What is mental health and how can we achieve it? Anxiety and Depression are commonplace these days as we all deal with the stresses, changes, and challenges of our fast-paced modern life. Many find benefit from pharmaceutical drug therapy and counseling. Some use innovative treatments like hypnotherapy, biofeedback, massage, or nutritional therapy. Mental health is a fine balancing act of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects everything we do – how we think, feel, act, how we relate to others, and the basis for the choices we make. It can be influenced by our biological chemistry, life experiences such as trauma or abuse, family history, and even the foods we consume.
Do I Struggle with Anxiety or Depression?
As self-sufficient individuals, sometimes it can be hard distinguishing whether we are just “having a bad day” (or several days), or if there is something more to the emotional ups and downs we may be experiencing. It is not reasonable to expect to “toughen up and be happy” when there is an underlying medical condition that may be lurking underneath the feelings experienced by those who deal with anxiety and depression. It is vital that we are tuned into our physical, mental and emotional health so that we can better understand how to support our bodies in what they need. Here are some early warning signs that you may be facing anxiety or depression:
Eating or sleeping too little or too much
Feeling “numb” or like nothing matters
Unable to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work
Reliant on smoking, alcohol, or drugs for stability
Low or no energy or feeling “hyped up” all the time
Unusually forgetful, confused, angry, worried, or fearful all the time
Wanting to harm yourself or others
Unexplained aches and pains
Panic or feeling stressed and overwhelmed all the time
Chest pains or palpitations (especially when stressed)
Compulsive behaviors
Blood Sugar Balance
Blood sugar, in the form of glucose, is the basic fuel for all brain operation and physical activity. If blood sugar levels are inadequate, physical or mental functioning is highly affected. In addition, glandular imbalances result, as the glands struggle to regulate sugar levels – which cause their own symptoms – especially high adrenaline (usually perceived as anxiety or panic).
If blood sugar drops too low, a condition called neuroglycopenia can result. This stems from a shortage of glucose in the brain, usually due to hypoglycemia. Glycopenia affects the function of nerves, and alters brain function and behaviors. This connection between blood sugar and the brain is so important in treating anxiety and depression. A close look into blood sugar levels and supporting the body nutritionally is advised as we work on the neurological functioning of the brain.
Digestion – The 2nd Brain
The gastrointestinal system and the brain are so intricately linked that it has been coined as “the second brain” of the body. There are many times that digestive symptoms or issues precede depression and anxiety because of this important connection. As we digest foods, G.I. hormones are secreted by epithelial cells in the linings of the gut. These hormones circulate in the blood and signal communication with the hypothalamus and brainstem in the brain.
Also, the digestive tract is primarily where the body absorbs what it needs to sustain life. Nutrients, vitamins and minerals are absorbed through the intestinal lining for entry into the bloodstream and to the rest of the body. This is optimal functioning. However, toxins, undigested food particles, and harmful pathogens can also get through if digestion is not supported. This toxic load can negatively influence brain function because of the contaminants in the blood that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Chemically altering the brain in this way is extremely hard on the body’s most powerful organ. It suddenly is faced with chemically altering its functioning.
If the digestive tract is not absorbing nutrients properly, if it is not releasing the proper hormones and enzymes, if an individual is plagued by food sensitivities or leaky gut, or if transit time is too fast (diarrhea) or stagnant (constipation), this will influence neurological functioning up north.
(For information on digestion, please reference the previous article posted on Constipation.)
What Do I Do About It?
Optimal mental / emotional health is highly influenced by the body’s ability to stay in homeostasis, or balance. Supporting the body through nutrient dense foods, clean water, and high quality supplements is extremely beneficial. Probiotics and digestive supplements to improve digestion and assimilation are beneficial. Decreasing intake of sugar and inflammatory causing foods is a good place to start when trying to treat anxiety and depression.
Struggling with anxiety and depression can leave you feeling exhausted, frustrated and alone at times. Please know that you are not alone. Our practitioners can help you navigate the ups and downs you feel. As you align with new nutritional habits and mental health practices, you will gain further insight and feel increased support to empower you along the journey.
Comentários