Thread by @GeorgiaEdeMD

1/ @globeandmail As a (former) college psychiatrist specializing in nutrition, I'm convinced rising mental health problems on university campuses may be driven in large part by modern dietary trends: processed foods and plant-based diets. HT @hbelfry theglobeandmail.com/canada/article…

2/ Shared root causes of psychiatric disorders are inflammation, oxidation, insulin resistance, nutrient deficiencies, and imbalances in hormones and neurotransmitters.

3/
a) Refined carbohydrates promote oxidation, inflammation & insulin resistance
b) Spiking/crashing blood sugar/insulin levels destabilize stress hormones
c) Plant-based diets increase risk for nutrient deficiencies, esp for DHA (brain's omega-3)

4/ Inflammation, oxidation and stress work together to cause the neurotransmitter imbalances which psychiatric medications are designed to try to correct, including serotonin deficits, dopamine excess, GABA suppression and glutamate surges:

5/ While I agree there are certainly non-dietary factors to consider, offering metabolic evaluations and nutrient deficiency testing in college health services and educating students, faculty & staff about nutrition are root cause interventions with tremendous potential.

6/ Introducing whole foods dining halls, removing junk food vending machines, and working to change an administrative culture that uses refined carbohydrates to lure students to campus events (including "wellness" events!) are all strategies that can help promote brain health.

7/ Psychiatric medications and psychotherapy are important, but why not reduce need for medication appointments and lessen demand for crisis services by offering counseling options that support students around healthy lifestyle changes which can improve biochemical resilience?