Research is showing us more and more that nutrition plays a key role in supporting our mental health. We now know that most of the serotonin our brains use to regulate depression is made in our gut and that too much or too little of certain foods can affect our moods, focus, memory, and more.
At Juno Counseling and Wellness, we focus on treating the whole person, instead of separating mind from body. That’s why we understand that diet and nutrition need to be addressed as part of your Juno Beach mental health treatment. We offer functional nutrition consulting for mental health with our expert nutritionists and licensed dieticians, who work alongside our counseling team to help you achieve your optimal mental health.
Serving the North Palm Beach Community: All Under One Roof
By combining nutrition consulting alongside psychotherapy and somatic therapy, we make sure you get the best care. Additionally, our nutrition consultants are specifically trained in applying nutrition science to mental health.
You don’t have to search in multiple places all over Jupiter or West Palm Beach for the right provider, and you don’t have to have all of your providers separate from each other, with no communication. We make it easy for you to address your counseling and nutrition needs to support your mental health.
Meet our Nutrition Consultants Here
How Palm Beach Gardens Nutrition Counseling Works
- You have a 90-minute intake session with one of our nutrition consultants (we have nutritionists who work with adults and with parents focusing on their children’s mental health).
- Your consultant will do a thorough review of your symptoms, diet, and history before creating a custom plan for you. You maybe asked to complete some assessments.
- We typically schedule between 3 and 5 shorter, follow-up sessions to help you make any changes and stay on track.
- Your nutrition consultant may discuss your symptoms and progress with your therapist, if you choose.
- All sessions are done virtually at convenienttimes for you.
- Everything is done through your existing therapy client portal.
How Nutrition Affects Mental Health
- 1. Gut-Brain Connection
The gut microbiome influences neurotransmitter production, impacting mood and cognitive function.
Reference: Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behavior. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(10), 701-712. - Blood Sugar Stability and Mood Regulation
- Unstable blood sugar levels can cause mood swings, irritability, and increased anxiety.
- A diet high in refined sugar is linked to a higher risk of depression and ADHD symptoms.
Reference: Knüppel, A., et al. (2017). Sugar intake from sweet food and beverages, common mental disorder, and depression. Scientific Reports, 7, 6287. - Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Anxiety & Depression
Omega-3s support brain function and reduce inflammation, benefiting individuals with anxiety and depression.
Reference: Grosso, G., et al. (2014). Omega-3 fatty acids and depression: scientific evidence and biological mechanisms. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2014, 313570. - Amino Acids and Neurotransmitter Production
Proteins provide amino acids essential for producing serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and attention.
Reference: Fernstrom, J. D. (2013). Large neutral amino acids: dietary effects on brain neurochemistry and function. Amino Acids, 45(3), 419-430. - Micronutrients & Brain Function
- Vitamin D Deficiency is linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety.
- Magnesium helps regulate the nervous system and can alleviate stress.
- Zinc & Iron Deficiencies are associated with ADHD symptoms.
Reference:
- Mikkelsen, K., et al. (2016). The effects of vitamin D on depressive symptoms. Nutritional Neuroscience, 19(8), 328-335.
- Bozorgmehr, A., et al. (2020). Magnesium and anxiety: a review. Nutrients, 12(12), 3671.
- Arnold, L. E., et al. (2018). Iron and ADHD: What is the empirical evidence? Current Psychiatry Reports, 20(7), 44. - Processed Foods & Mental Health Risks
- Diets high in processed foods and trans fats are linked to increased rates of depression and ADHD.
- Whole-food diets (e.g., Mediterranean diet) are protective against mental health disorders.
Reference: Jacka, F. N., et al. (2010). Association of Western and traditional diets with depression and anxiety in women. American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(3), 305-311. - Gut Microbiome & ADHD
A disrupted gut microbiome may contribute to ADHD symptoms due to its role in neurotransmitter regulation.
Reference: Wang, L. J., et al. (2021). Gut microbiota and ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients, 13(11), 3682.
Note
We cannot diagnose or treat any medical condition. Nutrition consulting is meant as an adjunct to psychotherapy. It cannot replace therapy or replace medication. Anyone with a serious medical condition should consult their doctor before making any dietary changes or taking any supplements. Nutrition consulting cannot cure any mental health condition.
Integrative Functional Nutrition & Mental Health Services Across Palm Beach County
Our Palm Beach Gardens Office
We treat the whole person by bridging the gap between mind and body, offering expert virtual consultations managed directly through our Palm Beach Gardens headquarters to coordinate seamlessly with your local counseling team.
Serving West Palm Beach Clients
We help individuals and families optimize their gut-brain health, stabilize blood sugar, and manage mood and anxiety through personalized, virtual nutrition plans accessible throughout West Palm Beach and nearby areas.
Expert Dietitians and Nutritionists for Your Well-Being
Whether you are looking for a pediatric mental health nutritionist in North Palm Beach or a consultant to help manage ADHD through diet in Jupiter, FL, Juno Counseling can help. We provide science-backed, supportive functional nutrition consulting across the entire region.
