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Practice Application Paper: Final Composite:
The Role of Nutrition, Diet, and Gut Health on Mental Well-Being
Joe Nelson
College of Social Work, University of Kentucky
SW 871-201: ADV Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology
Dr. Brittany S. Reed, DSW, LMFT
March 24, 2024
ABSTRACT
In recent years, the relationship between nutrition and mental health has significantly gained attention. Mental health problems related to gut health are increasingly being reported without any positive progress. The emerging research shows that the existing medication approaches to mental health are not practical enough to resolve the mental health problems related to the issue. Even though there is comprehensive evidence from the emerging literature regarding the seriousness of the mental problems stemming from gut health, clinicians still hold onto medical approaches, which still need to make progress towards improving this issue. This practice application paper examines the role of nutrition, diet, and gut health on mental well-being. Specifically, the objective of the paper is to educate clinicians about the impacts of gut-brain axis theory and how improving the bio-psychosocial model approach will help identify more gut issues, which will lead to better-informed decisions instead of just medication. Through this paper, clinicians will be able to understand the possible alternative approaches that may be employed to effectively address the issue of mental health stemming from gut dysbiosis. It achieves this by conducting an extensive research review on the underlying knowledge, what has been done, and reflection on the proposed interventions.
Key Words: Gut-Brain Axis Theory, Mental well-being, Biopsychosocial model, Gut dysbiosis, Microbiome, Mental health conditions, Nutrition psychiatry, Dietary changes
Practice Application on The Role of Nutrition, Diet, and Gut Health on Mental Well-Being
Background
The human gut microbiome is undeniably one of the most complex ecosystems, densely colonized by a significant number of microbial species. Emerging evidence demonstrates that imbalances in the gut microbiota may disrupt communication and possibly result in mental health conditions such as depression, neurodevelopmental conditions, and depression (Limbana et al., 2020). Nevertheless, despite the seriousness of this condition, most clinicians focus on administering medication to mitigate the effects of gut imbalances on mental well-being rather than embracing cognitive tools to inform clinicians’ understanding of biopsychosocial mechanisms, enhance early detection, employ interventions, engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, prevent adverse outcomes, and ensure permanent treatment of the conditions (Horn et al., 2023). Perturbations perpetuated by therapies such as antibiotic medication may disrupt the balance of the gut ecosystem, leading to notable reductions in microbial diversity and functional richness as well as effects on metabolic health. Consequently, mental health conditions may arise or be supported by imbalanced states or even harmful stable conditions (Tait & Sayuk, 2021).
Sadly, the conditions related to mental health as impacted by the gut microbiome continue to increase, which has even necessitated that countries such as the United States line their resources to mitigate health conditions such as bipolar, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Frame et al., 2020). Many individuals continue to suffer at the hands of mental health conditions resulting from the macrobiotic gut without practical alternative approaches, such as educating people on the proper healthy diet, which may positively impact their gut and mental health (Adan et al., 2019). The gut microbiota has been reported to be associated with high rates of suicide among mentally ill people (Uddin et al., 2017). The 2019 world statistics indicated that approximately 970 million people were affected by mental illnesses. Mental illnesses may affect a patient’s ability to learn, work, and lead an everyday life (Tilocca et al., 2020). It is important to note that, in extreme cases, mental conditions resulting from the gut can even result in suicide.
Furthermore, mental diseases could interfere with a patient’s family members’ capacity to lead regular lives. This is mainly caused by stress and being unable to concentrate on activities. Various factors impact the gut microbiota, with the environment, overall health, and season taking the lead. The physiology of the human microbiome is influenced by dietary changes, stress, and antibiotic usage (Martin et al., 2023). This change may cause increased intestinal permeability, often known as “leaky gut syndrome.” It allows objects from the gut lumen to enter the bloodstream, including bacteria and their metabolites. When abnormal gut permeability causes systemic and localized mucosal inflammation, it creates a vicious cycle (Tait & Sayuk, 2021). The release of cytokines and neurotransmitters exacerbates the inflammation, further increasing intestinal permeability. These chemical mediators may alter brain function via the gut-brain axis (GBA), causing anxiety, melancholy, and memory loss.
The gut bacteria may regulate emotions via the gut-brain axis (GBA). Since Sudo discovered the GBA in germ-free mice, studies have demonstrated that gut bacteria enter the immune, neurological, and endocrine systems (Martin et al., 2023). Research has shown there is a significant relationship between mood disorders and increased gut bacterial translocation (Martin et al., 2023). For instance, compared to controls, there are notable increases in Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria in severe depressive illness and declines in Firmicutes.
