Mental Health Consulting

Tag Archives: diet and mental health

The Critical Role of Nutrients in Mental Health

by William Walsh, Ph.D., Senior Scientist,  Walsh Research Institute

Each of us has innate biochemical factors which influence mental health, immune function, allergic tendencies, and more. Scientists tell us that the number of different genetic combinations possible in a child from the same two parents exceeds forty-two million. It’s interesting to note that we do not possess a combination of characteristics from our parents, but instead have a diverse collection of characteristics from many ancestors on both sides of the family.

Except for identical twins, each human being has unique biochemistry resulting in quite diverse nutritional needs. Shakespeare was correct when he wrote, “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.” For example, some of us are genetically suited for a vegetable-based diet and others are not. Some people can satisfy their nutritional needs by diet alone and others must have nutritional supplements to overcome genetic aberrations.

Because of genetic differences in the way our bodies process foods, most of us are quite deficient in certain nutrients and overloaded in others. Even with an ideal diet, most of us have certain nutrients that are at very low levels causing us to require many times the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) to achieve a healthy balance.

The nutrients in overload must be carefully avoided in vitamin supplements or serious health problems can develop. After studying the biochemistry of 10,000 persons, I’ve learned that the greatest mischief is usually caused by nutrients that are stored in excessive amounts, rather than those at depleted levels. The most common nutrients that are stored in overload include copper, iron, folic acid, calcium, methionine¹, manganese, choline², and omega-6 fatty acids³. Of course, these same nutrients may be in deficiency in other persons. [Note: Some technical terms are explained at the end of this article.]

I am amused by supplement manufacturers who attempt to develop the ideal combination of vitamins, minerals and amino acids for the general population. This is a bit like trying to determine the ideal shoe size for the population. The truth is that multiple vitamins and minerals are too indiscriminate and may do as much harm as good.

Each of us should ask the question, “Who am I nutritionally?” The answer to this question is important for all, but may be especially critical for persons with mental health problems.

Read More

• Recent Posts

  • 

    Psychodynamic Approach to Therapy

    In this article we will be taking a closer look at the psychotherapeutic model known as psychodynamic therapy. While these two are often used interchangeably in
  • 

    Understanding Schizophrenia: Creativity, Divergent Thinking, and the Frontal Lobe

    Schizophrenics exhibit brain abnormalities that go beyond emotional disturbances and delusions, including diminished frontal lobe activity, which results in a range of cognitive deficits. The brain’s
  • 

    Transference in Psychotherapy

    Here is another psychological “inside” term or jargon, transference. This is a very common occurrence among therapists and their clients. Generally speaking, when recognized transference is
  • 

    Understanding Play Therapy: Solving Problems Through Play

    Children are often poor at verbalizing what is bothering them; parents and guardians are left to understand their children by observing them and waiting for issues
  • 

    Psychological Assessments – from Confucius to Modern Times

    If you are one of the many thousands of people who suffer from test anxiety here’s some good news.  Psychological tests are not the kind of
  • 

    Depression – Challenging the Status Quo

    By now, the belief that depression is a biological disease that arises from an imbalance of serotonin and the improper function of neurotransmitters is widespread, with
  • 

    On Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    Let’s begin with a comparison of three mainstream psychological treatments or psychotherapies. They significantly differ from each other, yet each has specific advantages and intended use
  • 

    Psychoanalytic Therapy: Unconscious vs. Subconscious Mind

    Within the world of psychoanalytic theory resides what has become the accepted classical view of the human mind; a three tier system where human experience is