Nutrition, Stress, and Immune Function

Most individuals enjoy sitting down and eating a delicious meal. Food provides an opportunity to socialize and, if the food is nutritious, it also supports a healthy body and mind. However, if individuals are stressed before, during, or after a meal, the nutrients they eat are not utilized as effectively as when people are relaxed. If stress also causes an individual to eat food that is not nutritious, health issues can result. Nutrition, stress, and the immune system are closely related. The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the relationship between food and emotions; explain the stress response; discuss the effects of stress on nutrition and health; define mindful eating and methods of eating mindfully; and examine elements of nutrition that support a healthy immune system. Course Objectives: Describe the relationship between food and emotions. Explain the stress response. Describe the domino theory as it relates to nutrition and stress. Discuss the effec