Neurocognitive reactions to stressful sights are substantially associated with the kind of bacteria present. Prevotella predominance is linked to increased white matter in the attentional, emotional, and sensory processing areas, whereas the Bacteroides enterotype is linked to increased grey matter in the frontal lobes, cerebellum, and hippocampus. The stomach has 90% of serotonin receptors (Tait & Sayuk, 2021). As a consequence, the most common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, the most extensively used pharmacological treatment for mood disorders, is gastrointestinal distress. The vagus nerve allows for morphological and physiological two-way communication between the gut and the brain, including recently discovered enteroendocrine cells in the gut. This shows how the underlying medication approaches have been ineffective (Martin et al., 2023). In addition to understanding the many relationships between food and psychological diseases such as anxiety and depression, the GBA has prompted the formation of a new field called nutritional psychiatry, which employs dietary changes as a therapeutic intervention for patients (Martin et al., 2023).
Dietary changes may affect happiness and mood by altering the gut microbiome. It has been shown that nutritional alterations account for 57% of the variance in the gut microbiota in mice, whereas genetic background accounts for 12%. According to a study published in Nature magazine, the ketogenic diet alters the microbiome’s taxonomic and functional makeup in children with epilepsy. In a related investigation, Martin et al. (2023) discovered differences in the relative presentations of enterotypes in the gut microbiota in children with epilepsy. Given that altering gut bacterial enterotypes in animal models may replicate the effects of ketogenic diets without modifying the food, it is conceivable that the advantages of these diets for managing severe epilepsy are mediated via the gut microbiome (Martin et al., 2023).
Rationale for Focus
It is critical to acknowledge the limits of medical therapies in treating mental health disorders while researching the connection between gut health and mental well-being (Horn et al., 2023). The complex gut microbiota of humans is essential for controlling the gut-brain axis, which controls the flow of information between the stomach and the brain. Unbalances in the gut flora have always been attributed to mental illness, resulting in gut issues such as depression and anxiety (Góralczyk-Bińkowska et al., 2022). Despite pharmaceutical approaches being favored by many doctors for gut and mental health issues, holistic biopsychosocial methods are often overlooked. These methods may not effectively reduce the prevalence of mental illnesses linked to gut microbes and uncover the root causes of mental health problems related to gut dysbiosis.
The primary rationale for this discussion on the issue of gut health and mental wellness is to develop sophisticated solutions and supplement or replace the existing medication procedures that have been ineffective for quite some time, resulting in high rates of mental health conditions resulting from gut-related issues. Many resources are being invested in medication support without any meaningful results; thus, it becomes imperative to develop more economical and effective interventions, which are potentially realized in the concept of gut-axis theory (Góralczyk-Bińkowska et al., 2022). The underlying research demonstrates the need for shifting or supplementing intervention concepts and developing more holistic approaches that are able to examine critical conditions associated with gut issues and, accordingly, develop meaningful interventions such as nutritional support that will provide a permanent solution to the issue.
Worldwide, high cases of mental issues are being reported daily. Surprisingly, more than 50% of the reported cases are related to gut microbiomes, including bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and autism spectrum disorder (Martin et al., 2023). This makes it necessary to carry out research in this field to come up with more effective ways of fighting the spread of this condition. More so, considering the inconveniences it renders to the family, such as denying an individual performance of their regular tasks and making the rest of their families commit their resources to take care of the conditions, it is necessary to develop better ways of addressing the issue, which is the main purpose of this practice paper (Góralczyk-Bińkowska et al., 2022).
This research is based on the core aim of educating clinicians via a 9-hour training curriculum. The main idea is to empower the clinicians to understand the complex ways in which the impact of gut-brain axis theory in the context of the bio-psychosocial model approach will pave the way for understanding more gut issues, which would subsequently result in a comprehensive understanding of the mental health problem and informed decisions towards its resolution. The gut-brain axis is useful in diagnosing gastrointestinal problems, alongside its primary role of empowering informed decision-making. According to Góralczyk-Bińkowska et al. (2022), gut and brain disorders are associated with high suicide rates internationally, emphasizing the necessity for effective treatments to avoid their progression. According to Góralczyk-Bińkowska et al. (2022), 970 million individuals globally committed suicide due to gastrointestinal and mental health issues. This huge problem might affect global economic development, learning, and health.
