REPLAY: Stress Resilience & Practical Prescribing with Dr. Adrian Lopresti and Professor Julia Rucklidge
Oct 3, 2022
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Dr. Adrian Lopresti interviews Professor Julia Rucklidge about the essential role of nutrition in supporting resilience during times of acute stress or trauma. They discuss the use of micronutrients to aid survivors of natural disasters and trauma, the impact of diet on individuals following a traumatic experience, and the role of B group vitamins in responding to acute situations. They also share personal anecdotes and research on the benefits of optimal nutrition for recovery and mood regulation.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in mental health and can greatly improve psychiatric symptoms by providing micronutrients like vitamins and minerals.
Stress and trauma can be managed more effectively with adequate nutrient intake, particularly B vitamins, minerals, and co-factors that support the production of neurotransmitters and hormones needed for the stress response.
Research suggests that well-nourished individuals have greater resilience to developing psychological problems after highly stressful events, and nutrient supplementation can help improve mental health outcomes.
Deep dives
The importance of nutrition in mental health
Nutrition plays a crucial role in mental health and can contribute to preventing and recovering from mental health challenges. Traditional models of psychology often overlook the impact of nutrition on mental health, but research has shown that nutrients, particularly micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, can greatly improve psychiatric symptoms. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of broad-spectrum nutrient approaches in reducing stress, anxiety, and mood disorders. Choosing a multi-nutrient formula with a therapeutic level of nutrients between the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and the Upper Limit (UL) is recommended for optimal mental health support.
The link between stress, trauma, and nutrition
Stress and trauma can have significant physical and psychological effects on the body. The fight, flight, freeze response triggered during stress can result in changes in heart rate, breathing, concentration, sleep, and anxiety levels. Nutrition plays a key role in supporting the body during a stress response. B vitamins, minerals, and co-factors along biochemical pathways are essential for the production of neurotransmitters and hormones needed for the stress response. Adequate nutrient intake ensures the body has the resources to effectively manage stress. However, research shows that dietary changes for the worse often occur during times of stress, making it important to prioritize nutrient-rich foods and consider additional nutrient support.
The role of nutrients in resilience
Studies have explored the role of nutrients in promoting resilience during times of stress and trauma. Research conducted after major stressors such as earthquakes and floods has shown that individuals who had higher nutrient intake, particularly broad-spectrum nutrients, exhibited greater resilience and faster reduction in stress and anxiety symptoms. These findings suggest that well-nourished individuals may be more resilient to developing significant psychological problems after highly stressful events. Nutrient supplementation has the potential to improve mental health outcomes, although further research is needed at the population level.
Micro-nutrients as a preventative approach
Micro-nutrients have the potential to be used as a preventative approach to mental health, providing support before stress or trauma occurs. Research has shown that giving nutrients prior to a stressor or trauma can enhance resilience and reduce the likelihood of developing full-blown PTSD. While more population-based studies are needed to fully validate this approach, the biological mechanisms suggest that well-nourished individuals may fare better in times of stress. Encouraging nutrient-dense diets and advocating for the importance of nutrition in maintaining mental health can have significant public health benefits.
Choosing the right micro-nutrient formula
When selecting micro-nutrient formulas, it is important to consider the breadth of nutrients included and the dose. Formula should include a variety of vitamins, minerals, and co-factors, and the therapeutic level should be between the RDA and the UL. While some practitioners debate between activated and non-activated forms of nutrients, further research is needed to determine the impact on individual response. Overall, a comprehensive formula that mimics the nutrient diversity found in natural foods and covers a wide range of micronutrients is recommended for mental health support.
Professor Julia Rucklidge discusses the essential role of nutrition to support resilience in the face of acute stress or trauma in our podcast replay.
With our ambassador, Dr. Adrian Lopresti, Julia delves into her research and the use of micronutrients to support survivors of natural disasters and acute trauma experiences. Julia also discusses the diets and nutritional status of individuals following a traumatic experience, and how practitioners might best support these people.
Julia is generous with both academic and personal anecdotes on the benefits optimal nutrition (supported by nutritional supplementation) has on the individual in a high stress or trauma period and to promote recovery, sharing insights from her experience during the Christchurch earthquakes.
We learn about the essential role the B group vitamins play in supporting the production of adrenalin and cortisol required to respond to an acute situation and how nutritional inadequacy may lead to poor mood and sleep regulation.
Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.fxmedicine.com.au/podcast/replay-stress-resilience-practical-prescribing-dr-adrian-lopresti-and-professor-julia
***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on FX Medicine is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***
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