How Diets Affect Mental Health

For years it has been taught that diet had nothing to do with mental health. Doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists and other health professionals used to scorn the idea of linking Alzheimer's, ADHD, schizophrenia and other mental diseases to diet and lifestyle.

But recent studies are suggesting that there are direct links between physical and mental health. But we must ask the question; wouldn't common sense teach us this? It's funny how for years we have known that we can bring sickness upon ourselves by breaking down ourselves mentally, so wouldn't the opposite be true?

Adding science to the equation has brought some interesting links between physical and mental. Consider the fact that numerous studies these days are finding links between Alzheimer's disease and mercury and aluminum. Both substances are readily available in dental fillings, tap water, cooking pots, soft drinks and many others. New studies are suggesting that there is a great link between the two and areas where bauxite is mined (what aluminum is made from) are known to carry higher rates of Alzheimer's disease then other areas.

Many doctors are finding out that improper nutrition leads to the unbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain which leads schizophrenia. New studies are suggesting the proper nutritional habits can help correct the disease.

But out of all the mental disorders, there is no stronger evidence to suggest the correlation between diet and brain as ADHD. It is now an established fact in many among many pediatric centers that sugar, television, video games and refined foods are the biggest cause of ADHD and can cause it to progressively get worse.

Dr Andrew McCulloch from the Mental Health Foundation states that "we are only just beginning to understand how the brain as an organ is influenced by the nutrients it derives from the foods we eat and how diets have an impact on our mental health."

Following a well balanced diet with as well as certain vitamins and minerals has been shown to help in mental illness cases. Maybe we do think as we eat after all.