Recent research reveals that eating is more crucial for mental health than most people believe. According to the research findings by Schnorr and Bachner (2016), including protein in a meal may improve gut health. This is because milk contains amino acids that are useful in regulating moods. Rhodes (2021) adds to this concept by saying that beans, vegetables, and probiotics are all significant elements in elevating one’s mood. This research emphasizes the need to take such specific foods as one’s gut reflects how they feel. However, it is also important to avoid some nutrition that may have opposite implications, such as caffeine, which may affect one’s mood and even cause sleeping problems. This research is based on enlightening on various specific alternatives that may help eliminate mental conditions constantly and permanently.
Literature Review
A thorough analysis of the emerging literature demonstrates common themes on mental health issues related to gut health, specifically showing how gut microbiota perpetuates mental health problems among different individuals. The human microbiome is a complex group of microorganisms that live in various parts of human body tissues. The members of human bacteria include fungi, bacteria, and viruses. They are a dynamic kind of organism that adapts to various environments and sometimes manifests in various human body organs, such as the skin or gastrointestinal system (Feng et al., 2023). Recent studies show that complex metabolite relationships in the microbiome can alter the tumor microenvironment, disrupt cell signaling, and accelerate cancer growth. Addressing gut dysbiosis-related mental health concerns is crucial due to increased mental disease incidence and the need for a comprehensive biopsychosocial paradigm (Feng et al., 2023).
This literature synthesizes the underlying body of literature to provide a significant framework for the development of a 9-hour training curriculum for clinicians, equipping them with substantial insights and necessary tools to navigate the gut-brain axis and promote informed decision-making in the context of mental health treatment (Feng et al., 2023).
What is known about the problem or issue?
The gut, usually referred to as the second brain, harbors trillions of bacteria alongside other microorganisms that serve a critical role in the overall maintenance of mental health. According to Ma et al. (2019), there is no specific definition of gut health; however, the central concept behind this phenomenon is the function of the gastrolienal tract and its role in the absorption of digestion, excretion, immunity, and mental health. Even though the gastrointestinal tract is home to up to 80% of immune cells, studies reveal that trillions of bacteria line its walls, contributing to the formation of a barrier that aids in immunological tolerance, transmits signals to the brain, aids in nutrition absorption, and fights against infections (Bengesser et al., 2019). The existing literature suggests that imbalances in the gut microbiota may interfere with this communication, which might result in mental health issues, including anxiety, sadness, and even neurodevelopmental abnormalities (Bengesser et al., 2019).
Studies reveal that, of the millions of reported mental illness cases associated with gut dysbiosis, half of them were found to be ineffectively treated. Bengesser et al. (2019) examined gut microbiota balancing methods to determine how the gut-brain axis affects bipolar illness. Bipolar people have different gut microbiotas than healthy controls, with Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, and Ruminococcus alterations being the most constant. Patients with bipolar illness who take probiotics have fewer rehospitalizations and better cognitive and depressive symptoms (Bengesser et al., 2019).
Since it was feasible to research the gut microbiota, Horn et al. (2022) claimed that our knowledge of its function in health and illness has greatly increased. Food affects the microbiota and metabolic processes. Some disagree on what makes healthy gut flora. The gut microbiome may affect mental health and digestion. Stress, food, and environment affect the microbiome-gut-brain axis (Gao et al., 2020). The stomach, brain, and microbiome communicate via this mechanism. Diet affects gut microbiota and brain function. Some foods’ anti-inflammatory characteristics affect the microbiota and brain health, according to research. The microbiota is essential to brain and body health.
One component in the gut-brain axis that has been shown to moderate cognitive development and health is the gut microbiome (GMB). Gao et al. (2020) indicate that some microbiome elements contribute to cognitive development, stability, and impairment, and that GMB components and dysbiosis have been linked to a variety of mental states. Because it covers the whole human experience and because the components of the microbiome are adjustable, the study of these interactions is pertinent to nursing research. It can be easily translated into a clinical context.
There is a lot of knowledge on the processes behind the health advantages of specific diets, and most of the supporting data needs to be more detailed or even contradictory. According to Rhodes (2021), understanding the intricate relationships between food, the microbiota, and the gut epithelium is necessary to explain the notable regional variations in colorectal cancer incidence, which is likely related to nutrition. Although dietary fibers have the potential to function as prebiotics by promoting the development of saccharolytic bacteria, other processes are equally crucial.
Rhodes (2021) further suggests that soluble fibers may, but do not always, have a “contrabiotic” action that prevents bacteria from adhering to the epithelium. This is especially true of pectins (galacturonic), while fructans in foods previously thought to be advantageous prebiotics may cause inflammation via the harmful effects of elevated butyrate concentrations (Rhodes, 2021). This means that a damaged mucus layer, along with potentially harmful fecal butyrate levels, may make ulcerative colitis worse. Specific dietary glycans may hinder the crucial process of lectins’ epithelial adhesion. These lectins may be bacterial or dietary, such as the galactose-binding lectin produced by the colon cancer-associated Fusobacterium nucleatum.
