Why what we eat has led to rise in mental problems

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Why what we eat has led to rise in mental problems

By Nic Fleming, Medical Correspondent

(Filed: 16/01/2006)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/01/16/neat16.xml & sShee\

t=/news/2006/01/16/ixhome.html

Changes in western diets and farming methods over the last 50 years have

played a major role in significant rises in mental health problems,

according to a report to be published today.

Researchers say less nutritious and imbalanced diets have led to growing

rates of depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity

disorder and Alzheimer's.

Industrialised farming has introduced pesticides and altered the body

fat composition of animals farmed for meat. This and other factors have

led to large reductions in key nutrients such as essential fats,

vitamins and minerals being consumed by large parts of the population.

Especially important has been the drop in intake by most people of

omega-3 fatty acids and an increase in the eating of foods containing

omega-6 fatty acids.

According to the research by the charities the Mental Health Foundation

and Sustain, this has resulted in increases in depression, as well as

concentration and memory problems.

The study reveals, for example, that only 29 per cent of 15- to

24-year-olds reported eating a meal made from scratch every day,

compared to 50 per cent of those aged over 65.

Dr McCulloch, of the Mental Health Foundation, said: " The

Government cannot ignore the growing burden of mental ill health and

must look to nutrition as an option in helping people to manage their

mental health problems. "

The financial cost of mental ill health to Britain has been calculated

at around £100 billion a year.

Evidence linking the impact of diet on mood and behaviour has been

growing. Complex carbohydates as well as certain food components such as

folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and tryptophan are thought to

decrease depression symptoms.

Some studies have found correlations between low fish intake in

populations and high levels of depression. There is also evidence that a

factor behind the growth of Alzheimer's is the increase in diets high in

saturated fat and low in vitamins and minerals.

According to the report there has been a 34 per cent decline in

vegetable consumption and a 59 per cent drop in the amount of fish eaten

in the last 60 years.

Only 13 per cent of men and 15 per cent of women now eat at least five

portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

A diet containing adequate amounts of complex carbohydrates, essential

fats, amino acids, vitamins and minerals and water has been shown to

promote balanced moods and feelings of well being.

A lack of amino acids, from which neuro-transmitters in the brain are

made, can lead to feelings of depression and apathy.

Van de Weyer, of Sustain, said: " The good news is that the diet

for a healthy mind is the same as the diet for a health body.

" The bad news is that, unless there is a radical overhaul of food and

farming policies - particularly on fish - there won't be healthy and

nutritious foods available in the future for people to eat. "

--

ne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar@... >

" Ask the Parkinson Dietitian " http://www.parkinson.org/

" Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease "

" Parkinson's disease: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy "

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