Julia Rucklidge, PhD is a Professor of Clinical Psychology in the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Julia has over 130 peer-reviewed publications and textbook contributions and is currently on the executive committee for the International Society of Nutritional Psychiatry Research.Julia was named in the Top 100 Most Influential Women in New Zealand in both 2015 and 2018 and is a world leader in Nutritional Psychiatry research, investigating the role of micronutrients regarding mental illnesses such as ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, stress and PTSD.In this episode we discuss:• Julia’s background and how her interest in nutrition and mental illness evolved• Conventional treatments vs lifestyle practices for improved mental state• The important link between nutrition and mental health and neuroscience• The role of micronutrients in the manifestation of mental illness• The changing food system, our consumption of ultra-processed food and concerns regarding mental illness• Optimal eating patterns for improved mental health• Julia’s research regarding the mental health benefits of micronutrient supplementation following traumatic events including earthquakes, floods and mass shootings• Julia’s Mental Health and Nutrition online short course• Julia’s book, 'The Better Brain',  co-authored with Dr Bonnie KaplanYou can view Julia's TEDx talk here.To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.