Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • RelION
Institute for Optimum Nutrition
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
Contact us Apply Prospectus
Menu
  • Courses
    • New to nutrition
      • Diet and Health
      • Science Access
      • Cert HE Personalised Diet and Health
      • BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy
      • Becoming a nutritional therapist
    • For nutrition practitioners
      • BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy top-up
      • Return to Practice
      • CPD
      • Learn behaviour change
    • For healthcare practitioners
      • GDip Integrative Functional Nutrition
      • Short courses
      • CPD
      • Nutrition and lifestyle in medical practice
    • For Health Coaches
      • Cert HE Personalised Diet and Health
      • Diet and Health
  • Content hub
    • Articles and recipes
    • Free video series
      • Food for Thought
      • Food as Fuel
      • In conversation with...
    • Optimum Nutrition Podcast
  • Events
    • All events
    • Open events
  • Magazine
    • Digital magazine
  • Clinic
    • Optimum Nutrition Clinic
    • Brain Bio Centre
  • Why ION
    • About us
      • Our team
      • Visiting lecturers
    • Graduate experience
      • Graduate stories
      • Alumni Community
      • Graduation ceremony
    • Careers at ION
  • Search
  • Admin
    • Log in
    • RelION
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • the-brain-bio-centre
  1. Clinic
  2. Brain Bio Centre

Optimum nutrition for your mental wellbeing

 

 

 

The Brain Bio Centre at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition; the clinic supporting brain health through nutrition.

The Brain Bio Centre at the Optimum Nutrition Clinic is a specialist team working with individuals of all ages with a wide range of behavioural and mental health issues. Our registered nutritional therapy practitioners are experienced in this area of nutrition and provide personalised nutrition and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your specific mental health needs.

[email protected]   |  020 8614 7800 opt 3  |  click to contact us

  


Understanding the relationship between mental health and nutrition

We believe that each person is unique and, as a result, needs a personalised nutrition and lifestyle approach to maintain their best health – known as their optimal health. Studies have shown that what we eat can play a significant role in our mental health (nutrient deficiencies, biochemical imbalances and genetic factors all contribute). This is because the production of key elements in our mental health – our neurotransmitters – is based on the nutrients found in our food, our ability to regulate our genes, as well as how well we protect ourselves against toxins in our environment, and more.

 


Our approach to supporting your mental health through nutrition

When starting your journey with us, we organise a consultation as well as testing. We work with you to identify where your imbalances are (biochemical and physiological).

We then work together to create a tailor-made plan, including foods and possibly supplements to support you in restoring balance. As well as having positive effects on your mental health challenges, the changes we recommend may also have a significant effect on other important areas of your life, such as better sleep, increased energy levels and weight loss.

Going to see a nutritional therapist is not always the first and obvious way to seek advice and help for mental health concerns – it is quite often a last resort, after many years of suffering. However, we have seen fantastic results with those who have consulted Brain Bio Centre therapists and followed the advice that they have been given. We consider this to be a sustainable approach to mental health and wellbeing, as it provides you with the tools and education to continue your progress after your sessions. 

 


What happens at your consultation? 

A typical consultation will include taking a comprehensive history, including your medical and family history. We may also advise on tests to investigate potential imbalances that could be contributing to your symptoms. Based on the information we gather from you, we will build a dietary programme that is tailored to your needs.

We provide access to at-cost clinical biochemical tests related to a variety of different conditions.

These are available to add onto your programme and are a cost-effective way to understand what is contributing to your mental health condition. Visit the clinic packages and fees page for more information.

 


Mental health conditions we support

Please click on the relevant link to find out more about the mental health and behavioural issues we support.

Nutrition is key to the wellbeing of both mind and mood. If you are being impacted by stress, we will identify any biochemical or physiological imbalances that may be affecting you and how you feel. We will then use this information to work with you to create a tailor-made plan to improve your mood and emotional stability, memory and mental health — whatever your age.

Did you know: In 2018, stress in the UK accounted for 44% of all work-related ill-health issues and 57% of all working days lost due to ill health. With workplace pressure on the increase and an ever-growing tide of information hitting us hourly, a less than ideal diet and poor sleep can have a significant, negative impact on the brain. The current Covid-19 pandemic may also be adding to stress factors in your life. Nutritional therapy, however, can play a pivotal role in our physical resilience against stress, supporting our health so that we are more able to meet everyday demands.

At the Brain Bio Centre, we will identify any nutritional and physiological imbalances that may be contributing to your depression or anxiety. Once we have identified these imbalances, we will work with you to create a tailor-made plan that will aim to restore balance. We will provide a nutritional protocol to support the symptoms. As well as having positive effects on your mental health, the changes we recommend may also have a significant effect on lifestyle factors such as better sleep, increased energy levels and weight loss. You may have been told your depression or anxiety is the result of a biochemical imbalance and you don’t know what your next step is, or you may be on medication for depression and it isn’t giving you the desired results. Perhaps you have not been diagnosed with depression, but you are suffering from panic attacks or anxiety, or you are experiencing feelings of low mood, sadness, lethargy, stress, mood swings or lack of energy.

