Professor Julia Rucklidge joins Jimi in a fascinating discussion about the role micronutrients play in our health and mental wellness. As a clinical psychologist and researcher, Julia has carried out extensive research into the impact of micronutrients on our bodies and minds and in this illuminating episode she explains why she has devoted her professional life to this field.
In her clinical work Julia noticed an incredible number of patients not responding to traditional models and medications and she marveled at the complete lack of formal nutrition training given to psychologists and other medical professionals.
Pursuing her own understanding of how our modern diet impacts mental health, Julia landed in a niche area of research and in this episode she uses her profound knowledge to help us understand why the current medical model isn’t working and why she is such a strong advocate for increasing our uptake of micronutrients as a viable solution to low mental or physical health.
Julia believes that the messages we receive from the food industry are problematic. Not even using micro nutrients as a selling point, they focus on fats, carbs and protein which completely overshadows the importance of micronutrients.
“(Micronutrients) are involved in EVERYTHING that is happening in your brain in terms of brain metabolism. So the making of all chemicals that are important for brain messaging, we call them neurotransmitters, (serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline). In order to make those neurotransmitters that are so important for signalling they need the vitamins and minerals present to help enzymes. Enzymes are coded by your DNA, your DNA makes these enzymes and then it needs these vitamins and minerals in order to operate at their best. If you’re not getting those minerals and vitamins from your diet we cannot make vitamins and minerals other than Vitamin D and a few B vitamins that our microbes can do. We are dependent on our food to get these minerals and vitamins.”
So, what is the impact of supplementation of micronutrients on mental fitness?
How do we know if we’re getting enough micronutrients?
When is supplementation a good way forward?
What health indicators should we be taking notice of in relation to our nutrition?
Jimi and Julia answer these questions and a lot more - explaining why a good nutritional foundation is vital to good mental fitness and how having an adequate supply of micronutrients helps us support our brain in times of great stress.
LINKS:
Book - The Better Brain https://thebetterbrainbook.com/
Website: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/science/contact-us/people/julia-rucklidge.html
