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eLearning Series: Mental Illness
Explain Mental Illnesses To Me
Can
Diets Have a Positive Effect with Mental Illness?
Although often overlooked,
a well-rounded and nutrient rich diet can be a very important
part of a holistic
approach to treating mental illness. The old adage "You
are what you eat" holds water: everything we put into
our bodies affects our physical and mental health, even if
we are not always conscious of it. Adopting a sound and healthy
nutritional therapy as part of a patient's larger therapy can
have significant benefits.
Positive Effects of Nutrient Rich Foods on Mental Illness
Treatments
What sort of positive effects can a good diet have on mental
health patients? Doctors may prescribe small or significant
changes in their patient's diets to complement their conventional
therapy. For example, research shows us that herbal treatments
can be used effectively to treat anxiety and depression. The
herb St. John's Wort has been shown to help relieve symptoms
of depressive and anxiety disorders. Foods high in riboflavin,
magnesium, thiamine and B-complex vitamins have also been shown
to alleviate anxiety in some patients. Foods rich in these
nutrients and vitamins may also help treat autism, hyperactivity,
psychoses, and depressive disorders. Research also indicates
that patients suffering from schizophrenia may benefit significantly
from eliminating milk and wheat products from their diet. Children
with autism may also benefit from eliminating milk and wheat
products.
Poor Diets Linked to Rise in Mental Health Problems
With the dramatic rise in mental health problems in the past
50 years, scientists and other researchers have sought answers
as to why so many more people seem to suffer from serious mental
illnesses. Part of the reason may be social. Mental health
no longer has the negative stigma it once had. With the increasing
awareness of mental health problems and public campaigns, people
are more likely to seek out a mental health professional than
ever before.
But researchers have also pinpointed another reason for the
increase in mental health illness. Some researchers posit that
the rise of poor diets can be linked to the rise in mental
health disorders. Changes in diet have been linked to numerous
mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, depression,
Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit disorder, and other
disorders. Researchers point at the widespread consumption
of highly processed foods, the availability of junk food and
fast food, and the poor quality food that is often at schools
to children. These foods, researchers say, lacks vitamins,
minerals, and essential fats.
Studies indicate that connection between food, mood, and mental
health is perhaps more salient than we previously believed.
Research indicates that in countries where fish oil and other
omega-3 fatty acids are not consumed regularly, the depression
rates appear to be higher. Lack of essential fatty acids has
also been linked to schizophrenia. Other studies also indicate
that lack of folic acid, selenium, and tryptophan (an amino
acid crucial to healthy cell-building) may also play a role
in mental illness.
How exactly does food affect our mental health? A poor diet
lacks the nutrients and vitamins that are crucial to developing
healthy brain structure and function. Individuals who are already
vulnerable to mental health problems may find themselves even
more vulnerable if they consume a nutrient-deficit diet.
The Best Diet for Good Mental Health
What kinds of food should you eat to promote good mental health?
Dieticians and researchers recommend a diet rich in omega-3
fatty acids. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include oily
fish and nuts. Leafy green vegetables are recommended because
they are rich in folic acid. Nuts, and especially Brazil nuts,
should be consumed for selenium. Junk food and fast food should
be cut out of the diet altogether. A diet aiming for good mental
health should be rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, and
whole grains.
Good Food, Bad Policy
Although researchers continue to compile a growing body of
scientific evidence that good food is conducive to good mental
health, food policy has yet to catch up. Most mental health
facilities continue to serve their patients lower quality food.
Schools also continue to feed students highly processed and
convenience foods. Until governmental institutions adopt a
good food policy and mental health providers adopt good nutritional
therapies as part of their patient's overall therapy, researchers
fear that the number of mental health disorders will continue
to rise. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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