Studies Regarding Mental Health
- In a subset of schizophrenic patients a drastic reduction, if not full remission, of schizophrenic symptoms after initiation of gluten withdrawal has been noted in a variety of studies - “The gluten connection: the association between schizophrenia and celiac disease,” in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica v.113 2006
- A gluten free diet may not only be only be suitable for people with celiac disease but also people with wheat allergy, autism and ADHD - “Gluten-Free Diet: How to Eat Wheat-Free,” by Gloria Tsang, R.D.
- Autistic participants on a gluten-free diet showed an improvement on a number of behavioral measures - “A Gluten-Free Diet as an Intervention for Autism and Associated Spectrum Disorders: Preliminary Findings,” in Autism v.3 1999
- Various mental disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease, have been associated with low folate status or elevated plasma homocysteine – “Folates and Prevention of Disease,” in Public Health Nutrition v.4 p. 601-609
- Folic acid can aid memory, is essential for brain function and a deficiency can lead to depression and cognitive impairment. The spice curcumin has been shown to counteract Alzheimer’s disease and brain trauma in animal models. It has been shown that junk food can actually damage the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids help to improve learning and memory and fight against depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia and dementia. Children with increased omega-3 fatty acids perform better in school – “Food as Brain Medicine,” on UCLA: Today Online July 9, 2008
