Neurodietetics

Richard Aiken, a psychiatrist who emphasizes lifestyle medicine, has recently written a book, Neurodietetics, which looks at the effects of diet on mental health.

Neuro-psychiatric problems are the leading cause of disability worldwide and are poorly handled compared to other medical conditions. There is no brain bypass surgery and drugs for these diseases are of limited use, often providing more harm than good. 

In the United States severe mental health illness and suicide are greatly increased since 1940, correlating with diet change to less whole plant foods, more processed and fast foods, and increasing chemical pollution.

80% of depressive episodes are preceded by psychological stress with increased cortisol levels which distort brain function. These effects can be greatly dampened by an anti-inflammatory diet, one that is high fiber, low fat and filled with the nutrients only whole plant foods provide. Just two weeks of this healthy diet show big results in various parameters of mental health. A study of Geico employees who made these dietary changes has recently confirmed the power of such a diet on mood, work performance and missed work time.