Wake Me Up When September Ends...

Hello and welcome to the MHD Newsletter!

Your short educational read to enjoy with your Friday morning coffee. Our aim here is simple: to provide you with new knowledge, debunk misinformation, and inspire a little self-reflection along the way. We have a monthly book for our read along book club and will also update you on what we have going on at Mental Health Dietitians.

Weekly Check-In:

September is here! I left school a little while ago, but it still feels like a fresh start, the seasons start to change, the days grow shorter, and we settle into a new routine.

Nutrition and Mental Health in the News:

Adventure Therapy:

I love hearing about novel and innovative approaches that go beyond traditional therapy. One therapy in the news this week is adventure therapy, a unique form of treatment that combines outdoor activities with therapeutic practices. Whether it’s climbing mountains, sailing or paddleboarding, the idea is to engage in challenging physical activities that not only boost physical fitness but also promote mental resilience. By stepping out of your comfort zone you may find strength you didn’t know you had.

A recent article by the BBC shares the story of 12 psychosis patients who were offered adventure therapy, in the form of a sailing adventure.

If you’re curious about trying something new, why not give adventure therapy a go? I am headed off on my own adventure next week- I will be working abroad from Mexico for three months.

Peanuts for Babies

On the nutrition front, there’s been a groundbreaking development in how we approach food allergies in children. As many of you know, we have a fabulous paediatric dietitian in our clinic, Libby, who works with little ones dealing with food challenges, including Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

One of the most exciting recent discoveries in paediatric nutrition is the preventive power of early exposure to common allergens, particularly peanuts. According to a study led by Professor Gideon Lack at King’s College London, introducing peanut products to babies and continuing through early childhood can reduce the rate of peanut allergy by a staggering 71% in early adolescence. This research provides conclusive evidence that early exposure is key to preventing the development of food allergies, which have been on the rise in recent years.

If you’re a parent or work with children, this is a crucial piece of information that could change the way we think about introducing solid foods. It’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your child’s diet, but this research is certainly something to keep in mind.

Book of the month: Sugar Rush

September’s book of the Month is Sugar Rush: Science, Politics and the Demonisation of Fatness, by Karen Crosby.

Journal Prompt for the Week:

A new season is always the perfect time for some self-reflection.

This week’s journal prompt is inspired by the idea of adventure therapy and going outside of your comfort zone.

• What is one thing I’ve always wanted to try but have held back on due to fear or uncertainty?

• How can I gather up the courage to try it?

Clinic Update:

As a team we are putting out our first workshop next week, on the 10th of September.

It is an online workshop for dietitians and students who want to get started in freelance/ independent practice. The truth is we put this together after seeing an explosion in highly expensive business coaching for dietitians. Plus the promotion of icky sales techniques that feel totally inappropriate for caring health professionals. We are going to show how you can work in freelance practice in a way that is values-aligned and supports a great work-life balance.

If you subscribe to this newsletter because you are a dietitian or a student then you are invited. Here’s the link to tickets.

That’s all from us this week, back again same time next week.

Look after yourself <3

Sophie and the team at Mental Health Dietitians.

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