the building blocks and fuel for a healthy brain. Neurofeedback and targeted nutritional support can enhance the results of psychotherapy and help boost brain functioning to its peak.

Despite constant media coverage, the majority of Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables each day.  In fact, a Johns Hopkins study found that less than 1/3 of American adults meet the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake.  Yet, scientists and health advocates are increasingly telling Americans that they must consume these kinds of foods in order to avoid a myriad of age-related problems.

Targeted Nutrition for Specific Conditions

Optimal nutrition benefits every aspect of brain health, but we can also use targeted nutrition to affect specific conditions, such as depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, autism, and more.

There’s a huge connection between mood and food. The gut-brain axis is getting a lot of attention from researchers these days, and rightly so. Did you know 95% of the body’s serotonin, the “happy” neurotransmitter, is made in the gastrointestinal tract? The gut is now called “the second brain” because of the direct line of influence it has on the brain and behavior. You can protect the health of your gut by eating more along the lines of a Mediterranean diet, which includes more plant foods and prebiotics.

Depression, migraines, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and ADHD all have a relationship with vitamin and mineral deficiencies, specifically magnesium, vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants. These micronutrients are key components of brain balance, and nutrition counseling can identify where those gaps lie and how to close them.

We also must consider the quality of a food group. The brain is primarily made of fat, so it’s no surprise that memory problems and learning disorders can be improved by improving the type of fats in the diet. Getting enough healthy fats and antioxidants is necessary to protect the brain tissue. In fact, many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, are connected to an inflamed brain environment that could be cooled down with the right antioxidants from food.

Enhance Your Brain Health Journey with Proper Nutrition

Let’s figure out what you need to reach your goals.  Developing a healthy brain diet does not mean eating boring or exotic food.  To help you on your journey, The Brain Wave Center has partnered with Karen Reynolds RDN, LD, cFMN, CLT, CGN. Karen offers a myriad of Nutrition Counseling services and will help you choose the path that is right for You.

 

Karen Reynolds RDN LD cFMN CLT CGNKaren Reynolds RDN, LD, cFMN, CLT, CGN

A functional and integrative nutritionist, which makes her part science-lover, part investigator, part coach…and more! She is here to get to the bottom of your health challenges so you can feel better now, prevent problems down the road, and live vibrantly at every age.

“To heal and transform, we must look within. Although we seek clues from your one-of-a-kind history and genetics, the most powerful tools for transformation can’t be found on a lab report — they’re your intuitive knowledge, your self-awareness, and the belief you can change for a better life.” – Karen Reynolds RDN, LD, cFMN, CLT, CGN

 

 

Services

Nutrition Assessment 90 minutes – $335 prorated
First, we dig deep into your health history and lifestyle to assess underlying issues and opportunities. Next, detailed genomic and nutrition testing help us identify deficiencies, sensitivities, toxicities, or imbalances and understand future risks. Our aim is to understand all of you, not just your symptoms.

• Consultations
• Packages
• Labs & Supplements

Specialties

• Functional Medicine Nutrition
• Nutrigenomics
• Gut Health
• Brain Health
• Food Sensitivities

Experience

• RDN, LD, cFMN, CLT, CGN 30+ years
• Clinical RDN
• Chief Dietitian – Acute Care Hospital
• Food Service Director – Acute Care Hospital
• Wellness RDN – Acute Care Hospital
• Private Practice – Functional Medicine Nutrition
• Certified Pilates Instructor
• Certified Kaatsu Instructor
(Muscle and Neuroprotective Benefits)

Your body is complex! In my area, which is functional nutrition, I focus on how systems like your gut and brain interact with your genes, inflammatory processes, diet and lifestyle to bring your health, well-being and optimal longevity.

Here are some of the questions my clients ask about how it all fits together.

I’d love to answer YOUR question. Although everyone can benefit from a comprehensive nutrition and lifestyle program, each person I work with is unique. Let’s chat about what’s holding you back.