Our therapists have met many people who have experienced the dark shadow of depression as a major part of their life. It is possible through the inclusion of specific foods and supplements to lift this shadow.

Did you know: In Britain, one in 20, or around three million people, are diagnosed with depression. More than just a bout of the blues, depression is not a weakness, nor is it something that you can simply 'snap out' of. Depression is a chronic illness that needs support. If depression is a part of your life, there are lots of ways that we can help.

Brain Bio Centre therapists have helped many adults and children with developmental, learning and behavioural issues. Perhaps your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism or dyslexia, has other learning difficulties, or you just feel that they are not reaching their full potential. Could this be due to a nutritional deficiency of vitamins, minerals or essential fats, a food intolerance or other biochemical imbalance? We will explore this with you.

We will then work with you and your child to create a personalised nutritional programme based upon your child’s health history, symptoms, and test results.

We use simple biochemical testing to identify nutritional deficiencies and physiological imbalances that may be contributing to your child’s learning, developmental and behavioural issues. Once we have identified these imbalances, we work with you to create a tailor-made dietary and supplement plan that will aim to restore balance and get your child back on track.

As well as the positive impact these recommendations may have on the specific learning, developmental and behavioural issues, you may also see an improvement in other factors such as better mood, sleep, digestion, and improved concentration levels.

At the Brain Bio Centre, we can offer tests to assess your nutritional and biochemical status to allow us to provide you with a treatment plan tailored to your needs. For example, we may recommend a test that measures your homocysteine level, as this is commonly raised in those with dementia and is recognised as a risk factor by some authorities. If the level is elevated, we will provide you with a nutrition and supplement plan to restore balance; in this case with a focus on B vitamins.

Whether you have a specific health concern or not, or whether you simply want to support the health of your brain, particularly as you get older, we can help. By fine-tuning your nutrition and biochemistry, you support the health of body and mind, which means you may reduce your risk or improve symptoms of age-related memory or mental health problems, and are also likely to see an improvement in other age-related symptoms such as aches and pains, sleep problems and concentration.


Did you know: In Europe alone, one million people develop impaired memory every year, more than half of whom will go on to develop dementia. The positive news is that research indicates that early intervention with dietary and lifestyle changes reduces the risk of developing poor memory and may slow the progression of dementia (Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia).

We offer a nutritional approach that works well alongside conventional treatment and may improve symptoms. There may also be reductions in the side effects of medication. In some cases, the improvements in symptoms are so great that the patient’s doctor may take the decision to cut down or discontinue medication. We will communicate with your GP or psychiatrist, who remain responsible for your healthcare, and discuss whether nutritional therapy is an appropriate approach.

As well as the positive impact nutritional changes may have on your mental health symptoms, you may also see an improvement in other factors such as better sleep, improved concentration levels, and achieving a healthier weight.


Did you know: The conventional treatment for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders is usually long-term antipsychotic medication. While this can be quite effective for the positive symptoms (such as voices, hallucinations and delusions), there is often little improvement in negative symptoms (such as concentration, motivation and enjoyment of life) meaning that the sufferer may have a poor quality of life. Additionally, side effects of medication can be considerable in some cases, and the newer antipsychotics (known as atypical) can cause weight gain and increase the risk for diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

 


How much will it cost?

Our flexible packages are designed to offer the best treatment at the best price for each client. Prices in our mental health clinic range from £180 for one appointment to £420 for three appointments.  

 


How do I book?

We want to make sure you see the right therapist for your needs, so offer a free 10 minute telephone consultation to discuss any specific requirements that you may have. We can then recommend the right nutritional therapist for you. 

[email protected]   |  020 8614 7800 opt 3 |  click to contact us

  

Please read through our FAQs and cancellation policy before booking your appointment.

 


Clinic team profiles

Lorraine Perretta

Since graduating from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in 1995, Lorraine has focused her work on supporting people with mental health conditions, using a nutritional approach. The wealth of experience she has accumulated over the years has also led to her being invited to lecture widely on this topic. Lorraine has also written a book entitled Food for Thought (Pyramid) and is also a Fellow of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition, as well as a member of BANT and the CNHC. 

Olga Preston

A graduate of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition, Olga Preston has over 20 years’ experience in the healthcare industry. She developed an interest in mental health after the effect that good nutrition had on family and friends affected by mental health conditions. She now focuses on using her passion for nutrition to support people with their mental wellbeing.