On the other hand, emulsifiers included in processed meals may change the microbiota and enhance bacterial translocation, which might lead to cancer or inflammation (Rhodes, 2021). Concentrating on more than one illness has minimal benefits despite more emphasis being paid to the development of public health messaging and the mounting knowledge about the effects of dietary components on all-cause mortality (Puri et al., 2023). The intricate relationships that exist between nutrition, the microbiota, and health are still just beginning to be understood.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), which cause stomach pain without a structural or biochemical cause, are widespread in internal medicine. According to Tait & Sayuk (2021), functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which frequently coexist with other somatic and pain issues without a clear anatomical cause, may affect up to 22% of people worldwide. To optimize patient management techniques and create therapeutic objectives, it is essential to have a thorough awareness of the current understanding of the molecular basis for these illnesses (Tait & Sayuk, 2021). The latest Rome IV recommendations identify functional abdominal pain disorders (FGIDs) as gut-brain interaction disorders, highlighting the brain-gut axis’s participation in these illnesses.
Tait & Sayuk (2021) define the essential brain-gut axis (BGA) as a complex network of reciprocal communication existing between the enteric and central neuronal systems. Through two-way communication between the main and enteric neural systems, the gut-brain axis (GBA) links the brain’s emotional and cognitive centers to the peripheral intestine (Tait & Sayuk, 2021). Recently, science has provided profound insights regarding how gut microorganisms affect these relationships. For example, through neurological, endocrine, humoral, and immunological pathways, communication occurs between the gut microbiota and the brain, as well as between the brain and the gut microbiota, in this bidirectional connection between the microbiota and brain-gut axis. Microbiota- brain-gut axis interactions in clinical practice are supported by the connection between dysbiosis and central neurological diseases, for instance, autism, anxiety-depressive behaviours and functional gastrointestinal conditions (Tait & Sayuk, 2021). Irritable bowel syndrome is one instance of how these complex connections are disrupted, and a better comprehension of these modifications may result in the creation of innovative targeted therapies.
What has been done to address the problem or issue?
The biomedical paradigm that ruled in the mid-1900s was problematic, and the BPS was established to address these concerns (Bashmi et al., 2023). Engel observed flaws in the biomedical paradigm, which saw the patient as an object, was reductionist and dualistic (thinking of the mind and body as separate entities), and only considered biological issues when treating a patient’s disease (Bashmi et al., 2023). Working with Romano, Engel aimed to give a more thorough approach to diagnosing and treating a patient’s pain and illness by emphasizing the social and psychological factors that influence the patient’s subjective experience. Another significant effort lies in the attempts to treat stomach cancer, which is thought to be closely related to the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. The possible interaction between Helicobacter pylori infections and changes in the makeup of the intestinal microbiota may aid in the development of gastric cancer.
In light of this, the BPS model described illness as the result of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social elements; thus, treatments in the domains of biology (medicine and surgery), psychology (psychotherapy), and society (health policy reforms) would all be included in the definition of treatment (Ma et al., 2019). Engel said that the humanistic and patient-centered approach of seeing a patient and their characteristics as human beings was essentially lacking from the biological paradigm, which was represented by the BPS model (Bashmi et al., 2023). Engel anticipated that the BPS model would improve as a “scientific model” for medical education, research, and practice. Even though this tool model is associated with a number of limitations, it is still considered to be very significant, particularly in the enlightening aspect of psychiatry (Bashmi et al., 2023). The model is considered to hugely benefit from homogeneity across various communities as well as broadening its scope, conceptualizing structural and cultural features, and paying attention to more cross-cultural diversities from social, political, and economic perspectives.
Obi-Azuike et al. (2023) examined whether the gut-brain axis may cure gut-related mental health concerns in bipolar patients. Their results suggested that the gut-brain axis may reduce mental health issues (Obi-Azuike et al., 2023). Bipolar disorder patients with probiotic supplementation had fewer rehospitalizations, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairments. This shows that probiotic supplements and other gut-balancing therapies may help cure bipolar disorders.
