Introduction To Diet, Emotions and Mental Health

Tom Jordan, RD, LDN with First Health Associates talked to us about his investigations into diet, emotions and depression. He is currently working to complete the requirements for his Masters Degree in Clinical Nutrition at Northern Illinois University.

Tom makes the argument that proper diet and nutrition can help reverse what poor diet and nutrition leads to - fatigue, depression and disabilities. What typically happens to someone is that their health gradually spirals downward under the radar of standard medical practice and diagnosis until at which point they are considered to have a medical problem - typically over a period of 5 to 20 years.

The “Big 4” elements produced in the human body that nutrition can alter are serotonin, catecholamine, endorphins and something referred to as GABA. Consuming the right foods can bolster the production of these elements and provide long lasting relief from the above stated health problems. Some of the foods he mentioned that are of particular value are almonds and avocados.

Tom uses three steps to implementing a recovery: 1) “cleaning up the diet” and implementing healthy lifestyle strategies – various environmental therapies and physical activities, 2) using a “health coach” for screening and providing diet analysis, and 3) using dietary supplements under continued monitoring and evaluation.

Tom can be reached at 847-593-3330, FHANutrition@sbcglobal.net, 2010 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights IL.