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HOW NUTRITION AFFECTS CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, AND ZINC - THE BIOCHEMICAL SEDATIVES
Joey, age three, was diagnosed as learning disabled and
hyperkinetic. It was difficult for him to sit still for
more than a few minutes. Based on a mineral analysis, he
began taking a food supplement containing calcium,
magnesium, and zinc - three elements that help calm the
nervous system. Within two days his mother reported he was
more relaxed and easier to manage. He began to sleep
better, and was able to sit still and play like a normal
child.
Calcium raises the threshold at which nerves cells fire,
thus reducing the irritability or sensitivity of the nervous
system. A person whose tissue calcium level is low is prone
to nervous irritability. Zinc is another anti-stress
nutrient. Zinc deficiency is associated with emotional
instability. Magnesium is another powerful sedative.
Magnesium sulfate is routinely given to patients during
heart attacks as a sedative medication.
BIOCHEMICAL DEPRESSION
Norma complained of fatigue and
depression. A tissue mineral test revealed elevated calcium
and magnesium levels, and low levels of sodium and
potassium. This pattern is associated with symptoms of
depression and anxiety. With corrective diet and the
several nutritional supplements, Norma's moods became more
even within three months. She has since remained well.
While low tissue levels of calcium and magnesium in the
tissues can produce anxiety or hyperactivity, an excess of
these same elements in the tissues has a depressive effect
upon brain chemistry.
Low levels of thyroid and adrenal hormones can also cause
fatigue and consequent depression. The sodium level in the
hair tissue is a reflection of adrenal gland activity,
because sodium is largely regulated by the adrenal hormone,
aldosterone. Thus a low sodium level on a hair element
analysis is a strong indicator of inadequate adrenal
activity that can result in fatigue and depression. These
individuals require a diet with low fat and plenty of
protein, and supplements of vitamins B, C and E. Extra
manganese and zinc are also very helpful.
TOXIC METALS AND MENTAL
HEALTH
Copper. Joan, age 18, was a patient in Scottsdale Camelback
Hospital with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. She responded
poorly to medication and psychotherapy. Tissue mineral
testing revealed a copper level of 40 mg%, about 15 times
normal. Joan was placed on a diet and nutritional
supplements to reduce tissue copper.
Her condition improved so radically she was released from
all psychiatric care within six months, and returned to high
school the following September. Excess tissue copper
stimulates the biogenic amines, neurotransmitters associated
with depression, anxiety, mood swings and schizophrenia.
Copper imbalance is quite common but goes undiagnosed
because the tissue mineral test is not often done.
Lead. Thousands of children in the United States are
affected by lead poisoning. Lead can cause mental
retardation and hyperactivity in children, and violent
behavior in adults.
Mercury. The mad hatters in Alice in Wonderland were
mercury-toxic. They rubbed mercury on felt to make hats.
Mercury accumulates in the brain, where it can cause severe
behavior changes. Silver amalgam fillings, fungicides and
paints are sources of mercury.
Aluminum. Hair levels of aluminum are increasing rapidly in
the American population. Research links excess aluminum
with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Aluminum is
acquired by drinking soda and beer from aluminum cans, and
from anti-perspirants, anti-acids, table salt, cosmetics,
salted foods, tap water, aluminum cookware and perhaps
occupational exposure. It can be removed from the body if
detected early enough.
Cadmium. The Journal of Learning Disabilities, Vol. 18,
#10, 1985, pp. 609-612 reported that among 980 male U.S.
Navy recruits entering basic training, a significant
correlation was found between hair cadmium levels and
behavior problems. "The three subjects with the highest
cadmium level all displayed serious behavior difficulties in
recruit training".
OTHER NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES
AND BEHAVIOR
B-complex vitamins are essential for proper nervous system
functioning. Many people report more energy and less
depression when they take thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2),
niacin (B3) and pyridoxine (B6). Pantothenic acid (B5) also
helps energy production. Two other members of the B-complex
family, choline and inositol, act as natural tranquilizers.
Many other nutrients can affect behavior. L-Taurine and
l-tryptophan have a calming effect. L-phenylalanine and
l-tyrosine can enhance thyroid activity and improve energy
and mood. There are others as well.
HYPOGLYCEMIA AND BEHAVIOR
DISORDERS
Carbohydrate intolerance is a common nutritional disorder
that produces severe behavior changes. Diets high in
carbohydrates, and deficiencies of manganese, chromium and
other minerals are often involved. Among the most common
symptoms of hypoglycemia are confusion, irritability,
anxiety and at times violence. It is quite simple to
identify carbohydrate intolerance and correct it with diet
and food supplements, yet this common malady is often
overlooked.
FOOD INTOLERANCE AND
BEHAVIOR
Any food can cause reactions that affect the nervous
system. One possible reason for these reactions is that
histamine, the chemical that is released in allergic
phenomena, can be released in the brain causing alterations
in brain chemistry.
Brain allergies are often overlooked in the search for
reasons for anti-social behavior. One cause of ADHD is a
reaction to allergic foods or chemical additives found in
childrenís foods. Dr. Benjamin Feingold, MD pioneered the
study of food allergies on childrenís behavior. Depression
can also be the result of food allergies, or allergies to
chemicals in food or drinking water.
WHY ISN'T NUTRITION
INCORPORATED MORE INTO MENTAL HEALTH CARE?
Most likely a combination of several factors. There is
reticence on the part of medical professionals to change
their mode of practice. Nutrition is not among the
disciplines stressed in medical school. Also, there is much
less money in nutritional supplements, and virtually none
for dietary research. Hence, there is less impetus for
large-scale studies and widespread publicity for the ideas
discussed here.
However, there is plenty of scientific evidence to support
everything discussed above. Several excellent references
are listed at the end of this article. Many contain
numerous medical references on the subject of diet,
nutrition and behavior.
CONCLUSION
Deficiencies or excesses of many common nutrients can have
profound effects on the way we think and feel. In many
cases, simple dietary changes and individualized nutrition
programs can do much to improve mental health.
References
1. Abramson, E.M. and Pezet, A.W.,
Body, Mind and Sugar, Holt, Reinhart and Winston, New York,
1951.
2. Chatsworth, L., and Chatsworth, C.,
Energy, Healthview Publishing, Charlottsville, Virginia,
1985.
3. Dufty, W., Sugar Blues, Warner
Books, New York, 1975.
4. Feingold, B., Is Your Child
Hyperactive, Random House, New York, 1975.
5. Larson, J.M., Seven Weeks to
Sobriety - The Proven Program To Fight Alcoholism Through
Nutrition, Ballantine/Wellspring, New York, 1997.
6. Pfeiffer, C., Mental and Elemental
Nutrients, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, Connecticut, 1975.
7. Phelps, J. K., and Nourse, A., The
Hidden Addiction, Little Brown & Company, Boston & Toronto,
1986.
8. Schauss, A., Diet, Crime and
Delinquency, Parker House, Berkeley, California, 1981.
9. Williams, R., Nutrition Against
Disease, Pitman Publishing, New York, 1971.
10. Wilson, L., Nutritional Balancing
and Hair Mineral Analysis, L.D. Wilson Consultants, Inc.,
Prescott, AZ, 1998.
11. Yudkin, J., Sweet and Dangerous,
Peter H. Wyden, New York, 1972.
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