[Discussion] Mental Health derived from Diet

[Ashflura]

A lot of us are ignorant, comfortable with what we're doing right now and not giving ourselves time to think. I'm like that a lot of the time. However, when a really good bug gets me, I have a few of those passion filled moments where I want to discuss a topic of interest and of help to mankind.

There are a lot of studies indicating a link between certain foods and physical and mental conditions:

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Some have issues discussing the link between the product and the producer, some mark it as a code of ethics and are too sensitive to ever talk about it. 'Depression is serious! I can't believe my child was diagnosed with ADHD! No one understands me...' Yes unstable mental conditions are serious, they make a person more fragile, alone and prone to low self-esteem.

A 2009 study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that people who follow Mediterranean dietary patterns -- that is, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and unsaturated fat (common in olive and other plant oils) -- are up to 30% less likely to develop depression than those who typically consume meatier, dairy-heavy fare. (Fung TT, Rexrode KM, Mantzoros CS, Manson JE, Willett WC, Hu FB. Mediterranean diet and incidence of and mortality from coronary heart disease and stroke in women. Circulation. 2009;119:1093-1100.)

And yes, there are cures. But not pills. The countless times doctors prescribe unnecessary drugs to young children is beyond belief. The key is food and regular physical activity.

Scientific research on ADHD diets is limited and results are mixed. Many health experts, however, do believe that diet may play a role in relieving ADHD symptoms. WebMD's ADHD expert Richard Sogn, MD, points out that whatever is good for the brain is likely to be good for ADHD. Brain researcher and ADHD expert Daniel Amen, MD, recommends these ADHD diet suggestions:

• Eat a high-protein diet, including beans, cheese, eggs, meat, and nuts. Add protein foods in the morning and for after-school snacks, to improve concentration and possibly increase the time ADHD medications work.
• Eat fewer simple carbohydrates, such as candy, corn syrup, honey, sugar, products made from white flour, white rice, and potatoes without the skins.
• Eat more complex carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits (including oranges, tangerines, pears, grapefruit, apples, and kiwi). Eating complex carbs at night may aid sleep.
• Eat more Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in tuna, salmon, other cold-water white fish, walnuts, Brazil nuts, and olive and canola oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are also available in supplement form.

What is your opinion on the increase on children being diagnosed with these 'mental diseases'? What have you done to get out of your depression if you ever had? Do you think more people should actually research information for themselves rather than taking everything their doctor prescribes?

 

[naruttebayo]

thx bud, appreciated

 

[GreenTeaChloe]

Interesting find, however mental illnesses isn't only derived from what people consume. Genetics, evolution or environmental effects can cause the issue. The links of food with mental illnesses have been theorized already in early 1970's.

Exercise is a good way to reduce stress, and "cure" the common flu as well. (Sweating it out).

I think it increased based on social media, not because of what they eat. Everyone makes others feel bad about themselves, the media especially. Its also easier for people to "bully" others, especially over the internet.

If ADHD and depression is all they can link food too, then i don't think its the main cause of it.

 

[Sourcandy]

I have always tried no have a healthy lifestyle, that means I excessive regularly and consume healthy food. however, as someone else already mentioned, depression and other mental illnesses are not only caused by what you eat. The media and your surroundings are some if not the biggest factors here.

Yes, going to the gym and eating your vegetables helps, but certainly, there's more to it that just that. I'm telling you this as a person who has suffered this first hand and not just someone that wants to increase her postcount.

 

[soren287]

Dude, Mental illness is caused by a lot of factors that people have no control over. (genetics, child abuse, poverty, social isolation, drugs, ect.) This remind me of those people who run around saying "If you had eaten healthy like I have, you wouldn't be dying of breast cancer right now," (particularly in cases where the diet and the cancer are unrelated.) Nice way to insult people less fortunate then you.
My depression was linked with an eating disorder, and I assure you I was obsessed with healthy food, and exercising for at least three to four hours a day. Exercise can sometimes reduce stress, but it's a temporary effect, and when you are depressed you're unhappy all the time. Exercise and food took over my life, but fixed nothing.
It took me a year for the doctors to convince me that I needed medication. I finally agreed to go on Zoloft and I can't say I regret it. The number of Anxiety attacks I had dropped from an episode almost once a day to about two episodes per week and I started eating again.
I'm no longer on medication, but I can't deny that it made an difference in that period of my life, and gave me the boost I needed to turn my condition around.
"Do I think more people should actually research information for themselves rather than taking everything their doctor prescribes?" You seem to think that everyone blindly accepts any drug handed to them, or that those who take them just "just aren't trying hard enough."

 

[Ashflura]

At the above post, I know diet and physical activity isn't the only factor, but they are a contributing factor a lot of the time. The particular cases I'm referring to is ADHD and Depression, and in specific to individuals who witness someone going through this. Observers (family and close ones) need to spot certain habits that may indicate symptoms of depression and ADHD. Learning what goes into your body and understanding the chemical changes can make the difference between someone mistaking anxiety for a short of glucose in the brain..

Yes, they're are other elements that can force certain conditions to surface - environment, social class, pressure, genetics - I've done research, talked to people suffering and seen them get through it without completely changing their diet. Some reasons included 'religion got them through it' 'the people around them gave them the hope they needed' 'time'. This was never meant to generalise anyone's case. It was merely to open an insight to some who were apathetic to it before.