Recent research shows gut microorganisms and hosts are mutualistic. The gut microbiota affects host development, physiology, and behavior. Fan et al. (2021) argue that intensive pig breeding may cause psychological disorders, weight loss, and low-quality meat, which might hurt the swine business. Tryptophan and dietary fiber metabolites may help with these issues, but since mice and pigs vary in their physiologies and metabolisms, care should be taken (Fan et al., 2021). Gaining insight into the gut-brain connection in pigs might lead to the development of new approaches to enhancing swine health. Research has shown that tryptophan supplementation in the diet improves milk output and reproductive efficiency while lowering stress and fighting behaviors (Fan et al., 2021).
Clinical-Based Intervention
My clinical-based intervention is based on a comprehensive training curriculum meant to teach all clinicians an alternative way of addressing the complex issue of health and mental wellness. This program uses the literature to educate mental health providers and doctors on the gut-brain axis’ potential to treat gut dysbiosis-related mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and neurodevelopmental disorders (Fassarella et al., 2020). While the emerging literature has clearly shown the seriousness of the mental condition and the shortcomings of current medication approaches, the gut-brain axis aims to provide an alternative framework that addresses the issue by identifying the root causes and the various gut issues that result in mental health problems, equipping clinicians with knowledge about the impact of gut-brain axis theory and how it improves the bio-psychosocial approach (Bashmi et al., 2023). Through this program, clinicians will be able to identify more guts and, therefore, come up with a better-informed decision to treat gut health-related health and mental health rather than just relying on medications, which have yet to demonstrate their effectiveness.
The 9-hour workshop-based training curriculum will teach clinicians gut-brain axis theory and help them adopt more advanced biopsychosocial models in mental health. The research found that pharmacological approaches interrupt mental health treatment, requiring more informed and holistic approaches (Puri et al., 2023). This shift is essential to addressing the widespread mental-intestinal health problem. Moreover, healthy eating behaviors present an effective alternative to enhance health and quality of life; therefore, it is important to exercise healthy eating behaviors as a way of improving mental well-being.
The gut microbiota and its metabolites help maintain an individual’s health. Chronic metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and cancer, are linked to gut microbial dysbiosis. It is also related to mental health, which has garnered attention recently (Bashmi et al., 2023). Brain and mental health may be affected by the vagus nerve, how microbes control neuro-immune signaling, how microbes break down serotonin, how microbes control hormonal function, and how microbes make neuroactive chemicals. These are some of the best alternatives, which are meant to empower clinicians to make informed decisions and come up with interventions that can resolve the complex issue of the gut microbiome.
Gut microbiota is complicated; certain microbes may safeguard mental health, while others may cause mental problems. One of the most frequent mental diseases, anxiety, is linked to the gut microbiome (Heym et al., 2019). Due to social isolation, patients with GAD have more Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes and fewer Firmicutes spp. and SCFA-producing microbiota. Targeting gut microbiomes may reduce anxiety. Diet, gut health, and mental health literature will shape curriculum instruction. Administration routes, circadian rhythms, environmental exposures, and probiotics affect the microbiome-gut brain axis.
Food and probiotics are emphasized in the curriculum for mental wellness. The gut microbiome is significantly linked to mental health issues, stressing the necessity for complete treatment. The purpose is to educate clinicians on gut-brain axis therapy to minimize pharmaceutical use. Understanding fecal microbiota variations between healthy and mentally ill patients is important since gut microbiome dysbiosis is linked to depression (Puri et al., 2023). The training program will evaluate medication-centric approaches to gut health and provide solutions. The program combines theory and practice to help professionals adopt new treatments. Clinician training tackles gut-related mental health disorders by promoting the biopsychosocial model and gut-brain axis hypothesis. This can improve patient outcomes, lessen mental disease, and improve overall mental health.
Describe the implementation of your intervention.
The intervention will involve creating a 9-hour curriculum based on workshop training where the clinicians will be taught about the gut-brain axis theory and assisted in embracing a more advanced biopsychosocial model when handling patients’ mental illness. The curriculum will be anchored on a thorough assessment of the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes of the recipients towards the use of dietary practices in managing mental health. The training objectives will include:
To gain a comprehensive understanding of probiotics and the gut system,
Identify the relationship between the gut microbiome and mental illness.
Explore how these microorganisms cause mental health problems based on the gut-brain axis theory.
Examine how dietary changes can mitigate mental health problems based on the biopsychosocial model.
The training will be based on an interactive presentation anchored on the patient’s psychological, biological, and social factors. These factors affect gut health and impact mental illness. The face-to-face workshop, will explain gut health enhancement using probiotics and psychobiotics according to the gut-brain axis theory. These are useful bacteria that can be instrumental in supporting mental health instead of relying on medication. The next step will involve establishing strategic partnerships with educational institutions such as universities to integrate the presentations into social work and mental health programs (Fazel et al., 2023).