Back to top

Showing 10 of 0

Latest

  • Tube23

  • Indulge in oranges this winter

    Indulge in oranges this winter

    Seville oranges won’t be in season for long. Should we be rushing to the supermarkets to get our hands on some?

  • Everything you need to know about probiotics

    Everything you need to know about probiotics

    Probiotics help top up the friendly bacteria living in our guts, with potential benefits to our overall health.

  • The Optimum Nutrition Podcast

    Join us for lively conversations with leading experts from the world of nutrition

Most read

  • BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy (UNDERGRADUATE NT SUBSITE INTRO) - DEPRECIATED

    At ION, we understand the need for flexibility. Our undergraduate course is a part-time, modular course, delivered online. The degree can be completed over a four and a half to eight-year period, allowing you to study alongside your professional or personal commitments.

  • Contact us

    Contact us

    Our team is here to help.

  • BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy (UNDERGRADUATE NT SUBSITE INTRO) - DEPRECIATED

    The undergraduate degree will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of food, nutraceuticals, the use and interpretation of testing, and lifestyle modification. There are four key themes running through the degree: nutrition science; behaviour change and reflection; research; and practice.

  • BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy (UNDERGRADUATE NT SUBSITE INTRO) - DEPRECIATED

    This course has been specifically designed to take you to being a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist, and, following the latest requirements of BANT, will give you a degree level qualification.

  • You can start exploring our digital prospectus

  • How does nutrition affect your sports performance?

    How does nutrition affect your sports performance?

    Whether you’re an elite athlete or go to the gym once a week, your body requires fuel when you exercise. We look at exactly what foods you should be eating and when

  • BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy (UNDERGRADUATE NT SUBSITE INTRO) - DEPRECIATED

    Applications are assessed against academic and non-academic selection criteria. Qualification documents or evidence of recognised prior learning (RPL) must be provided as evidence of meeting academic criteria.

  • BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy (UNDERGRADUATE NT SUBSITE INTRO) - DEPRECIATED

    BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy C0503PTD £5,250

  • ION Team

    A list of select ION team members and their functions

  • Long Covid: A nutritional therapy approach (extracted from Optimum Nutrition, Spring 2021)

    Long Covid: A nutritional therapy approach (extracted from Optimum Nutrition, Spring 2021)

    With symptoms dubbed ‘long Covid’, many people have found themselves experiencing post-viral fatigue (PVF) following Covid-19 infection, including those who seemingly had a mild bout of the virus

Tag cloud

attendance learning BANT registration bestselling author chronic fatigue syndrome diet donation e-learning learning options nutrition courses nutritional therapist nutritional therpaist phone call registration research telephone appointment webinar

Key facts


Award 
Certificate

Duration
 

7-9 months

Study time
 

10-17 hours per week and Touch point sessions

Course code
 

ED200PTD (online learning), rNTSAC

Entry dates
 

October: ED201PTD
January: ED202PTD
May: ED203PTD

Tuition fees

£2,900

Key facts

Course codes
C0502FTD (full-time) 
C0502PTD (part-time)

Award 
Graduate Diploma

Credits 
120

Duration
 

1 year full-time
2 years part-time


Study time

20 hours per week full-time
10 hours per week part-time

Entry month

February

Tuition fees*

£7,875 full-time
£3,940 part-time

£200 per 20 credits RCPL (certified)
£375 per 20 credits REPL (experiential)

£475 registration fee

* For 2022/23 academic year. Fees for subsequent years may increase in line with inflation

Key facts

Entry:
September and February

Location:
Online with optional attendance activities

Duration:
4.5 years part-time or
3 years full-time

Course code:
C0503PTD (part-time)
C0503FTD (full-time)

Fees part time:
£5,250 - per year, years 1-4
£2,625 - year 5

Fees full time:
£9,250 - per year

Awarding body:
University of Portsmouth

* Fees may increase in line with inflation

Key facts

Course codes
C0503PTD (online)

Award 
BSc (Hons)


Credits 
120

Pathways 
Qualified nutritional therapist 

Duration
 

1.5 years part-time


Study time

15-20 hours per week plus time to watch lectures

Entry dates

February

Tuition fees*

£5,250 per year
£2,625 year 5

* For 2022/23 academic year. Fees for subsequent years may increase in line with inflation

Subscribe to keep in touch

Sign up to receive email updates on course announcements, special discounts, free content, as well as our free Optimum Nutrition  newsletter and more!

Sign up to email updates

Connect with us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Contact
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Policies
  • FAQs
  • General enquiries: 020 8614 7800 
  • Course enquiries: 020 8614 7815
  • Clinic enquiries: 020 8614 7800 option 3

Institute for Optimum Nutrition, Ambassador House, Paradise Road, Richmond, TW9 1SQ  
The Institute for Optimum Nutrition is an independent educational charity. Registered company number 2724405, registered charity number 1013084.

1984
Manage Cookie Preferences