Fuelling young minds: from science to action

Coxon, C. (Speaker)

School of Psychology

Activity: Talk or presentation for an academic audience › Invited talk for an academic audience

Description

This talk explored the growing body of research linking diet to student mental health and wellbeing. We discussed the research linking the gut-brain axis, the role of specific nutrients and dietary patterns on focus, mood, and learning. This session went beyond the science, offering educators practical strategies to integrate diet and nutrition recommendations directly into the classroom. These tools helped educators create supportive learning environments that promoted student wellbeing and learning through evidence-based approaches.

Period	10 Jul 2024
Event title	Holistically Healthy Humans: championing mental and physical wellbeing in educaion
Event type	Conference

Keywords

Diet
mental health
mood
gut brain axis
dietary patterns
cognition
nutrients
dietary approaches
dietary interventions
school based nutrition programmes

Documents & Links

Health does not operate at a singular level; mental and physical health are inextricably linked. Our physical body depends on our mental state and vice versa and improvement or decline in one area can trigger improvement or decline in the other. Therefore it is vital to understand and engage with health and wellbeing from a holistic perspective. The benefit of physical activity on the mental wellbeing of children and young people is strongly supported. Numerous psychological effects, including on self-esteem, cognitive function, mood, depression, and quality of life, have been shown – exercise can enhance mood and self-esteem while decreasing stress levels. Pertinently, stronger effects have been found when participation in physical activity occurred in a school-based setting. Conversely, poor physical health significantly increases the risk of mental health difficulties, often accompanied with physical symptoms such as headaches and poor sleep. Diet is another important risk factor of ill health and also one of the most preventable. Poor nutrition may be a causal factor in the experience of low mood, and improving diet may help to protect not only physical health but mental health too. Clearly, a better understanding of the relationship between mind and body is imperative to help researchers, practitioners, and policymakers tackle co-existing conditions, support those experiencing difficulties, and promote universal healthy behaviours. This conference will explore the latest research and practical guidance on key aspects of prevention which can enhance protective factors and reduce risk factors related to the dual aspects of mental and physical health.