The topic of mental health has been stretched across many plains, and with it comes a very unnerving sound. It can instil a sense of sympathy from some, and repulsion from others.

At a time melancholy was part of one’s spiritual journey—a symbolism of growth. It hit with overwhelming grief and sorrow, and allowed one to experience what none of us hope to go through in a bid to enlighten the individual.

The term ‘depression’ has expanded with our understanding of the complexities involved. Bipolar, Clinical Depression, Manic Depression and Anxiety, are indications of this more nuanced understanding. Such growth in the field of mental health allows us to better understand treatment options and the way in which someone’s body can biochemically turn against them.

In my own experience, depression and anxiety are a deep black hole. At times they’ve swallowed me so deeply I feel any rational reason to continue seems frivolous. Heart racing, eyes dilating and tremoring like someone with Parkinson’s, I’ve had my fair share of melancholy. At times, even now, I find myself slipping. However, this is a vast improvement from where I was.

Controversial as it is, I want to expand your opinions on mental health and share some tools not offered via modern treatment. I would not be here today without this alternative guidance, one which involves more than popping a pill and talking to a stranger (though I think the latter has a fundamental place in one’s recovery).

With a new focus on providing my brain with adequate nutrients, rebuilding my gut flora to help support serotonin production, and adopting consistent weight bearing exercise, I can confidently say that my mental health issues are the best they’ve ever been.

Before I dive into the effects of what a poor diet, lack of exercise, and load of toxins can have on our brain’s ability to cope, I want to make something clear: Initially, when an individual is very unwell with this hideous disease, medical intervention is necessary. This article will therefore focus on fostering a healthy internal eco-system with some complimentary nutritional, hormonal and physiological tools.

Inflammation: Is your brain on fire?

Dr Datis Kharazian’s book ‘Why isn’t my brain working?’ uncovers the biochemical response our brain has in relation to mental health issues, sleep problems, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances and more. He suggests that the fundamental biochemical cause of depression, anxiety or mood disorders is inflammation in our brain.

Inflammation is a by-product of foreign pathogens invading the brain and forcing our glial cells to fight back. Imagine your glial cells as tiny soldiers with AK47s. When they see someone that shouldn’t be in your brain (inflammatory cytokines and proteins) they attack not only the invader, but EVERY part of your brain. This process can lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Inflammation is a by-product of foreign pathogens invading the brain, and can be the cause of depression and anxiety.

Biochemically speaking, when our brains are constantly bombarded with foreign pathogens entering via a permeated brain barrier, the inflammatory response becomes even more exacerbated and long term exposure can have dire consequences. Interestingly, an anti-depressant is really just an anti-inflammatory. It works on dampening the inflammation within the brain, however it doesn’t resolve the cause of the inflammation and instead, only treats the symptom.

So what causes inflammation in our brain?

Our brain, lungs, and most importantly our gut, are our main immune barriers. When they’re chronically exposed to things such as gluten, alcohol, prescription medications, antibiotics and any form of toxin, they become more susceptible to tearing. Our brain is the perfect nesting spot for these sneaky pro-inflammatory pathogens. They swarm our blood stream and bury themselves deep within our tissues.

Foods rich in nutrients don’t propose any threat on the integrity of these linings, and can be an amazing support system for anyone experiencing mental health issues. Avoiding foods with little nutrient density—made majoritively with petrochemicals, herbicides and food additives—is a simple way to start healing the gut, and consequently the brain.

Nutrient Profiling: The law and order of food.

Over the past fifty years food quality has continued to decrease and chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and mental health issues have sky rocketed. The medical society are quick to use the term ‘correlation is not causation’, but in my opinion the cause is too big not to notice.

In Australia, our food quality (by which I mean nutrient density and toxicity) has declined dramatically. With the rise of agriculture, quick harvesting and consumers pushing for more convenience, we have lost our ability to properly fuel ourselves.

Imagine filling your car with diesel when it requires unleaded petrol. That’s what we’re doing to our bodies. In particular our brain.

Dr Carl Pfiffer, a pioneer in functional psychology, has researched and documented great success using extremely high doses of niacin (B Vitamin) Zinc and Lithium on long term sufferers of mental health. Despite many qualified health practitioners quantifying the integrity of nutrients, I’m sure many would agree that a diet rich in amino acids, fibre and essential fats, has a profound effect on one’s health.

Take the amino acid tryptophan and its role in supporting serotonin production. It’s essential in helping make sure our brain is inundated with serotonin, and consequently, melatonin each night. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that allows us to feel joy and happiness, which is why the conventional approach with regards to mental health employs SSRI’s (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) in the management of depression.

Foods richest in tryptophan are red meat, fish and turkey. Resistant starch (potatoes, quinoa and root vegetables) play a role by allowing tryptophan to surpass other amino acids and get to the brain first. This is why we suggest carbohydrates at night.

When your food lacks nutrients, whether you follow the conventional toast for breakfast, sandwich for lunch and pasta for dinner, or you simply don’t eat enough food, the consequences damage our biochemistry.

Roughly 50% of gut issues manifest outside the gut, which is why modern science finds it difficult to find a single solution, and instead this misguided approach attempts to manage an outcome—not a solution.

Where do you go from here?

Having been affected myself, I know that treatment options often lead to disappointment and frustration. I’ve experienced the death of a family member as a result of confusion and lack of understanding around mental health issues. This has left me bitter and truly saddened, though it’s helped uncover my true purpose: to help others.

I’ll never dismiss or demean the trauma prevalent for mental health sufferers, however I hope I’ve offered some information that can help.

  • Talk to your doctor and seek support, whether that be council, initial treatments or support groups.
  • Look at your plate. Is it vibrant with colour, protein rich and rid of toxic based foods?
  • Move! Start by getting of bed, going for a walk, lifting weights. No form of medication has EVER surpassed the effect that exercise has on brain health.

Keep going.

No battle is too great for the potential of who you are.

You are worth it.