Dr Rachel Gow, is a Nutritional Neuroscientist, Neuropsychologist and
Neurodevelopmental specialist who focuses on ADHD and Nutritional Neuroscience
Her book “Smart Foods for ADHD and Brain Health” explains the vital role nutrition plays in influencing cognitive function, behaviour and mood and in this episode, she discusses with Angela how you can effectively eat to support good brain health.
She explains how cognitive function is impacted when there is a deficit of the brain selective nutrients that underpin the function of the brain and shares great practical advice on how to achieve optimum nutrition for great brain health
KEY TAKEAWAYS


The fundamental role of nutrition is often overlooked but what you eat ultimately affects your brain structure and function at both molecular and cellular levels


65% of the dry weight of the adult brain and retina is made up of complex specialised and unique fats called lipids


It's estimated we have around a hundred billion neurones each coated in a myeline sheet made up of DHA insulating and aiding neurotransmission


A child with optimal DHA can break down a question, understand and compute an answer


A child with sub-optimal DHA will still be trying to figure out what the question is


We need DHA and EPA for brain function in self signalling and for the regulation of specific systems such as serotonin and dopamine


Serotonin governs feelings of well-being and happiness, dopamine is critical in motivation and feelings of pleasure and reward


Adequate Omega 3 supports both dopamine and serotonin systems functioning well


When dopamine is low individuals self-medicate to try and normalise the level by adding other things


The quality of the maternal diet is critical for the well-being of the mother and the development of the baby’s brain


It’s hypothesised that babies born prematurely miss out on the biomagnification process of fatty acids and lipids in the last trimester


There is a bi-directional relationship between the brain and the gut so the health of the gut is critical


We have to move beyond the prescription pad, combining strands of science to create a personalised, integrative approach


BEST MOMENTS
‘Your brain is an organ like the heart and there are specific nutrients required to fuel the brain and to keep it working optimally’
‘Gut health is critical for brain health’
‘A multidisciplinary approach combining strands of science provides an amazing insight into the complex relationships within the body’
 
VALUABLE RESOURCES
High Performance Health podcast series\
Transform your sleep
DNA optimization
High Performance website
 
Dr. Rachel V. Gow can be contacted at:
www.drrachelvgow.com
linkedin.com/pub/rachel-v-gow-phd/14/685/9b
Twitter: @drrachelvgow
f facebook.com/DrRachelVGow
Insta @nutritious_minds
dr.rachelvgow@gmail.com
www.nutritiousminds.org
www.nutritiousmindsconsulting.com
 
ABOUT THE GUEST
Rachel V. Gow, Ph.D is a Nutritional Neuroscientist, Neuropsychologist and
Neurodevelopmental specialist with expertise in a range of mental health conditions and
associative learning and behaviour differences. In addition, Dr. Gow is a Registered Nutritionist (under the category of Science). In October 2019, following a period living and working in Los Angeles, California (as a Research and Development Manager), Dr. Gow partnered with Dr. Balu Pitchiah, GMC Registered Psychiatrist. Together they launched Nutritious Minds Consulting; a novel, nutrition and brain-health clinic providing a unique and comprehensive avenue to psychological health by adopting a personalised, science-based, integrative approach with interventions for the whole family. Nutritious Minds Consulting is based in London, W1.
Dr. Gow holds a Visiting Lecturer position at the University of Surrey, has held the
position of Associate Lecturer at London Metropolitan University and has an honorary role at The Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London. Between 2012-2016, Dr. Gow was the Lead Associ