The Surprising Role of Nutrition in Mental Health

Is there a link between your diet and your mental health? The rate of mental health issues among our population is on the rise – the World Health Organization forecast depression to be the number one disease on earth by 2020. Historically, our approach to mental health in the Western world has been one of medication first, therapy and counseling second, and a variety of other methods third.

Have we been missing the true approach to mental wellness all along? Do we have our approach to mental health and wellness essentially on its head, where medication should be used sparingly and after we have incorporated a lifestyle change that incorporates a healthy diet?

Julia J. Rucklidge, PhD, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, had conducted compelling studies using micronutrients — vitamins and minerals in small quantities — to treat depression and other serious mood disorders. She is a leading voice among a growing number of health care professionals who are not only relying on their professional experience, but a growing list of clinical studies that are showing nutrients having a profoundly better long-term result for those struggling with mental health issues compared to medications.

What they studies are finding is sobering – while medication can have notable short-term effects and may, at times be necessary to help save lives, their long-term use to treat mental health issues is actually having a net negative effect.

Please watch this Tedx presentation from Dr. Rucklidge. Her poignant and captivating presentation provides the research and statistics demonstrating the positive effects of diet on mental health, and corresponding disappointing results from long-term medical use to treat anxiety, depression, and psychological episodes.

This may be the most important video you and your family watch this decade.

With HOPE!

Dr. Gregory Jantz
Founder, The Center • A Place of HOPE