Everyone has mental health. Just as we have body health and if the body isn’t treated right it falls sick, so is mental health. Mental health issues can arise when someone doesn’t care for their psychology (Talinda Bennington). Mental disorders could be divided into 2 broad categories: nature and nurture induced mental disorders. In either of the cases, excess intake of refined sugar can aggravate anxiety, depression and other existing mental health challenges. 

The information provided in this series ‘Your Guide to Health’ are based, in part, on the book “Your Guide to Health” written by Dr. Clifford Russell Anderson. The following is meant as public enlightenment rather than as an alternative to engaging the services of a qualified medical professional. ‘Your Guide To Health’ is available on Amazon.

See Also:

• Your Guide To Health – Subtle Mental Health Troubles

Photo: Screenshot of an interview with Dr Drew Ramsey, a Psychiatric Nutritionist

Some Impulsive Behaviours were Learned – ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can cause above-normal levels of impulsive behaviours. This mental issue could be based on the personality or as a result of occurrences in the life of a person. One of the justifications that nurture can result into above-normal levels of impulsive behaviours can be explained with the Pavlov experiment (not covered here).

Several negative habits people develop were as a result of social conditioning. This continued behavioural conditioning after a trigger event could end up in an above-normal impulsive behavior. Evidence of this can be seen in fallouts from relationships, spending habits, masturbation, being garrulous, gluttonous and others.

Ways to Prevent Behavioural Conditioning

1. Identify the triggers
2. Understand how to respond to them
3. Identify when conditioning occurs from external sources
4. Respond to the external sources
5. Put a stop to or respond appropriately to the trigger early enough

Individuals who have experience in relationships have learnt how to prevent a behavioural conditioning. One of the key ways is to address the situation early.

Some Foods Influence Human Behaviour more Overtly than others

There is a saying that “you are what you eat”, but this should not be taken at face value. If a person eats vegetables or chicken all year round, they do not turn into a tree or a chicken. Rather, the nutritional value of the meals can influence a person’s state of health. There are foods which impact positively on organs in the body and there are those which aggravate mental health issues.

Some Foods Which Aggravate Anxiety and Depression

There are certain foods, when taken in excess, that can lead to aggravated nervous reactions. According to a listing by WebMD.com “Foods to Avoid If You Have Anxiety or Depression” are:

1. Fruit Juice (without fiber)
2. Regular Soda
3. Diet Soda
4. Toast
5. ‘Light’ Dressing
6. Ketchup
7. Coffee
8. Energy Drinks
9. Alcohol
10. Frosting
11. Soy Sauce
12. Processed Foods
13. Doughnuts

A video by Nutritional Psychiatrist Dr Drew Ramsey…

References:-

1. Everything You Need to Know About ADHD – https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd
2. Classical conditioning – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_conditioning
3. Nutritional psychiatry: Your brain on food – https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626  
4. Everything You Need to Know About Diabetes – https://www.webmd.com/depression/ss/slideshow-avoid-foods-anxiety-depression