Sarah Ann Macklin

Could you tell us about a crucial event that influenced your mental health journey?

There have been many pivotal instances in my life, but one specific event stands out. This happened when I was between 20 and 24 years old, when I decided to transition from a full-time modeling career to studying nutritional science in London. The decision to return to school was a major change in my life. I recall my initial biochemistry classes where I found the material challenging.

Self-doubt started to creep in, possibly because of the conventional perception that modeling and intelligence are not typically regarded as compatible. I finally gathered the courage to admit, "I can't do this, I'm really struggling." My professor responded by asking, "Have you ever been tested for dyslexia?" I hadn't.

Following this, I was tested for dyslexia and the result confirmed my professor's suspicion. This was a moment of revelation. Someone had finally understood me and my struggles, and this helped me recognize my own strengths.

Today, I view my dyslexia as a unique skill rather than a limitation. This experience had a profound impact on my mental health journey because it was the first time I felt truly understood. I learned that my brain works differently, in a non-linear way, and that's perfectly okay. This realisation led me on an entrepreneurial path where I found success, unlike in an environment that couldn't appreciate my unique abilities.

This journey sparked a desire within me to explore the relationship between nutrition, mental health, and neurodiversity. I became particularly interested in how nutrition could help conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism, marking the start of my fascination with mental health.

Who or what inspired you to undertake your journey, and who or what motivates you now?

Initially, my mother was my key source of inspiration and support. At 16, I had the chance to leave my hometown of Portsmouth, where opportunities were limited. Despite the enormity of the opportunity, my mother encouraged me to venture into the unknown, travel to London by myself, and explore the world. Opportunities like this were rare in Portsmouth, and her steadfast support gave me the courage to seize them.

At 23, when I decided to shift to a less stable career in nutrition, my parents were understandably worried. They were nervous about my decision to leave a successful and glamorous career to study a relatively unfamiliar subject. At that time, I relied on my intuition as I decided to take a path less traveled.

Over ten years ago, the topics of nutrition and mental health were not as popular as they are today, but I was driven to understand how I could improve my performance and overall health. My intuition and purpose pushed me forward, and I was lucky to have mentors who believed in me throughout my journey.

What motivated you to establish the Be Well Collective, and how has it affected your life and the lives of others?

As I've delved deeper into neurodiversity, I've come to understand that there isn't a straightforward route. I've heard countless stories of people's entrepreneurial journeys and have come to realise that sometimes there's no guiding principle. If you have a powerful force within you and you feel compelled to act, you simply do. Therefore, I didn't meticulously plan what I wanted to accomplish, instead, I trusted my intuition.

I found myself in an industry that was rife with misleading health information. Consequently, I transformed into a persona who was absorbing advice from individuals who lacked health expertise. I was striving to look my best physically, while also trying to feel my best, as my demanding work schedule required me to wake up at 3 a.m. Unfortunately, the information I was absorbing was flawed, and it only exacerbated my health problems.

This spurred me to study and disseminate accurate information to each individual because everyone is unique. It's essential to understand one's own body and mind. As I grew more self-aware and discovered what worked for me, I began to see the correlation between mental health and other aspects of well-being.

The Be Well Collective is thus a platform that brings together various experts to share their knowledge and perspectives, as opposed to relying on a single source. It's about assembling a large group of health experts, providing you with sufficient knowledge to make informed decisions about what's best for you, while also nurturing a sense of community.

As a nutritionist, have you ever observed a significant transformation in someone's life? Could you share this experience with us?

One of the greatest joys in my profession is when an individual, who feels hopeless about their health due to misinformation or overwhelming unawareness, seeks my help. I've had the privilege of assisting a diverse group of people. I've witnessed individuals reverse their diabetes and cease their cholesterol medication, which has been truly rewarding.

My clientele includes high achievers from various fields, such as the music industry, Netflix, and modeling. Assisting them on their wellness journey during filming or other demanding periods and watching them thrive has been an incredible experience.

However, the transformation most dear to my heart involves my father. A hardworking man from Portsmouth, he spent his life as a builder and bricklayer. Coming from a working-class background, his diet was typically meat-centric, with vegetables included when he was fortunate. As you might envision, a bricklayer's diet consists of bacon sandwiches and beer in the evening.

Unfortunately, my dad was diagnosed with type two diabetes, a situation I, as a nutritionist and his daughter, could not accept. Instead of treating him as a patient, I encouraged him to seek my help as his daughter. Over the course of six months, we managed not only to take him off his medication but also to reverse his type two diabetes solely through dietary adjustments.

Witnessing this transformation in your own father, someone you profoundly care about, brings a different perspective. Realizing the immense impact a simple dietary change can have was enlightening. The shift in his mindset, something I initially doubted, coupled with the significant health benefits, has been incredibly rewarding for me. I strive to integrate this level of care into the treatment of all my patients.

We often hear about the physical health benefits of a vegan lifestyle, but how does it impact mental health? Could you shed light on the advantages and potential drawbacks of adhering to a vegan diet?

Various studies have shown that a plant-based diet carries an array of health benefits. For instance, it can reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Eating more plant-based foods allows us to intake a greater quantity of antioxidants, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. However, it's important to note that a vegan diet can also have adverse effects if not appropriately supplemented.

