Food for Thought: The Relationship Between Food, Gut and Brain from edX

Context

Currently, the gut-brain axis has started to gain media visibility and it has come to the forefront of the medical research community. The growing amount of evidence that substantiates the importance of this link indicates it is a valuable area for the improvement of human well-being and more understanding and research is needed.

The brain is the control centre of the body, and it is heavily influenced by the food we eat. The quality and quantity of our diet can affect our cognitive abilities, mood, and overall brain function. Our brain can also impact our eating habits, by controlling our appetite, cravings, and decision-making processes.

A diet that is high in processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars can have negative effects on brain function and can lead to inflammation, stress, and insulin resistance, all of which can impair cognitive abilities, memory, and learning.

Solution

To overcome the lack of knowledge in the complex relation between food, gut and brain, and how it can affect life in many senses, EIT Food has developed this short online course to enable not only healthcare professionals, but anyone that is interested in the subject, to understand and discuss how the food we eat can optimise brain function and overall health.

This course title is “Food for Thought: Relationship Between Food, Gut and Brain”. It is composed of 20 hours of learning broken down in 5 modules.

On this course, you will look at the relation between the brain and the digestive system and will be able to describe the role that a diet has on brain function. You will reflect on the possible causes of unhealthy and pathological eating behaviours and assess the relationship between emotions and food intake. You will also discuss the relationship between the food they eat, the digestive system, the brain and how this affects their daily life.

Ambition

Our mission is to provide awareness about the interplay between brain, food and gut and empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to improve their overall well-being by understanding this correlation. Through EIT Food online course, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest research and insights into the food-gut-brain connection not only for health care professionals, but for any individual that could be interested in how they influence physical and mental health.

High level contributors

This course has been designed for anyone with an interest in the subject but may be of particular interest to psychologists or people working in health and well-being, and has been produced by the University of Turin, with content provided by the University of Hohenheim and the Polish Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research.

What's inside

Learning objectives

You’ll learn how the brain works, and is affected by diet and nutritional deficiencies. you’ll also discover less known, cutting-edge subjects such as the gut-brain axis, the microbiome, and the relationship between food and reproductive health.
By the end of the course, you'll be able to:
Describe the role our diet has on brain function
Identify the role of psychological and neurobiological factors in our food choices

Evaluate the possible causes (biological, social, psychological) of unhealthy and pathological eating behaviours
Explain the connection between the brain and our digestive system (gut)
Assess the relationship between emotions and food intake
Discuss the relationship between the food we eat, the digestive system, and the brain and how this affects daily life

You’ll learn how the brain works, and is affected by diet and nutritional deficiencies. you’ll also discover less known, cutting-edge subjects such as the gut-brain axis, the microbiome, and the relationship between food and reproductive health.
By the end of the course, you'll be able to:
Describe the role our diet has on brain function
Identify the role of psychological and neurobiological factors in our food choices
Evaluate the possible causes (biological, social, psychological) of unhealthy and pathological eating behaviours
Explain the connection between the brain and our digestive system (gut)
Assess the relationship between emotions and food intake
Discuss the relationship between the food we eat, the digestive system, and the brain and how this affects daily life

Syllabus

The course focuses on the relationship between food, brain and mind:

How does the brain work?

How do emotions and thoughts affect our food choices?

How do diets and nutritional deficiencies affect our brain?

Reward systems and their relationship with food

The link between the microbiome and brain

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suits people interested in the subject or professionals working in health and well-being

Provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between food, gut, and brain

Covers cutting-edge topics such as the microbiome and the relationship between food and reproductive health

Teaches how the brain works and how emotions and thoughts affect food choices

Examines the link between the gut microbiome and the brain

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Food for Thought: The Relationship Between Food, Gut and Brain with these activities:

Revisit Basic Nutrition and Neurobiology

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This activity will allow you to refresh your knowledge of the fundamentals of nutrition and neurobiology, strengthening your understanding of the relationship between food, gut, and brain.

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Review notes or textbooks on basic nutrition principles.
Explore online resources or attend workshops to enhance your understanding of neurobiology.

Read 'The Mind-Gut Connection' by Emeran Mayer

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the mind-gut connection, exploring the bidirectional relationship between the brain and the digestive system.

View The Mind-Gut-Immune Connection: Understanding... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Mind-Gut Connection' by Emeran Mayer.
Set aside dedicated time for reading and note-taking.
Reflect on the key concepts and findings presented in the book.

Attend a Workshop on the Gut-Brain Axis

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Participating in a workshop on the gut-brain axis will provide you with in-depth knowledge and insights into the latest research and advancements in this field.

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Research and identify relevant workshops on the gut-brain axis.
Register for the workshop and make arrangements for attendance.
Actively participate in the workshop discussions and activities.
Take notes and engage with the experts presenting at the workshop.

Five other activities

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Explore Online Tutorials on the Microbiome

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Delving into online tutorials on the microbiome will expand your understanding of its role in the gut-brain axis and its implications for health.

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Identify reputable online platforms or educational institutions offering tutorials on the microbiome.
Select tutorials that cover aspects relevant to the gut-brain connection.
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and completing any interactive exercises.

Engage in Discussion Groups on Food, Gut, and Brain

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Participating in peer discussions will allow you to share and exchange knowledge, perspectives, and experiences related to the gut-brain axis.

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Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to food, gut, and brain.
Actively participate in discussions, asking questions, sharing insights, and engaging with other members.
Organize or host your own discussion groups to facilitate knowledge sharing.

