Reviewed by Dr. Koichi Tanji, ND, LMHC · 6 min read
Nutritional psychiatry is the study of how what we eat affects how we feel and think. It is not a replacement for therapy or medical care, but a growing body of research shows that diet, nutrient status, and gut health meaningfully influence mood, focus, and resilience, and that they are often overlooked.
Why food and mood are connected
Your brain is metabolically expensive and built from nutrients. The raw materials for neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine come from the diet. Blood-sugar swings, low iron or B12, omega-3 status, and vitamin D all show up in energy, concentration, and emotional stability.
The gut, the second brain
Much of the body's serotonin activity and a constant stream of signals to the brain come from the gut. Digestion, the microbiome, and inflammation form the gut-brain axis, which is why bloating, irregular digestion, and mood problems so often travel together.
What nutritional psychiatry looks at
- Overall dietary pattern and blood-sugar stability
- Key nutrients: omega-3s, iron, B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium
- Gut health, the microbiome, and inflammation
- Caffeine, alcohol, and how they interact with sleep and anxiety
How we use it at Sphosh Health
Nutrition is one thread in a broader plan, not a fad diet. Where useful, testing gives an objective picture, and Dr. Koichi Tanji, who is also a Certified Sports Nutritionist, translates it into practical, individualized change alongside psychotherapy. It pairs especially well with low mood, fatigue and brain fog, and focus concerns.
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