Food As Medicine: How To Fix Your Diet To End Disease & Mental Illness | Dr. Uma Naidoo

In today’s society, mental health issues are often approached predominantly as neurological or psychological conditions. However, there is a growing recognition that mental health cannot be fully understood or addressed without considering our nutritional habits. The role of food, specifically processed and nutrient-deficient diets, has come to light as a significant factor influencing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and more complex conditions like schizophrenia.

The global prevalence of mental health issues is alarming, with over 70% of individuals receiving little to no professional healthcare. Recent research suggests an inseparable connection between the increase in mental health disorders and dietary habits, particularly the widespread consumption of processed foods. These foods contribute significantly to chronic inflammation and metabolic disruptions, negating a simple 'chemical imbalance' narrative.

Mental health has traditionally been tied to neurological issues located "above the neck," neglecting the influence of nutrition-related inflammation. Finding effective treatments has proven challenging due in part to the outdated Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), which primarily categorizes mental health purely based on descriptions rather than underlying biological causes.

At the core of this emerging paradigm is a field known as Nutritional Psychiatry, where food is used as a tool to support mental wellbeing. Through these explorations, it's become evident that certain dietary regimes—like the ketogenic diet—demonstrate significant benefits for disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. This dietary approach works in part because it minimizes inflammation, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and enhances general metabolic health.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health issues, significantly increasing rates of anxiety and triggering debates on food's impact in this rise. Mass prescriptions of antidepressants during this period did not account for more holistic paradigms connecting processed foods to heightened anxiety. Evidence increasingly shows this 'Standard American Diet' directly influences brain function through bi-directional pathways linked to the gut and inflammation.

Essential fatty acids, particularly Omega-3s found in fish, are fundamental to managing inflammation and have been associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of anxiety. Interestingly, dark chocolate has surfaced as a rich source of plant-based iron, further establishing the link between mood improvement and diet. Incorporating these into a daily routine may serve as immediate, natural interventions against uninformed or autoimmune behaviors instigated by nutritron deficiency.

"We often think of problems as strictly psychological when there are heavy, underlying biological and societal contributions," says one of the experts explored within this dialogue, urging a reconfiguration of how practitioners guide dietary movements.

Enhancing mental health via dietary adjustments involves understanding micronutrients like magnesium and Vitamin D. Both are crucial for brain function and emotional regulation, with deficiencies directly impacting anxiety levels. Strategically increasing exposure to sunlight or consuming foods naturally rich in these elements can boost mental wellness significantly.

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