Instructor: Paul Demeda CNP

This course is designed to help practitioners effectively address mental health issues from a holistic perspective. Participants will examine the roles of diet, nutrients, environment and lifestyle as they relate to mental wellness, as well as the 20 key contributors to mental health issues that can be addressed holistically. Mental health issues that will be explored include anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. Participants will leave this course with comprehensive and usable course notes, evaluation tools and protocols and resources for professional practitioner collaboration to offer profound client outcomes.

FORMAT: Online, LIVE
LOCATION: Zoom Classroom
SESSIONS: 7 sessions (Day of the week TBD)
DATES: Not running until 2027, exact dates TBD
TIME: 6:30 – 9:30 pm Eastern / 3:30 – 6:30 pm Pacific
RECOMMENDED TEXT: Optimum Nutrition for the Mind by Patrick Holford

FEE: $550 + HST
REQUIRED DIGITAL COURSE NOTES: $30 + GST
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: TBD

Session 1

DATE: TBD
CONCEPTS: Brain Structure & Function

Key concepts of brain health and mental health; Overview of brain structure and function; Key neurotransmitters – roles, promoters and modulators; The binary brain concept and relevance to mental health

Session 2

DATE: TBD
CONCEPTS: Brain Nutrients & Their Roles

Key brain nutrients and their roles in brain health including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, cholesterol, amino acids; Fatty acid and eicosanoid metabolism and relevance to brain health; Basic brain health protocol

Session 3

DATE: TBD
CONCEPTS: GI Track & Mental Health

Brain toxins: Digestive health in the context of brain health and function; Dysbiosis, leaky gut, food sensitivities, brain toxins, food-derived opiates; Actions for addressing digestive tract issues

Session 4

DATE: TBD
CONCEPT: Contributing Factors for Brain Function Problems

Substances, contexts and conditions that have roles in the causation or promotion of brain and mental health issues including: environmental factors such as heavy metals and food additives; and metabolic factors such as inflammation, blood-sugar management, homocysteine, immune function, HPA axis, and thyroid function

Session 5

DATE: TBD
CONCEPTS: Contributing Factors for Brain Function Problems

Session 6

DATE: TBD
CONCEPT: Brain Function Modulators

Mental health conditions: Key brain nutrients, substances, and other factors that promote brain health and function; Common mental health conditions including: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and schizophrenia

Session 7

DATE: TBD
CONCEPTS: Mental Health Conditions (continued)

Access to Material:

THE DAY BEFORE the course starts registered students will receive an email with LINKS to:

— A copy of the complete Course Outline with test and assignment dates
— Zoom Login and Password
— Digital Course Notes/Power Point Presentation Session 1 of 7 followed by sessions 2 to 7 after the first class ends
— Every session’s replay will be sent to students before 12:00 noon Eastern, the next day
— Recordings remain LIVE for 2 months after the course ends
— Registrants are encouraged to join the course’s registrant discussion group

Can’t Make The Day & Time? We’ve Got You.
Learn Through Recordings!

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend classes in real time, join us through recordings. Many of our Continuing Education students are busy practitioners and professionals, balancing work, family and other commitments so we understand that flexibility is necessary. Replay access and completion options are arranged on a case-by-case basis to ensure you still receive the full educational value of the course and have engagement with the faculty member and other registrants. You also have the option to earn the Certificate of Completion if you’re able to complete the required test or assignment by the due dates.

If you’re interested in accessing replays or exploring flexible participation options with your schedule, please contact Julia Briski at julia@instituteofholisticnutrition.com for more information.

Please review IHN’s Online & In-Class Continuing Education Course/School Policies