In this episode of Power Up Recovery with Nutrition, Christina Veselak sits down with dietitian Sarah Thomsen Ferreira to explore how food fuels neuroplasticity and supports BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). Together, they dive into the science of brain health, functional nutrition, and the role of food as medicine for mental wellness and recovery.

You’ll learn how to:

• Support brain growth and resilience with nutrition

• Reduce inflammation and boost mood naturally

• Incorporate neuroplasticity-boosting foods into daily life

• Use food as a tool for mental health and addiction recovery

Whether you’re on a healing journey or simply want to optimize your brain, this episode will give you practical, science-based strategies to fuel your mind and body.

Meet our Guest

Sarah Thomsen Ferreira, MS, MPH, RD, LD, IFNCP is an integrative and functional dietitian, educator, and founder of Food and Mood Nutrition Therapy, LLC. Her clinical expertise lies at the intersection of nutrition, neurological health, food choice, and emotional well-being, with a special focus on eating psychology, thyroid health, and coaching-informed counseling principles. She is also the creator of The Brain Food Digest and host of The Nourished Brain podcast, where she explores topics such as nutritional psychology, gut-brain health, and the role of nutrition in supporting nervous system function.

Website: https://www.foodandmoodnutritiontherapy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nourishedbrainrd/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/nourished-brain-podcast/id1414067445
Brain Health Nutrition Updates: https://brainfooddigest.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Discover More Unlock a world of resources at https://aminoacidtherapy.com/ where you’ll find expert insights, transformative training, and actionable tools to support your recovery journey. Whether you're looking for professional courses like our Level 1 Core Training

Learn more at https://feedtherecoveringbrain.com
Support Our Mission Check out our nonprofit initiative, Eating Protein Saves Lives, at https://eatingproteinsaveslives.org/ Learn how we’re improving lives and communities through better nutrition, the science of amino acid therapy, and our simple yet powerful message: Eat protein every 4 hours.

Also, if you’re just starting out or want a solid foundation, check out Eat: A Guide to Radiant Recovery Using Food and Amino Acids to Repair the Addicted Brain and Reduce Cravings by Christina Veselak. It’s a clear, powerful intro to the core concepts. Grab your copy here: https://www.eatforrecovery.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information shared is meant to inform and empower listeners but should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care and treatment.

Music by: Bensound
License code: GFZAESIUP3ZUNGXM

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Let’s make nutrition part of the conversation for lasting recovery.