MENTAL ILLNESS

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There are many different reasons for mental illnesses. But there is one reason, and therefore remedy, that has been largely overlooked by mainstream medicine and psychiatry. That reason is food and/or chemical intolerances. It would be an overstatement to suggest that all mental illness can be linked to these causes, but there is good evidence that a large number of people can be helped without using drugs (or using a minimal amount in the early stages) or therapy.

“Brain Allergies”, by William Philpott and “An Alternative Approach to Allergies”, by Theron Randolph are two books that document a number of cases of mental illness being caused by food or environmental allergies or intolerances. Just published (Feb 2002) is a new book which is even more comprehensive -  “The Food, Mood, Body Connection” by Gary Null.

The introductory section is a general overview of how these factors can create physical and mental illnesses, and some of the therapies that are being successfully used to overcome them. He then covers specific illnesses in 3 sections. Disorders of Mood or Behaviour include addictions (drug, alcohol and food), Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depression (unipolar and bipolar disorders), schizophrenia, insomnia, thinking disorders and Tardive Dyskinesia. Disorders in children include aggression, ADD and hyperactivity, autism, behavioural disorders, chronic depression and food allergies. Organic conditions commonly misdiagnosed as mental disorders include hypoglycaemia, candidiasis, chronic fatigue, hormone imbalances, PMS, thyroid disorders and nutrient imbalances.

Of major concern is the sheer quantities of children in the States who are suffering from conditions caused by poor food (refined carbohydrates, sugars, trans fats and other foods with inadequate nutrients), food allergies or intolerances, or environmental poisons. These children are often then drugged into submission with substances that stunt their development and cause long term mental damage.  If they were fed properly and protected from toxins, this would give a much better result.

I don’t know how New Zealand compares to the USA in this area. Given the breakfasts I sometimes see children eating at the bus stop, and the worrying statistics on obesity, I suspect our children’s diets are also causing a lot of behavioural problems. I don’t think the use of Ritalin and similar drugs is as prevalent here, but unless something is changed, it’s bound to happen.

Many adults also suffer unnecessarily from mental disorders or chronic physical illnesses that are dismissed as mental. This doesn’t have to be the case and can be changed.

The latest research, and treatments by doctors who are prepared to look outside the square, is discussed in this book. These include pinpointing food allergies or intolerances, removing environmental toxins from the home, analysing nutrient statuses in the body and correcting imbalances with the appropriate supplements.