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Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies in correlation with Mental Disorders
by MES
We often think in terms of the
physical health of the body when we think of the benefits of being sure that our
daily consumption of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients reaches recommended
daily intake levels.
But, it is very important to
know the fact that deficiencies in the daily intake of vitamins and minerals can
negatively impact our mental processes as well, even contribute to one of the
most common mental disorders of all – Depression !
Let me show you more about
benefits of these vitamins and minerals:
The Vitamin B complex is
incredibly important to our mental well-being and functioning. Indeed, even
relatively small deficiencies can have an adverse effect. Serious deficiencies
can contribute to serious mental illnesses. In terms of mental health alone,
the importance of making sure that that the daily diet meets the recommended
daily intake levels of the Vitamin B complex cannot be overstated.
As an interesting aside, those
with alcohol problems – often abused in an attempt to self-medicate for
depression and the abuse of which often contributes to depression – are often
suffering from Vitamin B complex deficiencies because alcohol destroys Vitamin B
in its various forms.
A lack of Thiamine can
lead to a lack of energy. It can lead to deep fatigue, anxiety, depression and
even to suicidal thoughts. It can bring on insomnia, which can exasperate each
and every one of those symptoms. Serious deficiency in
Niacin has been
clinically associated with such mental symptoms as cognitive slowness in regard
to the processing of information, dementia, anxiety and psychosis.
Vitamin B5 has been found
to play a role in the formation of hormones and other brain chemical processes
that are related to mood. Deficiency can lead to feelings of stress and certain
types of clinically diagnosed depression. Vitamin B6 is essential to the
production of serotonin and dopamine. Long-term deficiencies in
Vitamin B12
can lead to such mental disorders as serious mood swings, mania, paranoia,
dementia, and even hallucinations.
Vitamin C also is
important in the prevention or easing of depression. It is important to note
that many common medications, both over the counter and prescription, can rob
the body of Vitamin C, leading some doctors to recommend partnering such
medications with Vitamin C supplements.
Deficiencies in a number of
minerals have been associated with depression and other mental disorders.
Among these are magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, and manganese. Some
of these combine with other nutrients that are important in the formation and
release of serotonin and other compounds directly related to mood.
Other mental symptoms associated
with deficiencies in these essential minerals include paranoia, confusion,
anxiety, depression, fatigue and tearfulness.
Our brain, and thus our mental
processes, is ruled by the chemical interactions that take place within it.
These chemicals are delicately balanced, and nutrition plays an integral role
both in the formation of these essential chemicals and the maintenance of their
balance.
On every level of mental mood
and functioning, it is absolutely necessary that we make sure to achieve the
recommended daily intake levels of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
Dietary supplements, when used according to recommended dosages, are a safe
means of seeing to it that our minds perform at peak levels.
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