Nutrition & Wellness Blog: Expert Tips from a Dietitian

A balanced festive spread focuses on vibrant colours and whole-food ingredients. Social gatherings and festive seasons often revolve around food which can create anxiety for those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many people feel torn between enjoying the celebration and sticking to their nutritional goals. If this tension is ignored it often leads to a cycle of overindulgence followed by guilt or physical symptoms like bloating and inflammation that can derail your lo

Fuel your brain with vibrant foods that lift mood and support mental clarity In this article we’ll walk through everyday questions about how what we eat affects how we feel — covering the links between diet, gut health, brain health and mood. You’ll find simple questions you might ask yourself, and clear answers based on the latest research in nutritional psychiatry, gut-brain science, and dietary neuroscience. Q1. Can food really change how I feel? Yes. What you eat affects

Highly processed foods activate the brain’s reward system, making cravings stronger and harder to manage. Q1. What is food addiction? Some people eat certain foods especially highly processed, high-calorie foods in a way that looks similar to addiction. Research shows cravings, loss of control, and continuing to eat despite harm match criteria used in the DSM-5 for substance use disorders (1). Without recognising these signs, people may continue overeating and develop long-te

Understanding Dopamine: How it Connects Fear, Anxiety, and Disordered Eating. Q1. What does dopamine do in the brain? Dopamine is best known for making us feel pleasure and motivation, but it also plays a big role in how we respond to fear and anxiety (1). It helps the brain learn what’s safe and what’s dangerous, shaping how we react to threats. This means dopamine isn’t just about feeling good it helps regulate emotions, fear responses, and decision-making. Problems with do

Recent research has highlighted the intricate relationship between nutrition and mental health. Gheonea et al. (1) explore how dietary habits, physical activity, and lifestyle choices collectively influence psychological well-being. Understanding these links is essential for fostering a holistic approach to mental health and empowering individuals to make informed choices. The Impact of Diet on Mental Health The study by Gheonea et al. (1) examined data from 1,719 participant

Understanding the relationship between trauma and eating disorders is essential, as these conditions frequently overlap and influence one another in powerful ways. Trauma whether from early adverse experiences, acute events, or chronic stress can profoundly shape how individuals regulate emotions, cope with distress, and relate to their bodies. For many, disordered eating becomes a way to manage overwhelming feelings linked to traumatic memories, while the physical and psycho

Emerging research highlights the powerful relationship between our gut microbiota and brain health. This connection, known as the gut-brain axis, refers to the communication network linking our central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. The gut-brain axis plays a pivotal role in mood regulation and mental well-being, with the gut microbiota having a profound influence on our emotions, thoughts, and even behaviours [1,2]. The Gut-Brain Axis: What Is It? The gut-brain a

The foods you eat fuel your brain, supporting focus, memory, and mental clarity. In our busy, fast-paced lives, many people notice their memory slipping, their focus fading, or their mind feeling “foggy,” but they’re not sure why. What most of us don’t realise is that the brain relies on very specific nutrients to think clearly, regulate mood, and stay energised throughout the day. When those nutrients are missing, even slightly, it can affect how well we concentrate, remembe

Nutrition approaches backed by research to improve concentration, reduce mental fatigue and support overall brain health in ADHD. Q1. What does ADHD look like in adults? Adult ADHD presents differently than childhood ADHD. While children often show hyperactivity, adults typically experience: Chronic disorganisation Difficulty completing tasks Losing track of time Forgetfulness Mental restlessness rather than physical hyperactivity Irritability and emotional dysregulation (1)

Chronic fatigue syndrome can drain your energy Why Am I Always So Tired? Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Many people today feel tired, but some experience a level of exhaustion that is far beyond the usual feeling of being worn out. For individuals like Sarah, a 37-year-old working in a demanding finance role while caring for her family, this tiredness is constant and overwhelming. Even after a full night of sleep, she wakes up feeling unrefreshed and struggles t