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Nutritional health and dieting are both common discussions in the public forum. An unhealthy diet can be the reason behind many vitamin and mineral deficiency related illnesses and so the benefits of eating certain foods to manage various illnesses has become an interesting topic. In particular, this has been discussed in relation to mental illness as people are continually struggling to understand the human brain and find alternative treatments.
Diet has been discussed as a possible factor in managing depression and mental illness. Some healthcare practitioners have suggested that avoiding foods containing gluten, dairy, saturated fats, aspartame and caffeine. Foods containing these compounds have been linked to a reduced capacity to think and process, sluggish metabolism and movement, fatigue and depression. Adding extra vitamins and minerals to the diet can be greatly beneficial in managing depression and maintaining our brain functioning and behaviour. To this end, healthy eating plans are used by many medical practitioners when treating their clients as an added method to contemporary treatments. There is mixed evidence as to the effectiveness of such approaches, however, healthy eating in general is recommended by such groups as the Victorian Government initiative ‘Better Health Channel’ for individuals looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The development of the ‘Healthy Eating Pyramid’ in 1981 and its continued revision and improvement show the commitment of many to influencing the type of food we eat. In addition to this, education about food groups and benefits associated with a healthy diet, has led to the development of food guides created by the Australian Government.
The ability to incorporate the role of diet and nutrition into treatment for people living with depression and other mental illnesses may result in increased benefits to the individual and the community as a whole. Cray Craving May Help Lift Spirits - The Age Feeling blue? Mung beans, lobster, turkey, asparagus, sunflower seeds, cottage cheese, pineapple, tofu, spinach and bananas could lift your spirits.
References The Diet Cure The Eating Cure Mental Illness Linked to Diet
Nutrition Australia |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 31 July 2008 ) |
The side effects that can come as a result of taking antidepressant medications, including difficulties with weight management and healthy eating, have played a role in the search for an alternative. Some ‘mood-foods’ can have an effect on the biochemistry of the brain, inducing neurotransmitters to alter mood states with various amino acids and other nutritional features. This occurs due to the composition of the brain itself and the absorption of various properties of the food. Research has also led to the belief that some foods can, in fact, release toxins that can harm healthy brain cells.
