Re: Nutritional Treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

I am not sure I would choose the word "overreaction" to describe what happens -- altho I am sure it appears that way to the outside observer (and to oneself as an outside observer).

I think the disorder itself involves setting into motion a cascade event for which the "shut-off" valve does not seem to function. Events which precipitate PTSD are often events in which the individual involved loses all or almost all control over an event happening to them which is extremely frightening and/or painful. The individual probably chooses to suppress an emotional response to the event as a strategy to survive the event (certainly the case for many combat veterans, rape and other physical/psychological abuse victims). For some victims, the event itself is suppressed, making it even harder to work thru the emotions experienced during the event.

Suppressed emotions result in disease. I am convinced of it. The energy brought on by emotion needs to be expressed -- Rollo May wrote in one of his books (my paraphrase) that great artists are akin to madmen who have channeled their psychosis into art.

(Imo), treating the mind does not help very much to relieve the emotional pressure. It only helps the individual to understand background information contributing to the problem. The emotions felt during the traumatic event need to be expressed. They do not go away. Somehow these emotions become physical blockages in the brain that effect brain and body chemistry. I dont think its even that important to remember what it was that happened -- just find an appropriate way to express or transmute the emotion.

I think nutrition is key to treating many so-called "mental" disorders which, imo, usually result from suppressed emotion. However, I also believe that poor nutrition and/or consumption of food or food additives to which one is "allergic" can cause emotional states which mimic mental disorders. I think scientists too often want a "one size fits all" answer. Life is not so easily confined. In addition to utilizing nutrition in treating mental disorders, I also think physical exercise and creating enough "me space" are important. One need not dwell in one's emotions, but to deny them is to invite trouble. We need to move beyond the idea that being "emotional" is bad or weak. Feeling is far more powerful a force than any mental state. Those that seek to control our minds understand this and seek to minimalize feeling in our modern world culture.

PTSD sufferers have a well of unexpressed emotion that become triggered by situations that are both unique to the PTSD sufferer, but also by situations of intense stress brought on by intense life events.

Just as foods can help to heal all kinds of disease -- food can cause or contribute to all kinds of disease. As our food sources become increasingly contaminated w/man-made chemical toxins -- the resulting stresses on the body in general can precipitate PTSD events among sufferers.

I think, for this reason, one should not underestimate the correlation between nutrition and mental states.

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