Psycho-Neuro-Immuno-Endocrinology (PNIE) and the Dysfunctional Brain 

In this talk, Dr Kirstie Lawton will unravel the complexity of Psycho-Neuro-Immuno-Endocrinology (PNIE). She will discuss how the endocrine system, the immune system, the nervous system and our mental wellness are linked, and the impact of a dysfunctional gut on these systems. 

She will present the clinical implications of an imbalanced biological system on the brain, such as neurotransmitter dysfunction and cellular health challenges including mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced autophagy and mitophagy, and an increase in immune cell overreaction in the neurones. 

She will also consider the wider impact of PNIE, including a dysregulated immune system leading to systemic inflammation and weakened immune responses, dysregulated cortisol levels and imbalanced hormones. 

She will share examples of how this presents in clinical practice, and how this presents in real life cases, with symptoms such as depression and anxiety, memory impairment and/or brain fog, cognitive health issues and neuronal atrophy. 

Finally, she will consider the importance of supporting diet and lifestyle in clients with multi-system health concerns. 

Speaker bio:

Dr Kirstie Lawton, PhD, Clinic Director. CNHC Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (RNTP) and AfN/BANT Registered Nutritionist 

Dr Kirstie Lawton has a PhD in Nutrition and a BSc in Public Health Nutrition, both from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh and a 3-year DipION from the renowned Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London. She is also a qualified academic (PGCE in Higher Education) and is currently completing a Master’s degree at the University of Sheffield in Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration.  

Kirstie’s specialism is adults who have been diagnosed with or are at risk of developing Motor Neurone Disease (MND/ALS).  

For the last 25 years, she has also worked in the field of child and young adult nutrition, with a focus on gastrointestinal health, neurological health including neurodivergence and mental wellness, and immune health conditions. She has also completed several modules on Psychiatry Redefined’s Fellowship in Nutritional Psychiatry.  

In addition to her clinical work, she was integral to the development of the UK’s first Graduate Diploma in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, delivered by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION), in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth (UoP). She is also a member of the Editorial Board for the Nutritional Medicine Institute and Journal. She is also a member of the Medical Committee at Healing ALS.  

She has a PGCE in Higher Education from the University of London. She has taught various nutrition-related topics at several institutes in the UK, including ION/UoP, Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, the University of Worcester and the University of Northampton.  

When not working or studying, Kirstie can typically be found in her garden or on a country path with her dog. She has a passion for creating recipes and preparing nutritious and delicious meals. She also has a passion for music, and co-runs a choir in her local area.