Vitamin B12, a vital nutrient for nerve and brain health, is a key example. It serves as a crucial mineral and cofactor, maintaining the function of the vagus nerve, which extends from the stomach to the brain. If you have been following a vegan diet for a considerable period without B12 supplementation, it is highly recommended to include a B12 supplement in your regimen as this nutrient cannot be sufficiently obtained from plant-based foods. This aspect is particularly relevant to mental health among vegans.

Another crucial nutrient is omega-3. This becomes particularly important for those who do not consume fish. Our cell membranes consist of 25% fatty acids, which are found in oily fish. Oily fish acquire this long-chain fatty acid, known as DHEA, through consuming algae. Therefore, if you are a vegan, it's advisable to supplement your diet with algae-based products. Such supplements provide you with the necessary DHEA, eliminating the need for fish-based sources.

This supplementation is particularly significant for individuals suffering from ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia, especially if they follow a vegan diet. Thus, these two nutrients - B12 and omega-3 - are crucial for maintaining mental health while adhering to a vegan lifestyle.

What are some prevalent misconceptions about the vegan lifestyle and mental health?

There are numerous misunderstandings that exist, and they are not exclusively linked to plant-based diets. There seems to be a perpetual debate involving carnivorous, ketogenic diets versus plant-based and vegetarian diets. It's not a matter of right or wrong, but rather what is suitable for an individual. If someone thrives as a vegetarian, enjoys their plant-based diet, and gets the proper health advice regarding protein combinations and supplementations, that's fantastic. There's no need to feel compelled to follow one diet or another.

One undeniable fact about plant-based diets is their high fiber content, which is excellent for our gut health. The pioneering research on gut health, led by people like Professor Tim Spector, has significantly increased our understanding in this field. His recent studies have emphasized how unique each person's gut health is, akin to our fingerprints, as everyone possesses a distinct gut microbiome.

There's an ongoing dialogue about probiotics, but we must realize that we can't indiscriminately introduce these live bacteria into diverse gut microbiomes because they all vary. The current focus is more on food and prebiotics, which are primarily fibrous foods. Plant-based diets are rich in fiber, which serves as a fertilizer for the gut. This fiber is essentially food for our gut microbes, and it doesn't get broken down into energy.

However, diversity is crucial; a daily plant-based diet without variety won't be as beneficial. Hence, the key question is: how many different fruits and vegetables can you incorporate into your weekly diet? It's also important to always cook with the skin on, as it contains a significant amount of fiber. Peeling off the skin results in a loss of this beneficial fiber.

We understand that you're about to launch a new series and we're eager to learn more about it. Could you provide a brief overview of the series? Who are the prominent figures we can anticipate hearing from?

The series is set to launch on May 17th, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week, an event we now realize holds significant importance from our previous discussions.

Currently, we're heading into the 10th season. For those who haven't yet tuned in, the series is a blend of health advice and storytelling. It features inspirational individuals who recount their personal journeys, promoting self-awareness and offering relatability to listeners.

The initial segment of the series is storytelling-focused, with exceptional guests like Reggie Yates, a fervent storyteller and filmmaker. We also feature expert insights from scientists such as Dr. Sanjay Pander, renowned for delivering one of the most popular TED Talks of all time, and Dr. Mindy Peltz, the author of an insightful new book titled "Fast Like a Girl."

Additionally, we host diverse figures like Brian Johnson, a successful entrepreneur who once sold BrainTree to PayPal. In his pursuit of building a large-scale company, which he sold for 800 million dollars, he significantly impacted his health. Now, he's investing his wealth into longevity research, striving to rejuvenate his body to the state of an 18-year-old. He's reversing the age of his organs and pouring around 80 million dollars into this science. He has recruited top professors from prestigious institutions like Cambridge, Oxford, and Stanford.

We're thrilled to present a broad spectrum of extraordinary guests in this season, and we can't wait to share these episodes with you all.

In addition to your upcoming series, could you share some other projects or causes that you are passionate about and currently working on?

We are planning a significant mental health awareness event scheduled for May, where the central focus will be anxiety. Over the past year, I've been laying the groundwork for a few initiatives. There's one in particular I'm excited about, but I'm not at liberty to discuss it just yet. However, rest assured, there will be plenty more to learn from me in the coming year. I recommend staying tuned and subscribing to my newsletter. That way, you'll be among the first to know when these new endeavors are unveiled.

If you're currently grappling with mental health issues, what's one piece of advice that could assist you on this journey?

We all face mental health challenges at one point or another. It's important to understand that our brain, like our body and muscles, requires support. You may not have a diagnosed mental health disorder, but stress—a facet of mental health—is something we all experience.

If you're feeling particularly burdened by mental health struggles or if you're unsure about whom to confide in, I would recommend visiting the Be Well Collective website. They have an extensive list of helplines, ranging from 24-hour services to groups specific to the LGBTQ community, women, and men. You can also register for our regular monthly meetings.

Try to reach out to your friends. While it may be difficult for some of us to open up, honesty with those around us is crucial. Sharing your story or expressing your feelings can pave the way for others in your life to do the same. Taking that initial step towards honesty with yourself is incredibly significant.

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