It is necessary to promote the sustainability of the intervention by incorporating it into educational programs and promote alternative treatments. The program will also bring together sponsors and host a free online training on the intervention. An online approach is ideal since it will reach people with limited finances, serve larger areas, and improve social work practice (Poitras et al., 2022).
The next step will involve crafting an engaging sponsorship proposal that encourages organizations to support community mental health education. Sponsorships will inform the community about the gut-brain axis and how patients can get better with dietary modifications. The aim of this step is to provide information directly to the people affected by corporations that are already working with them (Fazel et al., 2023). After training the participants will engage with each other and examine their learning to identify whether they have acquired the required knowledge and skills based on the objectives set.
The last phase of the implementation will be evaluation, which will examine the success of the intervention. The evaluation will be completed by checking the knowledge gained based on the objectives identified. The participants will be given questionnaires to answer the questions identified in the training objectives, and the responses will be used for evaluation. An evaluation framework will identify the extent to which dietary interventions reduce adverse mental health problems (Poitras et al., 2021). If more respondents can answer the questions, correctly, the training will be considered successful. Those who answer half of the questions wrongly will be considered to have failed and hence undergo a fresh training. Evaluation will form the basis for program improvements and modifications, considering the bio-psychosocial model and gut-brain axis theory.
While we anticipate the implementation to be successful, it is likely to encounter some challenges. One of them is the complexity of the concepts. The training program will require the participants to have a good understanding of the biopsychosocial model, gut-brain axis theory, and microbiome. These may be difficult for most clinicians, forming a barrier to a proper understanding of the interrelationship. There may be skepticism from the participants about the relationship between food and mental health. Most recipients may not always see the link, hence requiring more evidence-based and real-life explanations (Grosso, 2021). Time and resource constraints from the trainer and trainee may also act as barriers. Training requires dedication, time, and resources, which may not always be available.
Surprises, including unforeseen challenges, may accompany the intervention. The implementation may experience technical problems, especially when using multimedia devices. Poor turnout or an excess of people coming out to listen to the presentation may strain the current resources (Poitras et al., 2022). Some clinicians who have implemented the intervention may provide real-life examples of how they saw an improvement in health outcomes.
The implementation will illuminate the role of interprofessional collaboration. Although the intervention targets social workers and mental health professionals, implementation may show the contributions of other professionals, like nutritionists and psychologists (Grosso, 2021). Nutritionists will work with the counselors to train the people on the foods to include and eliminate for optimal mental health outcomes. Psychologists will then provide advice on the relationship between diet and mental health problems like depression and anxiety. Social workers will examine the environment to determine factors, including local diets, that can be prioritized for the patient. They will advise the clients on what to do and avoid based on their unique circumstances. The professionals will facilitate the program’s long-term sustainability. The program will only consume nine hours, but its applicability is long-term. Some of the approaches that would enhance sustainability include online learning and online support to empower clinicians to continually offer services based on the prevailing conditions.
Articulate an assessment or critique of the intervention
The intervention must undergo an assessment to determine its effectiveness. Previous studies have indicated that dietary interventions positively impact mental health. According to Horn et al. (2022), dietary intervention reduces mental disorders, including depression and anxiety, by at least 74% and is 20% more effective than the other approaches. Research indicates that a diet comprising at least 400g of fruits and vegetables, less than 50g of sugar, less than 5g of iodized salt, and less than 30% of the total diet from fat daily promotes brain health (Puri et al., 2023). The training objectives help investigate if the participants have gained knowledge based on the pre- and post-tests. It will assess knowledge retention and changes in attitudes and behaviors related to gut health when managing mental health problems. We will deem the dietary intervention successful if it results in changes in attitudes and behaviors. Participant engagement is another impactful tool in assessing the effectiveness of interventions (Poitras et al., 2022). When the participants are active by asking questions and contributing to the discussion, it implies that they have embraced and understood the intervention. The facilitator also provides feedback regarding their experiences with the training including successes, challenges faced and possible improvements.
A major issue with the approach is the failure to offer in-depth information to the participants. A 9-hour training session may be very short when training people on techniques that will have long-term mental impacts. The short training period may fail to equip the trainees with the required knowledge and skills for mental health management. Diet is a cultural issue since people from different parts of the world embrace or reject certain foods (Grosso, 2021). Access to resources will impact the training. Trainees from higher social and economic status may have more resources, like the internet, books, and diet options, than those from lower economic status. Trainees of higher social and economic status are thus likely to be better equipped for training and application. It does not accommodate individual factors like learning styles, exposure to concepts, and other factors affecting an individual. All learners will learn at the same time and with the same resources without tailoring them to specific needs.
