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Book NowAn international collaboration, led by the University of Melbourne and Deakin University, has stated that evidence is rapidly growing that there is a strong connection between diet quality and mental health.
In an article published in The Lancet Psychiatry, leading academics stated that psychiatry should now recognise and embrace diet and nutrition as key factors in mental health.
Lead author, Dr Jerome Sarris from the University of Melbourne and a member of the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research (ISNPR), said psychiatry is at a critical stage, as the existing treatments have only resulted in modest benefits.
“While the determinants of mental health are complex, the emerging and compelling evidence for nutrition as a key factor in the high prevalence and incidence of mental disorders suggests that nutrition is as important to psychiatry as it is to cardiology, endocrinology and gastroenterology,” Dr Sarris said.
“In the last few years, significant links have been established between nutritional quality and mental health. Scientifically rigorous studies have made important contributions to our understanding of the role of nutrition in mental health.”
The review showed that nutrient-based prescriptions have the ability to assist in the management of mental disorders. Studies show that many different nutrients have a clear link to brain health, including omega-3s, B vitamins (particularly folate and B12), choline, iron, zinc, magnesium, S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), vitamin D, and amino acids.
“While we advocate for these to be consumed in the diet where possible, additional select prescription of these as nutraceuticals (nutrient supplements) may also be justified,” Dr Sarris said.
Associate Professor Felice Jacka, a Principal Research Fellow from Deakin University and president of the ISNPR noted that many studies have shown associations between healthy dietary patterns and a reduced level of depression and suicide.
“Maternal and early-life nutrition is also emerging as a factor in mental health outcomes in children, while severe deficiencies in some essential nutrients during critical developmental periods have long been implicated in the development of both depressive and psychotic disorders,” she said.
A systematic review published in late 2014 has also confirmed a relationship between ‘unhealthy’ dietary patterns and poorer mental health in children and adolescents.
Naturopaths have long been aware of the importance of diet and nutrition to treat and prevent a broad range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, high stress, sleep problems, brain fog, cognitive decline, etc. A top naturopath will be aware of all of the latest research, and will be highly skilled in the treatment of these and other mental and emotional disturbances with diet and nutrients. Rather than just advise a collection of recommended nutrients, they will individually assess each person and tailor a particular prescription just for them.
For more information on the article, visit https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150129104217.htm .
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