1st Edition

Nutrition and Mental Health

By Ruth Leyse-Wallace Copyright 2013

    Although primary advanced vitamin and mineral deficiencies are rare in the developed world, many common health conditions deplete nutritional status, including sub-optimal dietary intake, frequent alcohol consumption, changes in appetite due to aging, food allergies or sensitivities, special diets, and eating disorders. Covering topics as diverse as aging, the brain, eating habits, genetics, lifestyle, nutrients, and psychology, this book brings together two extremely complex aspects of life—human nutrition and mental health.

    Organized by mental health concern as well as nutrient group, Nutrition and Mental Health reviews the scientific literature from many fields of science: health, psychology, nutrition, mental well-being, and the interface with chronic disease. It provides a straightforward, readable report of broadly selected scientific research on how various nutrients affect mental health. Professional resources are provided in easy-to-access tables as well as suggested formats for assessing nutritional status and guidelines for interpretation. Chapter summaries, a descriptive table of contents, an index, and glossary assist the reader in finding specific topics of interest.

    A variety of mental health conditions may affect a person’s ability and interest in getting and eating a well-rounded selection of foods. An examination of the role diet plays in mental health, this book reviews the scientific literature from many fields of science: health, psychology, nutrition, mental well-being, and chronic disease management.

    Historical Perspective
    Addiction—Food, Alcohol, and Caffeine
    Aggression, Anger, Hostility, and Violence
    Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    Genetics, Nutrition, and Inherited Disorders of Metabolism
    Intellect, Cognition, and Dementia
    Mood Disorders: Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Suicide
    Schizophrenia
    Starvation, Eating Disorders, Craving, Dieting, and Bariatric Surgery
    Quality of Life, Well-Being, and Stress
    Additional Links between Mental Status and Nutritional Status
    Conclusions and Recommendations

    Biography

    Ruth Leyse-Wallace