A critique of the intervention entailed exploring how differences in diets based on cultural background would be impactful. The intervention will apply to all cultures by classifying foods broadly, for instance, plant and animal proteins, to allow flexibility in application. For instance, the Indian populations may not recommend beef as a source of protein, and the Muslims may not recommend port as a protein source. This assessment and critique demonstrate that the intervention is applicable to a wide range of populations.
Mental health is a largely researched topic attracting the attention of scholars and professionals. There are several studies that link diet to mental illness. These studies indicate that the components of the diet affect the mind based on the reaction of the food in the gut system (Góralczyk-Bińkowska et al., 2022). For example, some foods interact with gut microbes and cause depression, anxiety, and cognition problems. The available research demonstrates a co-relationship and supports the effectiveness of the intervention.
Discuss the applications and implications of your clinical intervention
The intervention is applicable to patients with mental illnesses. Clinicians can invest in the diet to manage mental health complications. Past studies on the topic have identified a gap that informs the application. However, the intervention has implications for mental health since it is relatively new.
How does the intervention address the gaps identified?
Research has identified gaps in the application of diet to mental health. The current mental health approach lacks a holistic perspective on applying nutrition. Clinicians also lack adequate information and education on how they can apply nutrition to mental health management. Social workers and clinicians may already be overloaded with responsibilities. The intervention will strain them more rendering them ineffective. They are likely to suffer ethical dilemmas based on decision-making, confidentiality and setting boundaries when talking with patients about their personal issues, like diet. The intervention addresses the gap by exploring the gut-brain axis and defining how this impacts mental health problems (Adan et al., 2019). The biopsychosocial model provides a comprehensive understanding of these problems, thereby generating a comprehensive solution.
The intervention is holistic to acclimate clinicians and social workers to the relationship between diet and mental health. It introduces them to the gut microbiome and diets that can alleviate mental health issues by influencing the actions of gut microbes. It addresses the social risks that increase mental health problems anchored in the gut. Since nutrition is largely a personal issue where one chooses what food to eat or not, it is possible to manage the risks based on both societal and individual levels (Góralczyk-Bińkowska et al., 2022). Training equips the population with knowledge and skills on the impacts of diets and leaves them to implement them.
How does the intervention improve the problem or issue?
The intervention improves the problem by proposing a different approach compared to the unsuccessful medication and therapy. The intervention is pro-active and will prevent mental health complications early on. It will deal with multiple factors that cause the problem, including social isolation, childhood trauma and social disadvantages. Diet lessens the problem, reducing its severity before some of these long-standing causes can be addressed (Horn et al., 2022). Training helps the stakeholders understand the gut-brain axis and, hence, make the right dietary choices that will impact gut microbiota and brain functioning. Once people understand how their gut system and the food they consume work, they will embrace the right food, thereby improving their mental well-being.
The intervention addresses the underlying factors causing mental health problems. It focuses more on inflammation-neurotransmitter imbalances in gut-brain function (Góralczyk-Bińkowska et al., 2022). It provides education and awareness about potential causes, allowing for prevention. Thus, it serves as a proactive approach to avert the problem’s emergence. Dietary intervention thus improves the problem by dealing with it from the source (Puri et al., 2023). It is a self-care approach that individuals can apply to protect themselves from poor mental health or improve the suffering.
What are the considerations for others who want to adopt or build on your intervention?
Other stakeholders wishing to adopt or build on the intervention must tailor it to their specific circumstances. For instance, they need to understand their specific social, cultural, economic, and educational factors that will inform the training and intervention. They will retain the basic framework, which explains how the gut and brain interact to develop mental health illnesses. They will also focus on the role of dietary modification in managing the gut microbiome and impacting mental health (Puri et al., 2023). However, they must employ an effective training approach to reach the target population and suggest food types that are both culturally acceptable and readily available to increase acceptability. They can then collaborate with other professionals, like psychologists, public health professionals, and nutritionists, who will inform them of the effectiveness of the intervention.
The need to integrate digital resources and technologies to reach more people as well as receive the required support. The artistic element may play a big role in helping more people embrace the intervention. Artistic strategies like drawings, songs, and presentations can feature how the diet can be modified based on the different cultures. Art will be used to show that the intervention is applicable across cultures by embracing other diets in artistic works in the training (Horn et al., 2022). People are likely to embrace products presented artistically, hence working in this case. Inclusion of online learning modules and applications can increase engagement and support from those with advanced knowledge and skills. Technology can also facilitate knowledge exchange and improve its adoption.
