Our story
Why we exist
In recent decades, poorer diets have coincided with an increase in mental health and behavioural issues.
Mental health under siege
1 in 4 of us are likely to experience mental health issues, representing a staggering £118 billion annual cost to the UK economy.
Unsettling food insecurity
Astounding numbers grapple with food insecurity, with 8.4 million families affected daily in the UK.
Nourishment in crisis
Ultra-processed foods have infiltrated our homes, accounting for over half (55%) of all UK household food purchases.
Brain health vs. mental health
Interconnected but not the same
What is brain health?
Brain health refers to the development, function, and resilience of the brain throughout all stages of life, from prenatal development through to childhood, adulthood and ageing.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Our brain health encompasses our brain’s ability to process information, to think critically, to learn, to remember, to regulate our emotions and to make good decisions, whilst constantly adapting to challenges and changes. Good brain health supports our mental well-being, our behaviour and our ability to recover from injury or illness. Poor brain health can lead to conditions like cognitive decline, dementia, mental health disorders, and neurological diseases.
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES NUTRITION MAKE?
Nutrition plays a critical role in developing and maintaining good brain health across all stages of our lives. Good nutrition optimises our brain’s function, development and resilience. You see, unlike any other organ in our body, our brain is made up of the food that we eat. We are in charge of our brains, and we can directly impact our brain health.
BRAIN HEALTH
Encompasses cognitive functions, emotional regulation, decision-making, memory, and resilience.
Is tangible and can be directly influenced by nutrition, lifestyle, and physical activities.
Focuses on internal factors that shape brain structure and function.
MENTAL HEALTH
Relates to emotional well-being, psychological balance, and coping with life’s challenges.
Often managed through external support like therapy and social interventions.
Affected by brain health but centers on psychological and social well-being.
Brain health is fundamental to wellbeing
WHAT IS WELLBEING?
Wellbeing can be used as an umbrella term for all forms of health, including mental, physical and brain health. We define wellbeing as a state in which we thrive both mentally and physically, coping effectively with the stresses of life, working productively, fulfilling our potential and contributing to our community. It includes emotional, psychological, social, and physical components, all of which contribute to how we feel, think, and behave. Wellbeing encompasses what many humans strive for happiness.
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES NUTRITION MAKE?
In our approach, wellbeing is closely linked to brain health, as proper nutrition plays a fundamental role in developing good brain health and therefore supporting our mental wellbeing. The key aspects of this include cognitive function, emotional regulation, resilience, a sense of purpose and self-esteem.
Our ultimate desire is for people to feel empowered, healthier and more capable of achieving their full potential
Our timeline
The evolution of Think Through Nutrition
Tracing our journey from our inception to the present day, we've remained at the forefront of innovation in nutritional science. Our expertise lies in simplifying complex nutritional insights into practical, engaging, and empowering strategies, promoting healthier and happier lives.
1982 - 2000
Linking nutrition, brain health and behaviour
In our early years, we committed ourselves to building a robust foundation:
- 1982: Our story began as South Cumbria Alternative Sentencing Options (SCASO), advocating for the positive effects of communal eating on young offenders.
- 1984: Our growth continued as we became a company limited by guarantee.
- 1986: By gaining charity status, we expanded our influence and outreach.
- 1991: We transitioned into Natural Justice, delving into the intricate connection between nutrition, brain function and behaviour within the criminal justice system.
2000 - 2009
Demonstrating impact in prisons
Our central aim was to validate nutrition's role in influencing brain health and behavioural patterns in UK prisons:
- 2002: We unveiled groundbreaking research from HMP Aylesbury, proving that our nutritional interventions led to a 37% reduction in violence and a 26% decrease in other incidents. Findings from studies in the Netherlands echoed these results.
- 2009: In response to the Bradley Report's focus on mental health issues in prisons, we replicated our Aylesbury Study at HMPs Hindley, Lancaster Farms, and Polmont.
2010 - 2018
Broadening our scope
The Bradley Report's findings nudged us to embrace learning, mental health, and early intervention across various life stages:
- 2010: We evolved into the Institute for Food, Brain, and Behaviour, a change that reflected our expanded remit.
- 2015: We launched the Henry Kitchener Prize to encourage better menu development.
- 2016: We conducted our study with Robert Clack School, revealing a decrease in misbehaviour and improvements in academic performance, impulse control, and mental health.
- 2018: We crafted resources aimed at national change, supported by annual lectures from renowned scientists and partnerships with the Ministry of Justice and prison governors.
2019 - now
Bringing research into life
- 2019: We took on a fresh identity as Think Through Nutrition, underscoring our dedication to providing clear, accessible information and cutting-edge solutions.
- 2020: We began translating our research into effective prison programmes, completing our first pilot at HMP Eastwood Park.
- 2021: In collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS, we addressed food-related challenges in prisons.
- 2023: We launched LANAH (Learn About Nutrition and Health), our digital education programme, designed to offer engaging and accessible nutrition education to a wider audience.