Why am I interested in food/nutrition as a psychotherapist? There are several reasons.
We readily accept that food affects our physical health. For example, we know which foods to cut out if we suffer from high cholesterol. And it is common knowledge that food high in salt is bad for high blood pressure. Allergies to gluten and dairy are also common to us.
But we rarely ever talk about food having an affect on our mental health!
But it is a fact that food affects not only the physical well being but also plays a greater role in our emotional health than most people realize.
For example, it has been shown that there are definite links between diet, depression, autism and even Schizophrenia.
– Very important processes in the brain depend on the right nutrients, vitamins and fatty acids to be present for them to do their job i.e., the production of serotonin.
– Processed foods contain chemicals that also affect our brain and the way it functions.
Thus, “What do you eat?” is just as important a question as “How do you feel?”
Here are some interesting links:
http://harvillehendrix.com/wordpress/?p=7
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45612114/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/#.TubWd2BQY6o
http://evolutionarypsychiatry.blogspot.ca/2011/02/mental-health-and-omega-36-ratio-new.html
Anne Sture Tucker 
A very interesting post Anne, but can autism really be avoided with healthier food?
Hi Paula – I don’t know if it can be avoided, but it is so important to look at different things – what is causing these symptoms? Food is one aspect, lifestyle, exercise, emotional life…. health does not happen in isolation. I am certain that healthy food and lifestyle can ease if not cure many diseases. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!! XXX
When I asked about autism it just tickled my curiosity … I can’t say I know anybody with autism or schizofrenia, but when you come to think about it, it is unbelievable to what extent our food can affect us.
So true Paula! I never gave it any credit, but wow, eating the right food to fuel and nourish the body, makes a profound difference!
I have now read and listened to all of the enclosed links :). I hope they are right.
Fantastic 🙂