My guest today is Doug Cook, a registered dietician who specializes in functional nutrition and its role in mental health. Doug lives and works in Toronto and is the author of The 175 Best Superfood Blender Recipes. Doug helps people identify dietary deficiencies and use food to improve their mood. Our conversation includes a checklist for your food plan and Doug’s #1 tip for health—which might surprise you. Join us now!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Doug’s background: working with kidney and diabetes patients
• How dieticians and nutrition relate to mental health and metabolic health
• Doug’s philosophy: “Go for the lowest-hanging fruit”---make choices that bring the biggest impact
• Five keys to improve mental health:
• • Get more Omega-3 fatty acids and avoid trans fats
  • Eat regularly to maintain blood sugar levels
  • Focus on plant products for maximum antioxidant benefit
  • Improve the vitamin/mineral quality of your diet  to produce neurotransmitters (iodine, zinc, magnesium, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, selenium, and iron)
  • Recognize the gut/brain access (eliminate refined foods; eat more fiber, fermented foods, and take probiotics)
• “Food first”---take a supplement if needed—look for one with 18-29 vitamins/minerals
• Consider an Omega-3 supplement if you don’t eat much seafood
• Gluten—NOT the source of all evil
• Doug’s #1 Tip for Healthy Living: What matters MOST? Good sleep quality and stress reduction

Resources:

Doug's website:  www.dougcookrd.com

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