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Tetyana Rocks, Dina Hoare, Felice Jacka, and Genevieve Moseley

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for anyone with an interest, or with experience of, good or bad mental health. This course will also be of interest to healthcare practitioners working with people with mental and brain health issues or in roles related to diet, nutrition and mental and brain health education.

Topics Covered

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for anyone with an interest, or with experience of, good or bad mental health. This course will also be of interest to healthcare practitioners working with people with mental and brain health issues or in roles related to diet, nutrition and mental and brain health education.

Topics Covered

  • The relationship between diet/nutrition and mental and brain health
  • Factors influencing diet, nutrition and mental health
  • Dietary styles, behaviours, guidelines and assessment
  • The role of inflammation and gut microbiota for mental health
  • How diet can be optimised for mental and brain health

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Reviews summary

Diet and mental health foundations

According to learners, "Food and Mood: Improving Mental Health Through Diet and Nutrition" is a highly accessible and evidence-based course that provides actionable strategies for personal well-being. Students consistently praise the knowledgeable instructors and the clear, digestible presentation of complex scientific concepts, especially regarding gut microbiota and inflammation. While it offers a strong foundational understanding, some professionals found the depth somewhat basic, suggesting it's ideal for a general audience or as a refresher rather than advanced specialization. Overall, it's considered a game-changer for personal insight into how diet impacts mental health.
Specific, insightful discussions on inflammation and gut health.
"The discussions around gut microbiota and inflammation were particularly eye-opening."
"I certainly learned a lot, especially regarding the latest research on the gut-brain axis."
"This course helped me understand the critical role of gut health for mental well-being."
Instructors are highly knowledgeable and engaging, enhancing the learning.
"The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and presented information in such an engaging way."
"The instructors are clearly experts in their field, and their passion shines through."
"Thank you to the Deakin University team! Their passion for the topic is evident."
Excellent for beginners and those seeking a strong overview.
"Incredible insights from the Food & Mood Centre... Definitely a foundational course for understanding holistic mental health."
"It's a must-take for anyone curious about how food impacts their brain."
"This course provided me with a strong foundation in using practical tools and strategies related to diet."
Provides concrete, evidence-based strategies for immediate application.
"I've already started implementing changes, and feel so much better. Highly recommend for anyone looking to improve their well-being!"
"The practical tips were useful... The advice is practical and easy to apply."
"I particularly valued the emphasis on practical dietary changes. It truly changed my perspective on diet and mental well-being."
Presents complex scientific links in an easy-to-understand way.
"This course was absolutely fantastic! It demystified the complex link between diet and mental health, offering actionable strategies."
"The material is presented in a digestible format, making complex topics understandable for everyone."
"The lectures were clear and the examples relatable. It's accessible, evidence-based, and empowers you to take control."
May not meet the advanced needs of experienced healthcare practitioners.
"While the content was excellent for a general audience... I, as a nutritionist, found some parts a bit basic."
"The course provided a good introduction to the subject, but I felt it lacked the depth required for a professional."
"It's more suited for public health awareness than deep professional development. Some of the practical advice was very general."

