From Ron Hoffman, MD
I just got back from the American Nutrition Association Annual Summit in San Diego. The theme was the impact of nutrition on mental health. It was an awesome assembly of great researchers and speakers, and it’ll provide me with fodder for many Intelligent Medicine articles and podcasts in the new year.
Presenter after presenter laid out the stark fact: It’s undeniable we’re in the midst of a mental health crisis. In addition to diagnosable psychiatric conditions, we’re increasingly angry and impulsive, as is reflected in crime stats, our political discourse, and raucous social media.
Drugs and psychotherapy have not been conspicuously successful at stemming the tide of mental disorders; complete resolution of psychiatric conditions with standard care is more the exception than the rule.
Much of this is fueled by societal factors, but it’s arguable that poor diets play a significant role. Ultra-processed foods laden with sugar, refined seed oils, chemical additives and carby snacks bereft of nutrients critical for brain health are all pro-inflammatory. Studies have confirmed that inflammation impairs decision-making and heightens impulsivity.
And, when it comes to food selection and consumption, what does impulsivity lead to? Disordered eating, poor choices and addictive behaviors, further perpetuating a vicious cycle toward progressive mental impairment.
The post Mental Health: Nutrition Matters! first appeared on Alliance for Natural Health USA – Protecting Natural Health.
