Area Association Events

Upcoming Webinar: From Blood to Brain: Nutrition-Related Biomarkers and Mental Health

 

Speaker: Diane (Harbourt) Nguyen, MS, RDN, LDN, CSSD,CSCS

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Mental health is deeply influenced by biology, with nutrition serving as a key driver of neurotransmitter function, inflammation, and overall brain performance. Dietary intake shapes blood-based biomarkers that reflect physiological status and directly impact processes such as serotonin and dopamine production, HPA axis regulation, and neuroplasticity. Both
macronutrients (energy availability, protein, carbohydrates, and fats) and
micronutrients—including vitamin D, folate/B12, iron, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids—play critical roles in mood, cognition, and resilience, with deficiencies linked to worsened mental health outcomes. In high-stress populations such as military personnel, where sleep disruption, under-fueling, and chronic stress are common, interpreting and optimizing these
biomarkers provides a practical, evidence-based approach to improving behavioral health and operational performance.

 

Host: SEMDA, Amyrose Sager and Andrea Gulezian
When/Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026,from 6:30-8:10pm
Where/Location: Zoom
RSVP Contact and Deadline: Tuesday, November 17 
Cost: free for Academy Members and $35 for Non Members, non members​