It is common knowledge that following a balanced diet is key to maintaining overall health and well-being. Researchers have found that nutrient therapy may offer benefits for those with mental health issues.
What you eat and your mental health
In 2019, the Pan American Health Organization reported that mental health issues "are the single largest cause of disabilities in the world." These pertain to disorders such as anxiety, depression, dementia and alcohol abuse.
Fortunately, research into the root causes of mental health issues points to promising solutions. For example, the Walsh Research Institute has made significant breakthroughs in terms of understanding the biochemistry behind anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia.
While mental illness remains a significant issue, health experts are hopeful because of promising research into nutrient-based therapy protocols and other alternative solutions that may one day revolutionize mental health care. (Related: Food for the brain: Review examines the link between diet and mental health.)
Advanced nutrient therapy
According to the Walsh Research Institute, most mental health diseases are associated with the balance of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.
People diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, schizophrenia and other behavior disorders have a chemical imbalance.
While chemical imbalance may not cause your mental illness and may be a concurrent result of other factors or arise due to mental distress, they can be used as a potential avenue for treatment.
In modern medicine, medications designed to increase serotonin levels in the brain are based on the assumption that an imbalance is causing depression. Unfortunately, these drug interventions have produced very limited success and an alarming list of potential adverse effects.
If you have mental health issues and are looking to avoid the side effects of pharmaceuticals like antidepressants, you should consider nutritional interventions, which are generally much safer.
Addressing specific nutrient needs can help alleviate many health conditions since these deficiencies can cause systemic issues. At the same time, the nutritional basis for treatment is different from current pharmaceutical interventions.
Advanced nutrient therapy was founded by Dr. William Walsh of the Walsh Research Institute and is based on research data on more than 20,000 patients with various mental health issues. These patients have all undergone biochemical mapping.
Nutrient therapy is purely nutrition-based and helps give people a deeper understanding of their struggles.
Research in the field of nutrient therapy has helped experts develop new, nutrient-based therapy protocols and other alternative solutions that expand beyond the realm of medication and psychotherapy.
As the science behind biochemical mapping continues to improve, researchers are one step closer to learning how to dial in specific nutritive solutions for mental health issues that suit each person's specific needs without relying on medications.
But many mental health issues aren’t only based on nutrient deficiencies or biochemical issues. Some patients may develop depression and anxiety due to significant changes in their social environment and daily lives.
This means treating mental illnesses also involves addressing social issues.
Excessive storage of certain nutrients can cause harm
Nutritional interventions are a relatively safe treatment for mental health issues, but they also come with potential side effects. Excessive storage of certain nutrients in the body could be more damaging and cause severe physical and mental health issues.
One such nutrient is copper. Research has found that elevated copper levels can drastically affect dopamine and norepinephrine production, resulting in hormone imbalance.
Several mental and behavioral health issues, such as ADHD, anxiety, autism, depression, poor concentration and learning difficulty, may be linked to high copper levels.
When prescribing nutrient-based treatment, health experts often avoid "enriched" foods that might contain copper and those that contain it naturally, such as organ meats.
Personalized nutrient therapy for better mental health
For the last few years, researchers have found that earlier studies are behind over-generalizations in medicine, diet, nutrition and medication recommendations.
Through a growing understanding of epigenetics and biochemistry, scientists have discovered that all individuals have a unique biochemical makeup and highly personalized nutritional needs.
And when those needs aren’t met, your physical and mental health may suffer in various ways.
Because of the stark genetic differences in how different bodies process foods, following the traditional "food pyramid" or sticking to a generalized diet may cause a deficiency in much-needed nutrients or an overflow in others.
Improve your eating habit to improve your mental health
Even if you don't have mental health issues, these tips can help improve your physical and mental well-being:
- Eat meals regularly. Having regular meal times can help stop your blood sugar from dropping, which can make you feel tired and affect your mood.
- Drink enough water every day. Mild dehydration can affect your energy levels, mood and ability to concentrate.
- Eat the right balance of good fats. Your brain needs healthy fats to function properly, and you can find good fats in superfoods like fatty fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, rapeseed oil, avocados, eggs and milk.
- Avoid trans fats, which are found in processed or packaged foods, because they are bad for your mood and your heart.
- Follow a balanced diet and eat plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These foods are full of vitamins and minerals your brain and body need to stay healthy.
- Include some protein in every meal. Proteins contain an amino acid that your brain needs to help regulate your mood.
- Maintain proper gut health. Your gut can reflect how you’re feeling and can speed up or slow down if you're stressed. Healthy foods for your gut include beans, fruits, vegetables and probiotics.
- Limit your caffeine intake, which can affect your mood. Caffeine can cause sleep problems, especially if you drink it close to your bedtime. It can also make you more anxious and irritable.
Follow a balanced diet and improve your eating habits to help boost your mental health.
Watch the video below to learn why your mental health matters just as much as your physical health.
This video is from the Data Dumper channel on Brighteon.com.
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