VITAMINS, HERBS, AND NUTRITION

FOR NEURODIVERGENT HEALTH

UNDERSTANDING AND APPLYING
PERSONALIZED NUTRITION
SEMINAR ONE
 INTRODUCTION

• NUTRITION IS PIVOTAL IN PROMOTING OVERALL HEALTH

AND WELL-BEING.

• Supports cognitive and physical performance.

• Impacts mental and emotional well-being.

IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION IN
OVERALL HEALTH
• FOUNDATION OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.

• Essential nutrients: vitamins, minerals,

proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

• Promotes immune function, cognitive

function, and mood regulation.

• Prevents chronic conditions:

cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity,
and neurodevelopmental disorders.
 FOCUS ON NEURODIVERGENT
INDIVIDUALS

• NEURODIVERSITY INCLUDES VARIATIONS IN NEUROLOGICAL

FUNCTIONING.

• Conditions: autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, etc.

• Unique nutritional needs and challenges.

• Tailored nutritional interventions can manage symptoms,

improve cognitive function, and enhance quality of life.
THE NEED FOR
TAILORED
NUTRITIONAL
APPROACHES

• DIVERSE SPECTRUM OF NEURODIVERGENT CONDITIONS.

• Personalized nutritional strategies.

• Targeted supplementation, dietary modifications,

elimination diets, and nutritional counseling.
 Conclusion on
Nutrition

• NUTRITION IS FUNDAMENTAL FOR NEURODIVERGENT HEALTH.

• Tailored approaches optimize health outcomes and enhance

cognitive functioning.

• Embrace personalized nutrition for inclusivity, diversity, and

holistic health promotion.
 5 MINUTE BREAK
FIRST OF FOUR

PLEASE TAKE THIS TIME TO

GRAB SOME WATER AND MOVE
AROUND.
 UNDERSTANDING NUTRITION

• DEFINITION: PROCESS OF OBTAINING AND UTILIZING

NUTRIENTS.

• Supports growth, repair, energy production, and

overall well-being.

• Encompasses ingestion, digestion, absorption,

transport, metabolism.
 MACRONUTRIENTS
VS.
MICRONUTRIENTS
• Macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats.

• Micronutrients: vitamins, minerals.

• Essential for energy, building tissues, and metabolic

regulation.
 IMPORTANCE OF A BALANCED DIET

• VARIETY OF FOODS FROM DIFFERENT FOOD GROUPS.

• Essential for meeting nutritional needs.

• Prevents nutrient deficiencies, supports immune
function, and maintains energy levels.
 ROLE OF VITAMINS AND
MINERALS IN OVERALL HEALTH
• Cofactors for enzymatic reactions, immune
function, and bone health.

• Deficiency leads to health problems.

• - Support cognitive function and mental

health.
 SPECIFIC VITAMINS/MINERALS FOR
NEURODIVERGENT INDIVIDUALS
• OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS: BRAIN DEVELOPMENT, COGNITIVE
PERFORMANCE.

• Vitamin D: brain development, neuroprotection.

• Magnesium: neurotransmitter synthesis, neuronal

signaling.

• Zinc: cognitive function, immune health.

 SOURCES OF THESE
VITAMINS/MINERALS

• OMEGA-3S: FATTY FISH, FLAXSEEDS, CHIA SEEDS,

WALNUTS.
• Vitamin D: fatty fish, fortified dairy, sunlight.
• Magnesium: leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole
grains.
• Zinc: shellfish, red meat, poultry, nuts, seeds.
 5 MINUTE BREAK
SECOND OF FOUR

PLEASE TAKE THIS TIME TO

GRAB SOME WATER AND MOVE
AROUND.
 DEFINITION OF
HERBAL REMEDIES

• Natural plant-based products for medicinal purposes.

• Teas, tinctures, extracts, capsules, topical applications.

• Used in traditional and modern medicine.

 POPULAR HERBS AND THEIR
BENEFITS

• GINKGO BILOBA: COGNITIVE FUNCTION, MEMORY.

