When Food Causes Depression and Anxiety
For the last few months, I noticed I was getting a little tired, grumpy, and anxious. My wellness practices are strong, so I am generally in a great mood. I accepted that it was time to revisit my habits in detail. This is how I realized I had mistakenly bought two gluten-containing products. I was aware I was sensitive; my mother was a serious celiac, but I never made the move to ensure there was zero gluten in my diet.
I threw out the products, and I felt and looked much better within a week. My energy, already pretty high, is now back to the level of my 30s. Until a few years ago, I was unaware that the finest aspects of your diet could affect your mental health. I was aware that alcohol could make you depressed, that allergies could make you feel like crap, and that overconsumption of certain things could lead to chronic illness, but I had not accepted that our mental and physical health is affected by even the smallest things we consume.
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Our world doesn’t like to highlight how our mental health is affected by diet. Why? Some of the biggest food companies in America make a lot of money by packing grocery stores full of toxins and cancer and chronic illness-causing products. Even our food pyramids can’t be trusted because people interested in their impact on food sales influence what the pyramids claim.
You can’t even trust watermelon anymore! They have recently started injecting watermelons with toxins to make them last longer. I knew something strange was going on last month when I thought I could bounce one watermelon around the house. All of this makes growing, preparing, and cooking your own food that much more important.
In Memory Mansion, I shared about realizing that my mother’s years of depression and anxiety were due to being undiagnosed celiac. She would have lived much longer and happier if she had known the truth about food. As Steve Jobs said before passing away, ‘Eat your food as your medicine; otherwise, you have to eat medicine as your food’”
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Speaking of food as medicine, here are some mental health issues that can be caused or exacerbated by dietary challenges:
Depression:
Lack of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (B12, D), and minerals (iron, zinc) can contribute to depressive symptoms.
Diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can negatively impact mood and increase the risk of depression.
Anxiety:
Deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin B6, and other essential nutrients can increase anxiety levels.
High caffeine and sugar intake can lead to increased anxiety and nervousness.
Cognitive Impairment:
Poor nutrition can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals essential for brain function, such as vitamin B12, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Diets high in trans fats and low in antioxidants can contribute to cognitive decline and memory problems.
Mood Swings:
Inconsistent blood sugar levels due to irregular eating patterns or high sugar intake can cause mood swings and irritability.
A poor diet can affect neurotransmitter function, influencing mood stability.
Eating Disorders:
Nutritional imbalances can exacerbate conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorders.
Psychological stress from dietary restrictions or poor body image can lead to disordered eating behaviors.
Fatigue and Low Energy:
Inadequate calories, protein, and essential nutrient intake can lead to chronic fatigue and low energy levels.
A poor diet can affect sleep quality, leading to fatigue and associated mental health issues.
Stress:
Diets lacking essential nutrients can impair the body’s ability to handle stress.
High levels of sugar and caffeine can increase stress hormones like cortisol.
Poor Concentration and Attention:
Nutritional deficiencies, especially in omega-3 fatty acids and certain vitamins, can impair concentration and attention span.
High junk food intake can lead to brain fog and reduced cognitive performance.
Increased Risk of Mental Health Disorders:
Long-term poor dietary habits can increase the risk of developing chronic mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, especially in genetically predisposed individuals.
Addressing these dietary challenges through a balanced and nutrient-rich diet can help improve mental health and overall well-being. Cheers!
Warm regards,
Cynthia
Shaman Isis
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