What additional questions does your clinical-based intervention exploration generate for further study?
The intervention is new, and hence it generates some additional questions for further study. Some of the questions include.:
How do gut microbiota differences among different people impact the success of the intervention?
How can standard mental health treatment incorporate the intervention?
Which is the most effective strategy for ensuring the sustainability of the intervention?
What are the long-term impacts of the intervention on the gut system and mental wellbeing?
Now, what? Identify critical, creative, and pragmatic implications from your clinical intervention and process of discovery.
There are several implications associated with the implementation of the intervention. It asserts the need for developing a holistic approach for mental health patients. The intervention acknowledges the interconnection of healthcare problems touching on biological, social, and psychological elements. It aids in identifying factors beyond the typical psychological and biological aspects commonly associated with mental illness (Heidari et al., 2023). Clinicians can develop tailored interventions addressing specific patient needs. These consider the patient’s gut profile and possible underlying conditions that limit certain foods.
It acknowledges the development of creative interventions that will help healthcare professionals address mental health by relying on approaches safer than drugs. The dietary intervention does not require medication but only a modification of the diet, hence aligning with the creative trend (Puri et al., 2023). It also calls for creativity in determining the best methods of training the target population. The training can be developed for the online population targeting the clinicians and patients who might not be able to attend in-person workshops. Clinicians can be creative and identify how they can integrate the gut-brain theory into their mental health practices.
The intervention stresses the need for collaboration in managing mental health problems. The current health problems are complex since they are associated with multiple factors. Interdisciplinary collaboration is thus necessary to address the issues holistically. Education can be a cheap but effective strategy for bringing different players together. Education is a pragmatic strategy for changing people’s ways of life and encouraging them to embrace the desired direction without using much resources. Education can be the basis of behavioral change that will inform society about healthy diets to manage mental health complications.
In general, the intervention is a comprehensive discovery process. It will enable clinicians to identify new connections between the gut and brain. This information is useful in practice, as they can develop specific interventions that incorporate diets when handling clients. The intervention will create a new and better-informed treatment option for patients who have not been healing using the traditional methods (Puri et al., 2023). Clinicians can act as advocates and promote awareness among the general population about the value of healthy food for mental health and health in general.
Healthcare professionals, particularly those trained in the conventional biomedical approach to medication, might be skeptical of the effectiveness of nutrition compared to pharmaceutical or psychotherapeutic treatments. Some lack enough education on food and the gut-brain axis and may resist the new intervention (Horn et al., 2022). Some patients might hesitate to embrace dietary intervention because of their ingrained dietary habits, cultural views, or skepticism about the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments for mental health disorders. These will hamper the intervention’s application and success.
Recommendation for Future Practice, Policy, and Research
Future practices should integrate gut-brain theory into mental health assessment and treatment. The practitioners should also incorporate other professionals, like nutritionists and psychologists, who will help manage the problem. This will provide a holistic approach to mental health anchored on a healthy diet.
Future research should focus on developing evidence-based interventions that will enable people to make sustainable changes in their diets to maintain mental health (Puri et al., 2023). The interventions should be easily applicable and practical to be accepted. Research is also necessary to determine the long-term impacts of the dietary modification. The impacts can include anxiety, depression, and cognition, which should be identified to support or oppose the intervention.
A change in policy is necessary to increase efforts that minimize mental health problems. For instance, education in schools and communities and the provision of subsidized nutritious food may have long-term impacts on mental health (Puri et al., 2023). Policy changes will incorporate the dietary intervention into social life to protect the entire society holistically.
Conclusion
Mental health is a major global problem, and the current approaches based on therapy and medication have been unsuccessful. Mental health impacts patients and society as a whole, including family members who experience stress due to the illness. The proposed intervention is holistic and long-term. It proposes dietary changes to include foods that improve mental health and mitigate the other causative factors. The approach is based on the understanding that the gut microbiome influences mental health, and therefore, implementing dietary modifications can enhance these conditions. The intervention will aid in managing their condition through dietary choices that align with the gut-brain axis. It will eliminate foods that contribute to the problem and replace them with healthy ones. It will entail the implementation of a 9-hour training program to effect changes and enable individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles. Training will help people embrace the right eating habits and eliminate mental illness. Interprofessional collaboration with nutritionists and psychologists will allow holistic healing based on contemporary culture. Training the clinicians on dietary interventions enables them to instruct patients and their families, resulting in positive progress.
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