EP Insights & Action

INSIGHTS THE RUSSELL PARTNERSHIP
“Research shows that
a well-balanced diet that
is rich in wholefoods
such as vegetables, fruits,
healthy fats, nuts, seeds,
fermented food, fatty
fish and lean meat can
mitigate or positively
support challenging
mental health outcomes.”
© VICUSHKA | 123RF.COM
fats, nuts, seeds, fermented food, fatty fish
and lean meat. In the following paragraph
we will explore one instance of seemingly
disassociated phenomena in the human
body that demonstrates the power of food
provisions. The second step is to apply the
relevant nutrition research to the applicable
sectors and catalyse change based on the
desired positive outcome. This requires
continuous trend analysis, market research
and scientific literature reviews to ensure
cutting edge research is acquired and utilised
efficiently and effectively.
Research shows that a well-balanced diet
that is rich in wholefoods such as vegetables,
fruits, healthy fats, nuts, seeds, fermented
food, fatty fish and lean meat can mitigate
or positively support challenging mental
health outcomes such as anxiety, depression,
ADHD, schizophrenia and autism. This
is because a well-balanced diet delivers
numerous benefits such as micronutrient
optimisation, macronutrient balance,
prebiotic (fibre) provision and microbiome
support. The human microbiome is defined
as the collective genomes of the microbes
(composed of bacteria, bacteriophage, fungi,
protozoa and viruses) that live inside and on
the human body – we have about 10 times as
many microbial cells as human cells, and as
such must do all we can to live in harmony
with the microbiota we retain. Interestingly,
a well-balanced microbiome is perhaps
the single most fundamental physiological
element that delivers positive mental health
outcomes in children and adults alike.
This is a phenomena called the ‘braingut
connection’ or GAPS which stands for
‘gut and psychology syndrome’ – this has
been explained in detail by nutritionist and
neurology expert Dr. Natasha Campbell-
McBride. The phenomena theorises that
the state of our microbiome has a profound
effect on our mental health, which in the case
of an overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria in the gut
this will induces a state called “dysbiosis”.
The gastrointestinal imbalance effects
individuals uniquely, however the guidelines
for revival remain the same for all – probiotic
rich fermented foods, fresh vegetables, ripe
fruit and lean proteins.
In sectors such as Higher Education, the
provision of a balanced offer is essential
given the importance of nutrition for mental
health optimisation. As many as 1 in 4
students in the UK have challenging mental
health outcomes – most notably anxiety and
depression. Whilst social and environmental
factors are crucially important factors that
influence mental health such as depression,
post-traumatic stress syndrome and anxiety
– there is profound value in delivering a
balanced, wholefoods diet that will deliver
energy and perhaps light relief, to those who
are seeking integrative treatment.
In practical terms, this means delivering
simple support solutions by the incorporation
of foods such as broccoli, kale, brussel
sprouts, blueberries, wild fish, organic meats,
wholegrains, sauerkraut, kefir and chia seeds.
Providing optimal nutritional potential to
customers has never been more important.
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