• Bacopa monnieri: memory, cognitive function.

• Lavender: calming, reduces anxiety.

• Lemon balm: calming, reduces restlessness.

• Passionflower: relaxation, sleep quality.

 CAUTION:
INTERACTIONS AND
CONTRAINDICATIONS

• POTENTIAL INTERACTIONS WITH MEDICATIONS.

• Consult a healthcare professional before use.

• Be aware of contraindications and allergic

reactions.
 5 MINUTE BREAK
THIRD OF FOUR

PLEASE TAKE THIS TIME TO

GRAB SOME WATER AND MOVE
AROUND.
 IMPORTANCE OF TAILORED
NUTRITION FOR NEURODIVERGENT
INDIVIDUALS
• ADDRESSING NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES.

• Managing symptoms.

• Enhancing focus and attention.

• Supporting gut-brain health.

• Promoting overall well-being.

 COMPONENTS OF A
BALANCED MEAL PLAN
• MACRONUTRIENTS: CARBS, PROTEINS, HEALTHY FATS.

• Fiber: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes.

• Protein: lean meats, fish, tofu, legumes, nuts.

• Healthy fats: avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil,

fatty fish.

• Vitamins and minerals: vitamin D, B vitamins,

omega-3s, magnesium, zinc.
 TIPS FOR INCORPORATING
BENEFICIAL NUTRIENTS
• FOCUS ON WHOLE FOODS.

• Include colorful fruits and vegetables.

• Incorporate omega-3s, magnesium-rich foods.

• Balanced meals for stable energy levels.

• Adequate hydration.
 SAMPLE MEAL IDEAS
• BREAKFAST: OVERNIGHT OATS WITH BERRIES, GREEK YOGURT, CHIA SEEDS.

• Lunch: Quinoa salad with vegetables, grilled chicken, avocado,

lemon-tahini dressing.

• Snack: Apple with almond butter, carrot sticks with hummus.

• Dinner: Baked salmon, roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli.

• Dessert: Dark chocolate, mixed nuts, fruit salad with Greek yogurt.
 5 MINUTE BREAK
FOUR OF FOUR

PLEASE TAKE THIS TIME TO

GRAB SOME WATER AND MOVE
AROUND.
 Quiz:
Nutrition Facts and
Myths
• IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION.

• Differentiating facts from myths.

• Topics: impact of nutrients on brain health, dietary

interventions, common misconceptions.

• Encourages critical thinking and practical application.

 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS A MACRONUTRIENT?

- a ) Vi t a m i n C
- b) Iron
- c) Protein
- d) Calcium

2. Which nutrient is often associated with improving symptoms of ADHD?

- a ) Vi t a m i n D
- b) Omega-3 fatty acids
- c) Zinc
- d ) Vi t a m i n B 1 2

3. Which statement best describes the role of micronutrients in overall health?

- a) They are only needed in large quantities.
- b ) T h e y p r o v i d e e n e r g y f o r t h e b o d y.
- c) They are essential for various physiological functions in small amounts.
- d) They primarily aid in digestion.
 TRUE/FALSE QUESTIONS

4. True or False: A balanced diet should include adequate macronutrients and micronutrients.

5. True or False: Some vitamins and minerals have been shown to improve symptoms of neurodivergent
conditions like ADHD.

6. True or False: Herbal remedies are always safe and have no risk of interactions with medications.
 RECAP OF KEY POINTS

• IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION IN OVERALL HEALTH.

• Tailored nutrition for neurodivergent individuals.

• Potential benefits and cautions with herbal remedies.

• Designing balanced meal plans.

• Distinguishing nutrition facts from myths.

 CONCLUSION
• Apply knowledge of nutrition in daily life.

• Incorporate nutrient-rich foods.

• Explore herbal remedies with caution.

• Debunk nutrition myths.

• Small changes can lead to significant

improvements.
 QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
CONTACT INFORMATION:

TANYA STEWART

123-456-7890

PHOENIXTRANSFORMATIONS.WEEBLY.COM

[email protected]
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