Mental Health & Nutrition

As I write this post, our high school has experienced another suicide, the 3rd of the semester.  In the past 4 years, my 3 children have known a total of 6 classmates who have committed suicide.  The numbers are alarming and the impact to families and in the community is devastating.  While I do not assume to know all of the factors involved in such heartbreak, I do know psychology and nutrition.  

Estimates range from 40% to 70% of calories for US children come from ultra processed foods (empty calorie foods) with 0.9% of teens meeting the recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake but averaging 22 teaspoons a day of added sugar (6 teaspoons or less is recommended by the American Heart Association)1.  Ultra processed foods are devoid of micronutrients, phytonutrients and fiber, all essential to keeping their minds and bodies functioning properly.

The link between mental health and nutrition is strong.  Misinformation about healthy diets is rampant.  If you are in need of vetted resources about how to feed yourself or your developing child, tween, or teen, I highly recommend 2 books.  Don’t let the title fool you, “Becoming Vegan” by Brenda Davis, R.D. is a deep dive into all of the nutrient needs we all have whether we eat meat and dairy or not.  It covers the lifespan from childhood, to puberty, to lactation, and on.  Another item on my reference shelf in heavy use is “Nourish”, a collaboration between pediatrician, Dr. Shah, and Brenda Davis with a greater focus on childhood.  Both are excellent reference books with evidenced-based information.  They should also be available at your library.  Nutrition may be just one piece of a very complicated puzzle but it’s an action we can all easily take. 

If you or someone you know is in need of support, call 988 to reach the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  

Becoming Vegan: https://amzn.to/3VWxoZ4 (affiliate link)

1Nourish: https://amzn.to/3VOoxs6 (affiliate link)

For more: www.feelplantiful.com

#brendadavis #mentalhealth #plantbasednutrition #wholefoodplantbased #feelplantiful