Are you a BANT registered Nutritional Therapist working in any area of specialist mental health and nutrition support? Food for the Brain is currently accepting expressions of interest to join our Brain Bio Centre. Please submit this form to receive an application form:
The Brain Bio Centre represents a collective of nutrition and mental health specialists working with individuals of all ages with a wide range of behavioural and mental health issues. Our registered nutritional therapy practitioners and psychiatrists are experienced in this area of nutrition and provide personalised nutrition and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your specific mental health needs.
Understanding the relationship between mental health and nutrition
We believe that each person is unique and, as a result, needs a personalised nutrition and lifestyle approach to maintain their best health – known as their optimal health. Studies have shown that what we eat can play a significant role in our mental health (nutrient deficiencies, biochemical imbalances and genetic factors all contribute). This is because the production of key elements in our mental health – our neurotransmitters – is based on the nutrients found in our food, our ability to regulate our genes, as well as how well we protect ourselves against toxins in our environment, and more.
Here’s a few testimonials from people following our optimum nutrition approach:
Anxiety, panic attacks and stress
‘I feel much better. I’m very busy right now, and in the past I’d feel overwhelmed and not able to cope but now I feel great. My mood is very positive – no panic or depression. I feel buoyant, energetic and enthusiastic.’ Amanda J.
Depression
‘I’ve been trying to feel like this for 25 years – I’m over the moon!’ Gabrielle D
‘It’s made a substantial difference. I feel much more balanced and have a much more positive, rather than negative, outlook on life.” Holly S
I feel wonderful – full of life and energy. I now wake up with a lovely light feeling instead of a heavy one and I have enthusiasm for the day ahead. Many people have commented on how well and how much younger I look. My food cravings, headaches and irritability have all gone. For the first time I have control over food not the food over me and that’s given me a big boost in confidence. I’ve lost 5 stone.” Alison D
“I was originally diagnosed with clinical depression four years ago following a bereavement and was prescribed an SSRI. Two years later I gained 6 stone, had severe memory loss – just about every muscle in my body was cramped. I couldn’t get out of bed, I actually physically couldn’t, my legs would buckle and then I’d collapse, for example. Self-confidence was absolutely nil. My GP suggested I try the optimum nutrition approach. I made an appointment with Lorraine Perretta at the Brain Bio Centre. In one month I started noticing changes. Six months on I made such progress that I was actually investigated for benefit fraud. The only way to clear my name was to show receipts of supplements and the treatments. Later that year I completed the coast-to-coast walk, all 200 miles of it, carrying my own gear. The next month I sat a 10 day meditation course and by the following month I was working full-time and going to the gym everyday. I just wanted to thank you very much.” Fran K (watch her filmed testimonial)
Schizophrenia
“I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was really suspicious and paranoid of other people to the point where I couldn’t work any longer, I couldn’t interact with my family and friends at all. I became really socially withdrawn. My quality of life was just at the bottom, I couldn’t do anything I wanted to do and therefore they put my on a lot of psychiatric medication. I put on 10 stone. I came across Patrick’s work and I started to adapt my lifestyle accordingly. I took an interest in nutrition I bettered my diet and lifestyle and I am now medication free. I have a really good quality of life now I lost about 8 stone in the last 14 months. I have been given a new lease of life and I’m really thankful for that.” Eddie M – see his filmed testimonial here where he talks about how nutrition is key to managing his paranoid schizophrenia.
“After a “bad trip” when I was a teenager I developed paranoia, anxiety and depression. I thought everyone was watching me and I had to quit my job. Things got worse and over the next ten years I took 3 overdoses. I have been diagnosed with social phobia, depression and paranoid schizophrenia and have been prescribed a range of anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications. I was skeptical that a nutritional approach would be able to help me. Quite frankly I was amazed at the results. It has lowered my anxiety levels: for the first time in about 8 years I am able to go out by myself. I feel much more emotionally stable and much calmer. The nutritional program really does work.” Matthew P
Autism
“I began using optimum nutrition four years ago for my son (18yrs) who had autism, violence and suicidal tendencies. I was advised to put him in 52-week care and forget him at the time. He is now a fully functioning independent adult, undertaking a B-Tech national diploma. His tutors describe him as “socially well adjusted & friendly towards staff and peers alike”. I have waited 17yrs to hear those words.” Anne P
Post-natal depression
“My post-natal depression improved dramatically in just 2 weeks. My depression first began after the birth of my daughter 40 years ago. I felt like a zombie and could not look after myself or my baby. I was hospitalized for 9 months and put on medication.
