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It is estimated one in five children under the age of twenty have been diagnosed with at least one mental health condition. This number is even greater in the adult population.
The last two years the pandemic has only added to mental health issues. Depression and anxiety numbers are growing.
Untress Health spoke with Clinical psychologist Natalie West to gain her perspective on the rise in Mental Health issues. Natalie specialises in self image conflict and nutritional psychology for treating the mental and physical root causes of health problems, many of which begin in the gut.
The holistic approach to treating depression & anxiety
The conventional model for treating mental health problems is to prescribe anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication. However, there is so much more we can do to help people overcome depression and anxiety.
The external symptoms related to depression and anxiety such as lethargy, metabolic issues, relationship problems and not liking who they are can be linked back to one of two things:
- Self-image conflict that stems from poor programming in relation to how we view ourselves both consciously and unconsciously
- The gut as the root cause of metabolic disease
Knowing how your body works and what it needs is essential for figuring out the root cause of the problem.
People are often under the impression all of our serotonin is produced in the brain. We now know most of it is made in the gut. It is estimated the gut is responsible for up to 97% of the production of the important neurotransmitter serotonin, which relies on dietary amino acids (essential nutrients from protein).
This supports the argument ‘is the gut is the second brain?’
Education the key to self-empowerment
Natalie says you cannot talk to a starving brain. It’s impossible to put together all of the pieces of the puzzle unless you’re treating your body in a calm state with calm food, understanding you are a human being requiring fat and protein vital to survive and thrive.
Teaching the body and the brain to use ketones for fuel instead of sugar is the first step towards reducing levels of anxiety and depression.
Natalie encourages people to transition to a low-carb diet. She herself has been following the Carnivore Diet for years and she feels so much better for it.
Are you ready to make similar dietary changes? Explore further why nutrition is an important step to feel your best.
