There have been several news reports in the recent years that talk about the effects of certain types of fats on brain function. Some have reported that Omega 3 fatty acids, like those found in salmon and other deep water fish, can actually increase mood stability. Currently there are no studies that can report success in treating mental health issues such as depression with omega 3's, however, the effects of these types of fats on other things, such as cholesterol lowering and possible joint protection should be enough to warrant a supplement of this kind. There are also indications that lowering the fats and cholesterol in the diet may deplete serotonin levels which could cause mood changes, anger and aggressive behavior. Again there have been no studies to specifically say yes or no on this topic. What we do know if that fats are necessary for the absorption and utilization of many vitamins and nutrients. Additionally some hormones are dependent upon adequate fats in order to function appropriately. Anyone who has experienced a drastic drop in estrogen, either as the subject or the object of the results can testify it does impact mood!
It is clear, the less stressed and contaminated our bodies are, the better will be our moods and the ability to maintain them.
Other nutrients that impact the brains ability to function and possible our moods are Thiamine, B-12,Folic Acid, Niacin , B-6, E, A, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, and selenium. Selenium has been associated with fatigue and irritability in toxic levels. Zinc has been linked to apathy and irritability. Copper deficiency has been associated with impairment of brain function and the immune system including changes in certain chemical receptors and lowering of neurotransmitters. Manganese, found in whole grains and nuts, in excess causes symptoms similar to Parkinson's while if deficient may decrease brain function overall. Magnesium aids in transmission of nerve impulses.
What we can discern with any certainty at this point in time is that our brains are the captain of the ship. The brain controls all impulses, thoughts, feelings, and the myriad of functions that takes place without our even having to think about them. Nutrition is the fuel that pilots this captain. It serves everyone to be vigilant about what we put into our bodies, and what we expose it to. Chemicals in our food have an impact on not only our physical health but also our mental health. The closer we can get to natural foods in their natural state, the better.
For those of you who have children in your home, this is critical, in my opinion. The more time that is spent supplying little brains with chemicals and dyes, the worse will be the impact. Our kids deserve to be fed wholesome, healthy, safe foods at home and at school.
It is very hard to decipher what is hype and advertising propaganda from solid nutritional evidence based information. I recommend anyone who is serious about learning how foods impact our health consult a nutritionist. I also recommend we all do some research into the amount, type and longevity of any supplements we put into our mouths. It is said the soil our food grows in is bankrupt of nutrients that create healthy foods We cannot get proper nutrition without supplementation. Supplements should be treated as medicines. They have expiration dates and have interactions. Too much can be harmful.
Our bodies were designed to run in an impeccable state of equilibrium. It can adapt to a degree, but it has breaking points at every turn. Just as a car can run in less than optimal conditions, so our bodies can function in less than optimal states. They just don't function well and systems tend to break down over time.
Do some research. Take some time to really experiment with foods. See how your body responds. The ultimate responsibility for the care and maintenance of this marvelous machine is in your hands.
Showing posts with label long term effects of childhood mental health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label long term effects of childhood mental health. Show all posts
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Childhood Mental Health and Adult Income
A recent study in Social Science and Medicine demonstrates for the first time that childhood psychological problems have long-lasting effects on adult income. Researchers from the Rand Corporation analyzed data from the U.S. Panel Study of Income Dynamics which has followed 5000 families, and 35,000 individuals within those families, for over 40 years. Key Findings are as follows:
Compared to their siblings, adults with childhood psychological problems on average:
Had a 20% lower family income equaling $10,400 per year and $300,000 projected over their lifetimes.
Worked seven weeks less per year. Most of the difference was due to a greater number not working at all. When comparing only siblings who worked one or more weeks, the difference was reduced to two weeks per year.
Achieved six months less education (most common for those with substance or alcohol abuse).
Were less likely to be married (by 11%). Of those that were, their spouses tended to have lower incomes.
Were seven times more likely to have an adult psychological condition (35.8% vs. 5.4%). Those that reported childhood depression were the ones most likely to report psychological problems as adults.
Not all of the people who have psychological problems during childhood will carry these problems into adulthood. But they are 10 to 20 times more likely than others to have these shortfalls during adulthood.
There clearly are large economic costs during adulthood caused by childhood psychological conditions. This study provides yet another reason to increase access to mental health services for children. We can now add lower income to the problems experienced by those struggling with mental illness. Not only does less income affect living circumstances, it also affects adults’ ability to afford treatment for mental illness. It is much more effective and humane to treat mental illness early to prevent negative lifelong consequences.
The above information came from an article by J. and G. Smith published on the Health and News Review site.
This is first long term study done on the effects of mental health in children on those same kids as adults. The authors admit there were no questions to indicate if the kids had received treatment or not, but given the low rate of children who receive screenings much less treatment, it can be assumed there was little to no intervention for most of the respondents. I love the the line " it is much more humane to treat mental illness early..." Now we have another way of looking at children's mental health needs..HUMANE. It is more HUMANE to help a child who is struggling with what may be a mental health issue than to let them suffer through unaided. Seems ridiculous to me that we even should have to go there, but as long as mental health is treated like some form of voodoo or a way to control the minds of people by the big Pharmacology companies, I guess we will have to break it down to the simplest of statements.. it is inhumane to not get a child assessed and treated for mental health concerns.
The post this is taken from can be found at http://news.psydir.com/Psychology-Articles/childhood-mental-health-affects-adult-income/
Compared to their siblings, adults with childhood psychological problems on average:
Had a 20% lower family income equaling $10,400 per year and $300,000 projected over their lifetimes.
Worked seven weeks less per year. Most of the difference was due to a greater number not working at all. When comparing only siblings who worked one or more weeks, the difference was reduced to two weeks per year.
Achieved six months less education (most common for those with substance or alcohol abuse).
Were less likely to be married (by 11%). Of those that were, their spouses tended to have lower incomes.
Were seven times more likely to have an adult psychological condition (35.8% vs. 5.4%). Those that reported childhood depression were the ones most likely to report psychological problems as adults.
Not all of the people who have psychological problems during childhood will carry these problems into adulthood. But they are 10 to 20 times more likely than others to have these shortfalls during adulthood.
There clearly are large economic costs during adulthood caused by childhood psychological conditions. This study provides yet another reason to increase access to mental health services for children. We can now add lower income to the problems experienced by those struggling with mental illness. Not only does less income affect living circumstances, it also affects adults’ ability to afford treatment for mental illness. It is much more effective and humane to treat mental illness early to prevent negative lifelong consequences.
The above information came from an article by J. and G. Smith published on the Health and News Review site.
This is first long term study done on the effects of mental health in children on those same kids as adults. The authors admit there were no questions to indicate if the kids had received treatment or not, but given the low rate of children who receive screenings much less treatment, it can be assumed there was little to no intervention for most of the respondents. I love the the line " it is much more humane to treat mental illness early..." Now we have another way of looking at children's mental health needs..HUMANE. It is more HUMANE to help a child who is struggling with what may be a mental health issue than to let them suffer through unaided. Seems ridiculous to me that we even should have to go there, but as long as mental health is treated like some form of voodoo or a way to control the minds of people by the big Pharmacology companies, I guess we will have to break it down to the simplest of statements.. it is inhumane to not get a child assessed and treated for mental health concerns.
The post this is taken from can be found at http://news.psydir.com/Psychology-Articles/childhood-mental-health-affects-adult-income/
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