A friend of mine suggested I try the Brain Bio Centre approach. Within two weeks of changing my diet and taking the supplements I improved dramatically: my husband says that I am now, once again, the person he married and my daughter says she finally has her mother back. I feel like myself once again and have regained so much confidence. My doctor thinks that the supplements have made a big difference. I am still on my medication, but together with the supplements I feel fine and so I’m sticking with this!” Diana B
The ‘food for the brain’ approach to supporting your mental health through nutrition
Going to see a nutritional therapist is not always the first and obvious way to seek advice and help for mental health concerns – it is quite often a last resort, after many years of suffering. The process starts by you selecting the practitioner you wish to consult (see the list below). All offer zoom consultations, and some have clinics you can attend. Your first consultation will include an assessment of the possible biochemical or physiological imbalances that may be contributing to your issues. You may then be asdvised to have biochemical tests to confirm any imbalances. Then you’ll be advised regarding what to eat, what to supplement and any lifestyle changes necessary to restore balance. As well as having positive effects on your mental health challenges, the changes we recommend may also have a significant effect on other important areas of your life, such as better sleep, increased energy levels and weight loss.
We have seen fantastic results with those who have consulted Brain Bio Centre approved therapists and followed the advice that they have been given as the testimonials above illustrate. We consider this to be a sustainable approach to mental health and wellbeing, as it provides you with the tools and education to continue your progress after your sessions.
What happens at your consultation?
A typical consultation will include taking a comprehensive history, including your medical and family history. You may also be advised to have tests to investigate potential imbalances that could be contributing to your symptoms. Many tests are available using home test kits. Some require going to a laboratory to give a blood or urine sample. Based on the information the practitioner gathers from you, they will build a diet and supplement programme that is tailored to your needs.
Mental health conditions we support
Please click on the relevant link to find out more about the mental health and behavioural issues that respond well to a ‘food for the brain’ approach.
How much will it cost and do I book?
Each Brain Bio Centre approved practitioner works independently with clients, each with their own area of speciality. All give virtual consultations with variable fee structures. Some see clients face to face at their clinic facility. To find more details contact the practitioner below.
Brain Bio Centre approved practitioners have the support of our Clinical Advisory Board, in turn supported by our Scientific Advisory Board.
Linda Conder BSc DipBCNH mBANT regCNHC
Background & Bio details
I am a Nutritional Medicine consultant with over 25 years of combined teaching and nutritional medicine consulting experience. I am particularly passionate about the link between gut bacteria and mental health.
At age 29, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a debilitating and painful gastrointestinal condition which developed while volunteering in a children’s home in rural Africa. This affected many aspects of my life, including my work, but most dramatically, it affected my mental health. I realized how debilitating this illness can be to one’s life. When I came across the research linking gut health to mental health, I knew I had the answer that mainstream medicine had not provided. I overcame my ulcerative colitis and mental health challenges through my research-based approach and am now dedicated to sharing my knowledge and guiding others to regain their health.
My consultations, programs, and presentations are highly praised for their informative, inspirational and actionable nature. I am often commended by my clients for my ability to make complex health topics easily understandable and achievable.
I provides telehealth consultations to clients around the world, guiding them step by step to achieve their health goals.
Areas of specialisation: I focus on restoring and healing your gut to achieve optimal health and wellbeing for the long term.
I will help you to identify the underlying root cause of your health issues and develop an customised health plan to alleviate your suffering and disease.
Contact details:
Please visit my website to find out more: www.lindaconder.com or
reach out via email at health@lindaconder.com.
Andrea Bremner MSc Physiology and Psychology | Holistic Nutritionist | NLP Master Practitioner
I inform, educate and empower you to take control of your health. I constantly draw on my knowledge of 30 plus years in the health and wellness industry, having graduated with an MSc in Physiology and Psychology from Loughborough University in 1990. I help you to follow a pain-free, energy filled, happy life using my skills as a Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming (graduating from the Performance Partnership in 2002) and an Holistic Nutritionist (graduating in Holistic Nutrition from the School Of Natural Health Sciences in 2020).
