While I don’t think there is a simple answer to most questions, nor believe in a single cause for depression, this article reflects similar observations that I have made in my practice as a psychologist.
The body really is relevant when it comes to what we call “mental health” and we are more empowered than we often think to reduce our symptoms and improve how we feel. When a client comes to therapy who struggles with depression or anxiety, you can bet that I check in with them about their health, diet, and lifestyle. The truth is, if an individual’s daily living is relatively sedentary and/or their diet is filled with a lot of potentially inflammatory foods, I would be surprised if they weren’t depressed or anxious!
This doesn’t mean to suggest that there is a direct and single causal relationship between these factors and mental health. Other health factors (including biological/genetic vulnerability), relational, and emotional challenges can also be at the root cause of an individual’s distress that also may need to be addressed. However, it seems to be prudent and ethical practice as a psychologist to at least explore with my clients these other seemingly peripheral aspects of their experience and make relevant referrals to other health and nutrition professionals, if warranted. You would be amazed by the mental health and well-being improvements I have witnessed in clients who have simply started to move their bodies more and removed common inflammatory foods such as sugar, gluten and dairy from their regular diet. It is truly remarkable!
Many people think that it is counter-intuitive that I am not only a psychologist, but also have become a chef and have studied nutritional science, the outcome being a cookbook filled with gluten-free, plant-based, and other anti-inflammatory foods. To me, however, these different skill sets seem inextricably connected as an integrative health practitioner. It is wonderful to be able to apply what I have learned in a way that can help empower more people to feel and live a healthier, more vibrant, and joyful lives.
