“Rambling On” with Kathleen

The Bimonthly Wellness Report

 

“We are indeed much more then what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless

help us to be much more than what we are.”  Adele Davis

 

Biomedical Therapies and Mental Wellness

 

I think all would agree that medical problems contribute to mental health issues.  Some medical problems may develop due to poor food choices and poor eating habits.  Many professionals believe that nutrition is an important factor in maintaining and improving physical wellness and mental wellness too.

 

We receive vitamins, minerals, fats and other needed supplements through nutrition - foods that we eat. Thus, many of these vitamins and minerals can be obtained through a healthy diet. These supplements can also be purchased over the counter at specialty pharmacies or health food stores in pill, capsule or powder forms.  Some of the terms used for using these supplements for healthcare treatment and therapies are:

 

Research on biomedical treatments is increasing.  Scientists and physicians are conducting research around the world related to biomedical issues in individuals with mental illness in addition to other disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Autism and learning disabilities.   Although more and more research is being done regarding the benefits of proper nutrition which can either maintain or improve mental health, it is clear that more needs to continue in this field.

 

Individuals interested in addressing nutrition and biomedical treatments to improve their physical and mental health should:

 

·        Discuss this option with your primary physician

·        Seek additional advice from a professional nutritionist, physician or other expert that has experience in this specific field.

·        Start reading the labels of foods and begin healthy meal planning

·        Begin doing your own research into biomedical treatments and nutrition,  and learn as much as you possibly can on the subject

·        Never take supplements, vitamins or herbs without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist first.

 

If vitamins and minerals are taken without proper supervision and lab testing, problems could arise from mild to serious.  For example, magnesium can also affect your heart and if too much is taken this could even cause death.  These vitamins and minerals work with other substances in our body for optimal performance and there are fine ratios that need to be monitored.   

 

So perhaps the saying “you are what you eat” is not to far off.  If you are interested in learning more about biomedical treatments and nutrition, please review the below links and consult with a professional that specializes in this field.  As usual, do consult with your primary care physician prior to making any dietary changes or adding supplements, herbs or vitamins.  Although these items can be purchased over the counter they may interact with your current medication and/or may require dosage changes.

 

For more information on this topic contact Kathleen Dunkelberger, the CMSU Wellness Nurse at the Outlook, Chas or I CAN TOO, review the links below, or type in “mental wellness and nutrition” on your computer and do a search for more links.

 

Links of Interest:

nutrition and mental health

www.paho.org/English/cfni/nassaudeclaration.pdf.#search=’nutrition%20and%20mental%20health

http://www.agelessoptions.com/mentalwellness.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mentalhealth.html#alternativetherapy

http://www.drweil.com/u/Home/index.html

http://depressionbookstore.com/nutrition_depression/mental_health/nami.html

Autism Research Institute or Defeat Autism Now

 

“One cannot think well, love well or sleep well if one has not dined well.”

Virgina Wolf

 

 

This information is intended as an educational resource only.  The writer does not endorse or promote any of the websites, links or references but simply supplies them for the reader to begin his / her own research into the topic areas.  This information is not intended to be medical advice and all readers are encouraged to seek professional medical advice prior to making any dietary changes or addition of supplements, vitamins or herbs.