Michael T. Compton, M.D., M.P.H., is a Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia Universitys Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and a Research Psychiatrist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute in New York City. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and is board-certified in psychiatry, preventive medicine, and lifestyle medicine.
Description
Countless studies have established a clear link between what we eat and our physical health. Increasing evidence shows that nutrition also plays a crucial role in mental health outcomes. The complexities of causality and the underlying biological mechanisms are still being unraveled; meanwhile, it is essential that todays mental health professionals be equipped to provide their clients with informed guidance on nutrition, counsel clients on ways that diet can optimize mental health, and recognize when to make referrals to registered dietitians or lifestyle medicine specialists. Food, Nutrition, and Mental Health delves into the vital intersection of these key areas, providing a muchneeded overview of the relevant topics. Organized into four sections, this guide explores
• The influence of macronutrients and micronutrients on mental health alongside the impact of dietary patterns—such as the "Standard American Diet," the Mediterranean Diet, and the Planetary Health Diet—on mental wellbeing.
• The connection between food insecurity, diet quality, and mental health; rating scales and assessments to screen for food insecurity; and available public health programs and resources.
• The effects of psychotropic medications on weight, eating disorders and disordered eating, the gutbrain connection, and the microbiomes role in mental health.
• How activities such as cooking, gardening, and growing food can benefit physical and mental health.
Each chapter concludes with Clinical Pearls that translate the most salient information into plans of action, as well as summarizing Key Chapter Points. While maintaining the scientific rigor required by clinicians, this book is accessible to a broader audience. Food, Nutrition, and Mental Health helps both professionals and their clients make sound nutritional choices that support mental health.
Part 1: An Introduction to Food and Dietary Patterns
Chapter 1. An Introduction to Food, Nutrition, and Mental Health
Chapter 2. The Macronutrients: An Introduction to Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat, and Fiber
Chapter 3. The Micronutrients: An Introduction to Vitamins, Minerals, and Phytonutrients
Chapter 4. An Introduction to Dietary Patterns and Specific Diets
Part 2: Food Insecurity, Nutrition, and Diet Quality, Counseling, and Resources for the Clinical Setting
Chapter 5. Food Insecurity and Mental Health
Chapter 6. Food- and Nutrition-Related Rating Scales and Assessment in the Clinical Setting
Chapter 7. Assessing and Addressing Food- and Nutrition-Related Issues in the Clinical Setting
Chapter 8. Food Is Medicine: Medically Tailored Meals and Groceries, and Produce Prescription Programs
Chapter 9. Food- and Nutrition-Related Policies and Programs
Part 3: Special Topics on Food and Nutrition
Chapter 10. Psychotropic Medications, Increased Appetite, and Iatrogenic Weight Gain
Chapter 11. Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
Chapter 12. The Gut-Brain Connection and the Microbiome
Part 4: Cooking, Gardening, and Growing Food
Chapter 13. Cooking, Cooking Together, Eating Together, and Mental Health
Chapter 14. Gardening, Gardening Together, and Mental Health
Chapter 15. Food Production and Mental Health