Integrative Psychiatry Diets

Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in depression, anxiety, mental and sleep disorders. Treatment is predominantly medication and psychotherapy. However, recent studies report that diet and its bioactive components can be modifiable risk factors for mental illness. A 2017 study found that a healthier diet was associated with a decreased risk of depression and a “Western diet” was associated with an increased risk of depression!

Integrative psychiatry is a medical approach that combines traditional Western psychiatric treatments with complementary and alternative therapies, such as nutrition and diet. Science has shown that our gut is our second brain. The foods we eat can affect our mental health and well-being.

Dietary fiber is an important component of a healthy diet and may be relevant to common conditions including depression. The ketogenic diet is helpful to manage severe mental illness including Anorexia and Alzheimer’s disease. Nutritional interventions have the potential to improve mental and physical health. Sugar and processed foods cause inflammation which can lead to anxiety and depression.

One popular diet that has been studied for its potential mental health benefits is the Mediterranean diet. This diet is characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, as well as moderate intake of fish, poultry, and wine. It also involves using olive oil as the primary source of fat. Research suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may improve symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

Another diet that has received attention for its potential mental health benefits is the ketogenic diet. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet is similar to the Atkins diet and has been used for the treatment of epilepsy for over a century. More recent research suggests that it may also be helpful for certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is important to note that the ketogenic diet should only be followed under the supervision of a healthcare provider, as it can have potential risks and side effects.

Other diets that have been studied for their potential mental health benefits include the plant-based diet, the gluten-free diet, and the low FODMAP diet. A plant-based diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods, and may be associated with improved mental health outcomes. A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and may be helpful for individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. A low FODMAP diet is a dietary approach used to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and may also be helpful for individuals with anxiety and depression.

Another diet that has gained popularity in recent years to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is based on some evidence that suggests certain dietary changes may help improve symptoms of ADHD in some individuals. These interventions are usually based on the idea that certain nutrients or food additives can affect brain function and behavior. It involves the removal of processed foods from the diet, to eliminate artificial ingredient artificial ingredients and preservatives that have been linked to behavior problems in some children. Limiting these foods and choosing whole, unprocessed options may help improve ADHD symptoms. Also increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve cognitive function and behavior in ADHD patients. Some studies suggest limiting sugar intake to improve focus and behavior.

It is important to note that while certain diets may be helpful as part of an integrative psychiatric treatment plan, your integrative psychiatrist will determine whether medications should be continued or be only part of your care plan. Your psychiatrist will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.

Integrative psychiatry is a medical approach that combines traditional Western psychiatric treatments with complementary and alternative therapies, such as nutrition and diet. Diets such as the Mediterranean diet, the ketogenic diet, the plant-based diet, the gluten-free diet, and the low FODMAP diet may be helpful as part of an integrative psychiatric treatment plan but should not be used as a replacement for traditional treatments. It is important to work with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.

Contact Greenwich Village Psychiatry to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors and learn how changes to your diet can help you achieve your goals and live your best life.

References

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626
• Aucoin M, LaChance L, Cooley K, Kidd S. Diet and Psychosis: A Scoping Review. Neuropsychobiology. 2020;79(1):20-42. doi: 10.1159/000493399. Epub 2018 Oct 25. PMID: 30359969.
• Li Y, Lv MR, Wei YJ, Sun L, Zhang JX, Zhang HG, et al. Dietary patterns and depression risk: A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res. 2017 Jul;253:373–82.
• Parletta N, Zarnowiecki D, Cho J, Wilson A, Bogomolova S, Villani A, et al. A Mediterranean-style dietary intervention supplemented with fish oil improves diet quality and mental health in people with depression: A randomized controlled trial (HELFIMED). Nutr Neurosci. 2017 Dec 7:1–14.
• Marx W, Moseley G, Berk M, Jacka F. Nutritional psychiatry: the present state of the evidence. Proc Nutr Soc. 2017 Nov;76(4):427-436. doi: 10.1017/S0029665117002026. Epub 2017 Sep 25. PMID: 28942748.