OVERVIEW

Nutrition and Depression: Advanced Clinical Concepts is organized by Professional Development Resources (PDR), Inc.

Course Description:
Nutrition and Depression: Advanced Clinical Concepts is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE) course that examines how what we eat influences how we feel - and what we can do to improve both.

Depression is an increasingly common, complex, inflammatory condition that co-occurs with a host of other conditions. This course will examine how we can combat depression through nutrition, starting with an exploration of the etiology of depression - taking a look at the role of neurotransmitters, the HPA axis and cortisol, gene expression (epigenetics), upregulation and downregulation, and the connections between depression and immunity and depression and obesity. We will then turn our attention to macronutrients and investigate how factors such as regulating blood sugar, achieving amino acid balance, consuming the right fats, and eating fruits and vegetables can enhance mood, improve our decision-making, enhance cognitive processes, and reduce inflammation. From there, we will look at just how we go about the process of building a better brain - one neurotransmitter at a time. Exercises you can use with clients are included.

Learning Objectives:
• Explain the etiology of depression along with the specific effects on the predominant neurochemicals
• Summarize the relationships between depression and brain function and brain growth
• Clarify the connection between blood sugar regulation and mood
• Identify and explain the role of protein intake and regulation and brain function
• Describe the connection between Omega 3 Fatty acids and depression
• List specific dietary interventions to improve mood and help alleviate depression