Paying more attention to those "subtle pieces"

Image: Steel Cut Oats 011 *

Quite effortlessly (or perhaps with subconscious intent), I am discovering more Web resources on mental health and diet. Today's ADA Daily News feed included a link to Feel-good foods.

I liked this excerpt that describes the subtle, supportive (and I think necessary) role food plays in mental health:

Nutritional changes aren't a magic bullet; they're subtle pieces of a treatment plan that might also include therapy, exercise--one of the most effective depression busters--and stress-reduction techniques.

But "diet can help with virtually any chronic condition" including depression, said registered dietitian Wendy Bazilian, who holds a doctorate in public health. Just remember that major depression might require an integrative approach that uses food in conjunction with other therapies, including medication and counseling. And never abruptly stop taking medication even if you're experiencing side effects such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction; talk to your doctor about tapering down.

The article also quotes a psychiatrist and author (Dr. James S Gordon), other physicians and a couple of diet book authors (including a registered dietitian) who share research findings, opinions and recommendations on foods to eat more often and foods to limit or avoid.

Link: Feel-good foods

*(Image credit: Photo by Baha'i Views/Flitzy Phoebe. Reproduced under a Creative Commons Licence. "This wonderful hot oatmeal is made with steel cut oats, ground flaxseed, and a generous sprinkling of brown sugar and cinnamon."

More resources on nutrition and mental health

I'm continuing to search for and read resources on nutrition and mental health. I feel like I'm just scratching the surface. Here are some links with my comments.

• Nutrition and the Brain -- This entry in the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders covers the role of macronutrients and key vitamins in brain structure and function. The information is accurate and clearly explained and could easily be adapted for patient/client education. A dietitian's name (Nancy Gustafson, M.S., R.D., F.A.D.A., E.L.S) is listed at the end but it's not clear if she is the author of this entry.
• Household Food Insufficiency is Associated with Poorer Health (HTML version) (PDF version) -- A Canadian study that examined the relationship between  food insufficiency and physical, mental and social health.  "Individuals in food-insufficient households had significantly higher odds of rating their health as poor or fair, of having restricted activity, of having poor functional health, of suffering from multiple chronic conditions, of having major depression and distress, and of having poor social support compared with those in food-sufficient households" (boldface text added for emphasis). A  valuable evidence-based reference on the impact of food insecurity on health.
• Nutrition and Depression: Implications for Improving Mental Health Among Childbearing-Aged Women -- Unfortunately the full-text article is not available free online (cost is US$31.50) but you may have access to it through your workplace, library or educational institution.
• Food for Thought (PDF) from The National Alliance on Mental Illness  and Food and Mood (PDF) from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance -- Practical, empathetic patient/client eating guidelines.
  

How a postage stamp got me thinking about mental health and nutrition

The digitally-enhanced photograph on the stamp features a figure stepping out of the shadows, using a mega-phone to broadcast the plight of mental health patients. Alain Leduc, Manager of Stamp Design and Production at Canada Post, explains, "This figure represents all those affected, both directly and indirectly, by mental illness. By bringing this pervasive issue out of the shadows and into the open where it can best be served, it really speaks to the objectives of the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health."

(Source: Collecting on the Canada Post Website)

While I was buying stamps at the post office a couple of days ago, I saw this October issue in the display case. The dramatic image made such a strong impression on me I wanted to learn more about it. Who is the artist? Why was it commissioned?

On the Canada Post Website I discovered Canada Post has created an independent organization, the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health. Also, I found out  -- better late than never I suppose -- October 5th through 11th was Mental Health Awareness Week.

You may have noticed the date gap between this and the previous post. One of the reasons was I used the past 4 weeks to nurture my own mental health. I spent much of my vacation being a person of few words, long walks and many photographs. But now I'm back to the routine of work at the hospital and home and this includes sharing thoughts, experiences and resources about dietetic practice.

I'm going to resume blogging by using this stamp as inspiration and look at the role of food and nutrition in restoring and maintaining mental health.

Here is the first resource, recently published in an online nutrition journal. It has an extensive list of resources and I believe is well worth reading.

• Nutritional therapies for mental disorders  Nutrition Journal  2008, 7:2   Full text web page    PDF version

I will publish posts with more resources as soon as I have read them.