Never force words into my mouth, thinking I'm better than someone is the last thing I need when my sister is about to give birth and they're might be a high risk of the child inheriting seizures from the father as well as some consequences from both parents smoking. We've all had family members die from cancer, and loved ones fall through depression. I believe its a responsibility for anyone to learn how their body works and to not abuse it. I look down on those that attempt to drink away their problems when they clearly know alcohol is a depressant and only a temporary getaway. I fight my insides when they fall into an accident that could have been prevented. And their case becomes more severe than someone who couldn't help their current case. It's selfish. Some will disagree, but I am entitled to my own opinion.

In regards to ADHD, a lot of it is due to environmental factors. I know a few who have extremely caring parents, but their schools treat them like crap and so to make their child happy and focused for awhile they give him what he wants. Most of the time ADHD goes undiagnosed and when a child is addicted to sweets, most of the time it becomes their only gateway to happiness, and parents are forced to use it as a quick distraction to take a bit of a break, because they are tired and want a bit of peace. The parent may then shrug away the tantrums and lack of focus for learning as a typical child thing and raise their child unaware that the reason he is failing school or not able to communicate well with others is because of the additives he was exposed to at a young age. It may sound farfetched, but chemicals that are digested have not be tested enough for the long run and the effects it has on a child's brain development. And if a short three week study changed a child's behaviour, what does it say for the long term?

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[soren287]

I owe you an apology.
I misinterpreted the intent behind what was being said and got all up on my high horse about it and derailed what you meant to be a meaningful discussion.
In the past I had people who told me that my problem didn't matter because it wasn't "real" and that I was lazy or weak willed and "not trying hard enough" when the thing I wanted most was to get better and move on with my life. I'm afraid a lot of that resurfaced ended up unfairly projected--you happened to be the unfortunate target. I automatically assumed the worst and I did indeed put words into your mouth, and truly horrible words at that. I was impulsive, immature, and completely unfair and I am sorry.
I wish you and you'r family the best of luck with your sister's birth and hope for the health of the baby and mother. I hope that the things that can be fixed will be mended, that wrongs can be made right, and that things work out for the best.
And I do understand what you are saying about selfishness because I've been selfish too. I lost interest in everything I had cared about and every part of my identity until the self-pity and selfishness were all I had left. It perpetuates it'self to the detriment of yourself and everyone that loves you, and creates a cycle that needs to break for recovery to happen.

That is an interesting times article link. And no, it's not far-fetched that something like that could happen. And it does raise a fair point and some interesting questions.

Once again, I'm very sorry for my poor judgement and the irrational nastiness that followed. You really didn't deserve to suffer my misdirected and mindless raving.

 

[Ashflura]

Dude there's been no harm done. I just didn't want my intentions misinterpreted by anyone.
It was a simple misunderstanding and I'm glad we can put it behind responsibly.
On the topic of being left with nothing but self-pity and selfishness, I remember feeling nothing but self-righteousness and pride throughout a few high school years. It was really depressing when I ever look back on it. I often - because I believe I knew more in high school and about people in general - overlooked friends and members of my family, thinking they did nothing but drag me down. I did look like I was just being a normal person from the outside, but on the inside it felt like I was fighting a monster. My arrogance got to the point where I felt people were intimidated by it - and that was the reason no one wanted to go out with me - its pathetic I know, but I'm just really glad I've had the chance to repair the friendships I lost at the end of high school.
Thankyou the wishes on my sister's behalf are really appreciated. In return I wish you all the best.

 

[soren287]

Yeah, it's good to be mature and what not. Lol Apparently that happens when I post on stupid-mode[SUP]TM[/SUP]. I had a silly reaction over something I took completely out of context and I'm really glad it's over.

Self reprogramming is neither fun nor easy. A lot of people chose to never confront themselves, let alone strive for change, even when the thing in question takes over their lives. You recognized it, fought it, and turned it around. That's pretty awesome and the antithesis of pathetic. Our character isn't measured in who we've been, but in how we've grown. It's great that you got to reconnect with your friends. Lots of people aren't that lucky and they must really love you.

Second chances are awesome

 

[Strawberry]

we are what we eat

 

[Ashflura]

Yeah, it's good to be mature and what not. Lol Apparently that happens when I post on stupid-mode[SUP]TM[/SUP]. I had a silly reaction over something I took completely out of context and I'm really glad it's over.

Self reprogramming is neither fun nor easy. A lot of people chose to never confront themselves, let alone strive for change, even when the thing in question takes over their lives. You recognized it, fought it, and turned it around. That's pretty awesome and the antithesis of pathetic. Our character isn't measured in who we've been, but in how we've grown. It's great that you got to reconnect with your friends. Lots of people aren't that lucky and they must really love you.

Second chances are awesome

I'm honestly nothing more than just really grateful. I'd love to give you a hug for your last comment, but in all honesty we all have special people, some of us just have to dig a little deeper to find the golden ones.

 

[soren287]

I've found that they tend to be the ones who have been there the whole time. You don't realize until they're picking you up after everything else has come crashing down. After the dust settles when you look back that you see how much they care.

*all the internet hugz* <(^_^<)