Food and Mood: Exploring the Connection Between Nutrition and Mental Health (3HR)

There is a wealth of evidence showing that what we eat impacts our emotional health. In this training, we will explore that connection, as well as the implications of our gut being our second brain. We will examine studies that have linked nutrition with various mental health symptoms in order that we become more informed in the psychoeducation that we can pass along to our clients. After all, learning about what our clients are regularly eating and drinking can help us – and them – find clues regarding the underlying causes of their emotional distress and how they might improve their well-being.

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the impact of nutrition on mental health
• Understand the connection between mental health and gut issues
• Understand the influence of the gut on emotional well-being
• Review clinical studies that have found connections between different nutrients and improved mental health
• Provide clients with psychoeducational tools related to nutrition and mental health

Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.

For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 hours of Clinical, Evidence-Based Practices, and General Skill Building continuing education training.

Course Instructor: Dreya Blume