Dietitian supporting mental health:
While there is no single tool to help improve mental health in teens, a balanced diet can play a role. Amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and a balanced gut microflora can all help with the production of various brain molecules such as serotonin and dopamine which are critical to mood and mental health.
Benefits of Working With A Dietitian:
Food and nutrition can be difficult to navigate at any stage of life. Teens have unique nutrition needs and concerns that can be addressed with a Dietitian. A Registered Dietitian is a regulated health care professional who is held accountable to laws and standards governed by their regulatory body. This ensures that clients working with a Registered Dietitian have access to ethical, safe and quality nutrition services. In order to practice in Ontario, Registered Dietitians must be registered with the College of Dietitians of Ontario. Working with a Registered Dietitian ensures that teens are getting accurate and appropriate nutrition advice for their stage of development.
Working With A Dietitian – Eating Disorder Recovery
You may know or suspect that your teen is living with an eating disorder. If your teen is preoccupied with food, body size or shape, they may have disordered eating. Eating disorders are diagnosed under certain criteria but exclude a lot of disordered eating. Eating disorders and disordered eating can be harmful but seeking help from a professional who specializes in eating disorders and nutrition can help cultivate hope.
A Registered Dietitian is a vital part of a team that works together to address the nutrition and emotions associated with disordered eating and eating disorders. A Dietitian challenges unhealthy beliefs about food while developing a strong therapeutic relationship to support healthy eating in teens and youth.
When your teen is living with an eating disorder, eating can feel really scary. Registered Dietitians can help take the fear out of eating and heal the relationship with food and body. If you suspect your teen has an eating disorder, check-out NEDIC for more information about eating disorder recovery and support.