Create a Mind Map on the Relationship Between Food and Mood

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Creating a mind map will help you visualize and organize the complex connections between food and mood, enhancing your understanding of their interplay.

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Brainstorm and list down different foods and their potential effects on mood.
Use a mind mapping tool or draw on paper to create a visual representation of these connections.
Include branches for different categories, such as mood-boosting foods, mood-stabilizing foods, and foods to avoid.
Add notes or examples to support your connections.

Develop a Meal Plan that Optimizes Brain Function

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Creating a personalized meal plan will help you apply your knowledge of the gut-brain connection to your own diet, promoting brain health and well-being.

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Research and gather information on brain-boosting foods and their nutritional value.
Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
Design a meal plan that incorporates these foods while meeting your individual dietary needs.
Implement the meal plan and monitor its effects on your cognitive function and overall well-being.

Practice Mindfulness Techniques to Manage Stress-Induced Eating

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Incorporating mindfulness into your routine can help you break unhealthy eating patterns and promote a balanced relationship with food.

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Learn and practice mindfulness meditation techniques through guided apps or courses.
Apply mindfulness to your eating habits, paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations during meals.
Identify triggers that lead to stress-induced eating and develop strategies to manage them mindfully.

Career center

Learners who complete Food for Thought: The Relationship Between Food, Gut and Brain will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists are doctors who specialize in the digestive system and its disorders. They diagnose and treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. This course will teach you more about the relationship between food and gut and brain. This knowledge can be utilized to better diagnose and treat digestive disorders.

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Registered Dietitian

Registered Dietitians provide nutrition counseling and education to individuals and groups. They help people make healthy food choices and manage their weight. This course will teach you more about the relationship between food and gut and brain. This knowledge can be utilized to provide more effective nutrition counseling and education to your clients.

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Dietitian

Dietitians help people make healthy food choices. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or schools. This course will teach you more about the relationship between food and gut and brain and how can affect life in many senses. This knowledge can help you to develop more effective nutrition plans for your clients.

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Computational Neuroscientist

Computational Neuroscientists use computer models to understand how the brain works. They study the brain's structure and function, and how it processes information. This work can help us to understand brain disorders and develop new treatments. The course will teach you more about the gut-brain axis and how it affects our daily lives. This knowledge can help you to develop more effective computational models of the brain.

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Food Scientist

Food Scientists develop new food products and improve existing ones. They also work to ensure that food is safe and nutritious. This course will teach you more about the relationship between food and the gut and brain and how this affects our daily lives. This knowledge will be beneficial to you in your role as a Food Scientist, as it will allow you to develop more nutritious and flavorful food products.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They may specialize in a particular field, such as nutrition, psychology, or biology. This course will teach you more about the relationship between food and gut and brain. This knowledge can be utilized to develop new courses and research projects that will help to advance our understanding of this complex relationship.

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Health Educator

Health Educators teach people about health and nutrition. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, community centers, or workplaces. This course will teach you more about the relationship between food and gut and brain and how it can affect our daily lives. This knowledge will be beneficial to in your role as a Health Educator, as it will allow you to develop more effective health education programs.

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Microbiologist

Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They work to understand how these organisms affect human health and the environment. This course will teach you more about the relationship between the microbiome and brain. This knowledge can be utilized to develop new treatments for diseases that are caused by imbalances in the microbiome.

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Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical Research Coordinators play an important role in the drug development process. They manage and coordinate all aspects of a clinical trial, from start to finish. This includes working with investigators, patients, and other members of the research team and making sure the trial is conducted according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. The course will teach you the relationship between the brain and the gut and how it can affect life in many senses. This will be beneficial to you in your role as a Clinical Research Coordinator, as it will allow you to better understand the potential side effects of drugs and how they could impact patients.

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Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives sell prescription drugs to doctors and other healthcare providers. They must have a strong understanding of the drugs they are selling, as well as the diseases they treat. This course will teach you more about the relationship between food and gut and brain. This knowledge will be beneficial to you in your role as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, as it will allow you to better understand the drugs you are selling and how they can impact patients.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases in a population. They use this information to identify risk factors for disease and develop prevention strategies. This course may be useful for you in your role as an Epidemiologist, as it will allow you to better understand the relationship between diet and disease.

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Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants help healthcare organizations improve their performance. They may work in a variety of areas, such as strategy, operations, or finance. This course may be useful for you in your role as a Healthcare Consultant, as it will allow you to better understand the needs of your clients and develop more effective strategies to help them achieve their goals.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers get to design and create technology to help people. As a Biomedical Engineer, you might create new medical devices or methods for treatments and you may also improve existing devices or treatments. Based on the course description, you will be taking a look at the relationship between food and gut and brain, which is something that Biomedical Engineers have to do in their job. If you take this course, you'll be able to get a better understanding of the connection between food and the body, which could lead to breakthroughs in the medical field.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns. They work to increase brand awareness, generate leads, and drive sales. This course may be useful for you in your role as a Marketing Manager, as it will allow you to better understand the needs of your target market and develop more effective marketing campaigns.

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Consultant, Business Strategy

Consultants help businesses improve their performance. They may work in a variety of industries and specialize in a particular area, such as marketing, finance, or operations. This course may be useful for you in your role as a Consultant, Business Strategy, as it will allow you to better understand the needs of your clients and develop more effective strategies to help them achieve their goals.

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