Career center

Learners who complete Food and Mood: Improving Mental Health Through Diet and Nutrition will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Food and Mood: Improving Mental Health Through Diet and Nutrition.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Mediterranean diet, which has been linked to a number of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
This foundational textbook widely used in nutrition and dietetics programs. It provides a comprehensive overview of the nutrition care process, covering assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring and evaluation. It is an essential reference for students and professionals, offering evidence-based guidelines for nutritional care across the lifespan and for various conditions.
Considered a definitive textbook in immunology, this book offers a detailed and in-depth exploration of the immune system. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers. While it covers all aspects of immunology, it provides extensive information on the mechanisms and regulation of inflammation, making it invaluable for deepening one's understanding.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the gut-brain axis, including its role in health and disease. It is written by two leading experts in the field and valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the gut-brain axis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the vegan diet, including its history, different types, and health benefits.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the plant-based diet, and discusses its benefits for health, the environment, and animal welfare.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the human microbiome, with a focus on the role of diet in gut health. It is written by two leading experts in the field, and it is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important topic.
Explores the critical link between nutrition and sustainable food systems, addressing the environmental and social impacts of food production and consumption. It's essential for understanding contemporary issues in global nutrition.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the gut microbiome, and it discusses how to improve gut health through diet and lifestyle changes. It is written by a leading expert in the field, and it is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important topic.
Explores the role of the gut microbiota in the development of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. It provides insights into the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota can contribute to these diseases, and it highlights the potential for manipulating the gut microbiota to prevent and treat these diseases.
Kuby Immunology is another well-regarded textbook providing a comprehensive introduction to the field of immunology. It covers the principles of immune responses, including inflammation, with clear explanations and illustrations. It is widely used in undergraduate and graduate immunology courses.
This handbook offers evidence-based guidance for health professionals working with athletes. It covers timely research and practical information on fueling for performance, recovery, and various sports. It key reference in the field of sports nutrition.
This is likely a collection of articles or reviews on recent advancements in inflammation and allergy research. Its content would be highly contemporary and suitable for graduate students and working professionals seeking to stay updated on the latest findings. It would be more valuable as a reference for current research than a foundational text.
Roitt's Essential Immunology provides a fundamental overview of immunology, balancing scientific detail with practical examples. It covers the key principles of immunity, including aspects of inflammation, and is suitable for medical and health sciences students.
This textbook offers a broad introduction to the principles of human nutrition, covering basic biology, nutrient requirements, and the impact of nutrition on health and disease. It's suitable for students new to the field and provides a solid base for further study.
Specifically reviews research on the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key component in inflammatory signaling. It specialized text for researchers and advanced students focusing on the molecular mechanisms of inflammasome activation and its role in various diseases.
Examines the impact of traditional diets on health and genetics, combining modern science with ancestral eating patterns. It offers insights into how dietary choices can influence gene expression and long-term health.
Explores the concept of self-acceptance and how it can help us live more authentic and fulfilling lives. It is particularly relevant to mental health as it can help us overcome perfectionism and build a stronger sense of self-worth.
Delves into the hidden factors that influence our eating habits, drawing on research in behavioral economics. It's highly relevant for understanding why we make the food choices we do and offers practical tips for mindful eating.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the vegetarian diet, including its history, different types, and health benefits.
Provides a practical guide to improving gut health through diet. It includes information on the role of the gut microbiome in weight management and overall health.
Discusses the role of the gut microbiome in immune function. It explores how the gut microbiome can affect the development of allergies, asthma, and other immune-mediated diseases.
Explores the concept of the shame-based self, which core belief that we are fundamentally flawed and unworthy of love. It provides practical tools and exercises to help readers overcome shame and build a more positive self-image.
A thought-provoking book that critiques the modern Western diet and industrial food system. It encourages a return to simpler, whole foods and offers a common-sense approach to eating. It's a valuable read for understanding the broader context of nutrition.
This textbook presents the basics of nutrition with an emphasis on the underlying science, including anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. It provides a solid foundation for understanding nutrition concepts.
Offers a concise introduction to immunology, suitable for students new to the field. It provides a broad overview of the immune system and its functions, including inflammation, without excessive detail, making it a good resource for a broad understanding.
Personal memoir about the author's year-long project to improve her happiness. It offers practical tips and insights on how to cultivate happiness in our own lives.
This cookbook and guide advocates for traditional food preparation techniques and the consumption of nutrient-dense, traditional fats. It offers an alternative perspective to mainstream dietary advice and is considered a classic in the real food movement.
Provides a good base in dietetics, covering fundamental concepts and practical applications. It useful resource for students beginning their studies in nutrition and dietetics.
While not solely focused on nutrition science, this book provides crucial context on the societal factors influencing eating behaviors and the prevalence of eating disorders. It's important for a holistic understanding of nutrition and its psychological aspects.

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