The Nutrient Problem
Our depleted soil
SOIL/FOODS
"The alarming fact is that foods – fruits, vegetables and grains – now being grown on millions of acres of land which no longer contain enough of certain needed nutrients, are "starving" us -- no matter how much we eat of them."
U S Senate Document 264 1963
Minerals /VItamins
People unwittingly take vitamins in the interest of health - but without minerals they cannot be absorbed. The nutrient void soil is wreaking havoc on our health. Vitamins, Minerals and Acids
Vitamins and minerals (called micronutrients) perform a number of essential functions, including assisting essential fatty acids to be incorporated into the brain and helping amino acids perform their function.
They play a crucial part in protecting mental
health due to their role in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, fatty acids into healthy brain cells, and amino acids into neurotransmitters.
Deficiencies in micronutrients have
been implicated in a number of mental health problems. Unequal intakes ofomega-3 and omega-6 fats in the diet, for example, are implicated in a number of mental health problems, including depression, and concentration and memory problems; and studies have shown that increased consumption of these fatty acids can be helpful in the control of bipolar depressive symptoms
Pesticides and fungicides
Compounding the problem is the over use of pesticides and fungicides on our crops - degrading what little nutrition might be present.
Disease and Lack of Nutrients
The increase of diseases is proportional to the decrease of mineral content in our soil and food.
Pharmaceuticals and Nutrients
The Problem with Pharmaceuticals
Even though society is inundated with drugs which claim to be effective treatments, mental illness rates are rising, not declining. Pharmaceutical Companies spend up to 980 billion on advertising. The US is the only country along with New Zealand that is allowed to advertise prescription drugs - and people who are desperate to find an answer subscribe to this protocol despite the alarming side effects - which sometimes outweigh the initial problem. In addition the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins are compromised with the ingestion of many pharmaceuticals. For instance prednisone reduces the absorption of magnesium and oral contraceptives reduce folic acid and magnesium levels. It has been shown that low levels and/or chronic magnesium deficiency include anxious behavior, hyper-emotionality, apathy, poor memory, anger, confusion, impaired breathing, insomnia, nervous fits, palpitations and panic attacks. Pharmaceuticals may work for critical care in the short term but for the most part do not “restore” the patient to health and often times just mask the problem with the high price of many side effects.
Magnesium
What are the signs of Magnesium Deficiency
Symptoms of chronic magnesium deficiency include anxious behavior, hyper-emotionality, apathy, poor memory, anger, confusion, impaired breathing, insomnia, nervous fits and palpitations.
What causes Magnesium Deficiency
- Poor Diet -processed foods over real foods
- High Stress
- Intestinal Inflammation (Gluten, food additives, pesticides)
- High sugar intake
- Medications - BCP, blood pressure medication, antacids
Magnesium Absorption
Magnesium glycinate is easily absorbed and has calming properties. It has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia.
Magnesium
The Youth Diet and Magnesium
Common substances — such as sugar and caffeine — deplete the body's magnesium levels. Since the teenager/young adult tends to have a diet of coffee, soft drinks, sport drinks,yogurts, ice cream. sweet cakes and candy, their magnesium levels are particularly challenged. Mental health is at risk with this lack of nutrients.
Dr. Carol Banyan PHD endorses the miraculous impact micronutrients have on one's mental health!
Magnesium
The Elderly and Magnesium
The body’s ability to absorb magnesium declines with age, so in addition to a poor diet and the over consumption of pharmaceutical drugs (which deplete magnesium) the elderly are also at a risk of low magnesium levels.Magnesium is easily and safely supplemented - as an excess (like Vitamin C) is just excreted from the body.
Can you take too much Magnesium?
Magnesium is easily and safely supplemented - as an excess (like Vitamin C) is just excreted from the body.
Depression fighting Nutrients
Curcumin/Tumeric to Fight Depression
If you have depression, the protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is reduced and your hippocampus, which helps with learning and memory, starts to shrink. A study shows that curcumin can boost BDNF levels and may reverse changes.
Another study shows that curcumin was just as effective as fluoxetine (Prozac) in lessening
If you have depression, the protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is reduced and your hippocampus, which helps with learning and memory, starts to shrink. A study shows that curcumin can boost BDNF levels and may reverse changes.
Another study shows that curcumin was just as effective as fluoxetine (Prozac) in lessening symptoms of depression. Curcumin may also increase levels of serotonin and dopamine— which are chemicals in your brain that regulate mood and other body functions
Thiamine To Improve Mood
Vitamin B1, or thiamine,
is often known as the anti-stress vitamin. Using B1 is key to improving mood and treating depression. Using B3, B9, and, in particular, B12, improves mood, a healthy nervous system, and brain health. Studies have shown taking B vitamins had a positive impact on occupational stress.
Zinc to Aid Brain Health
Zinc to Aid Brain Health
Zinc
Zinc deficiency is strongly linked to an increased risk of depression and depression symptom severity. In addition to depression, zinc deficiency has been linked to anxiety, schizophrenia and eating disorders. Zinc is a mineral that’s critical to brain health and the regulation of neurotransmitter pathways. It also boosts antioxidan
Zinc
Zinc deficiency is strongly linked to an increased risk of depression and depression symptom severity. In addition to depression, zinc deficiency has been linked to anxiety, schizophrenia and eating disorders. Zinc is a mineral that’s critical to brain health and the regulation of neurotransmitter pathways. It also boosts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
.Common sources of zinc include meat, poultry, oysters, spinach, pumpkin seeds, raisins and dark chocolate