I am unique working in the fields of both Holistic Nutrition and NLP; not only can I offer sound dietary advice, but I can also tap into my NLP skills offering professional nutrition counselling; changing any bad habits, erasing limiting beliefs and introducing powerful motivational strategies.
My passion for nutrition and lifestyle change was born out of my desire to heal myself. From the age of 11 to 16, I was a national squad gymnast training 24 hours per week. This stressful childhood, combined with my perfectionist/high achiever mentality, led to a number of physical and mental health problems which started to unravel in my 20s. I spent a good 15 years working to heal myself from a number of health conditions which included: Reynauld’s disease, anaemia, irritable bowel syndrome, panic attacks, back ache, headaches, chronic fatigue, anxiety and bouts of depression. A deep-dive into the research enabled me to make the necessary changes to my diet and lifestyle, and after two years I found I was free from mental and physical pain.
My mission is to pass on my knowledge to you, giving you the tools required to become your own healer. Making yourself healthier with the right nutrition and lifestyle is not a short-term fix; it takes time, planning and perseverance. If I were to work with you, my aim is to help you plan and persevere; to give you back your mental clarity, energy and a zest for life.
Areas of specialisation:
Specialisms and passionate areas of interest include; gut health, gut-brain axis, chronic fatigue, low carb diet and managing cyclical nutritional ketosis.
Contact details:
Contact me: andrea@foodforthebrain.org or andrea@andreabremner.co.uk
My website is: https://naturalhealthiness.co.uk/
Kezia Hall BA Hons | PGD Nutritional Science & Practice | Mem CNHC | Mem Institute of Functional Medicine
Background & Bio details
My mission is to help women who are fed up with feeling bloated, tired and sick of riding the hormonal rollercoaster. I work with women who are unhappy with their body, tired of constant digestive or hormonal issues and want to improve their mood.
I am here to help you undo the years of health discrimination and ‘fobbing off’ you may have received. Through my online nutrition practice, I utilize scientific and holistic practices to create personalised food, supplement and lifestyle plans that help women fix their digestion, balance their hormones & create resiliency in their mental health. I want you to feel good in your clothes, and get back to living your beautiful life.
My approach is unique, working closely with people over 6 months incorporating lab tests, coaching, weekly support, accountability and personalised ‘detective work’ to ensure long lasting results.
Areas of specialisation: IBS, bloating, bowel issues, period and hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue syndrome, C-PTSD, anxiety, depression.
Contact: admin@keziahall.com or book a free chat here
My website is: www.keziahall.com
IG: @iamkeziahall
Dorota Cloke, mRSPH
As a qualified Nutritionist, Biohacker and Wellness Coach I revolutionise the way people think about food and health. I help individuals and organisations to thrive and reach their full potential through nutrition, lifestyle and wellbeing.
Through my nutrition guidance and wellness plans, I’m passionate about helping people feel energised and optimised.
I use scientific evidence and cutting-edge technologies to help individuals and organisations enhance their performance — physically, mentally and emotionally.
I hold an RSPH L5 Award in Nutrition, am a member of the Royal Society for Public Health and regularly complete Institute for Optimum Nutrition courses for CPD.
Areas of speciality
Metabolic flexibility and guided fasting.
Metabolic flexibility is your body’s capacity to switch between two energy sources, glucose and ketones. Ketones are created when we reduce glucose and introduce healthy fats. By working to enhance this metabolic adaptability, you can significantly boost your overall health and well-being.
The benefits of metabolic flexibility extend to cognitive function and mental well-being. Your insulin sensitivity – your body’s ability to process the carbs you eat to produce energy rather than letting sugar accumulate – has a dramatic impact on your alertness.
By ensuring a steady supply of energy to the brain, metabolic flexibility supports focus and alertness. This steady energy also helps in avoiding energy slumps that can affect mood, with cortisol regulation playing a crucial role in maintaining energy balance and mood stability
I work with women who are entering peri-menopause transition.
IG @thefeelhumanclub
