Mental Health Facts
Mental illness affects people regardless of age, gender, race, education, etc. The Canadian Mental Health Association estimates that by the age of 40, 1 in 2 Canadians will have had first-hand experience with mental illness.
Suicide rates in youth are growing higher every year. Unfortunately the stigma around mental health is not disappearing as quickly as these rates continue to increase. Doctors offices are overwhelmed. Without the time for proper assessment, people in need are often left with minimal support.
Inflammation in the Brain
From a naturopathic perspective, inflammatory diets and poor lifestyle habits are aggravating factors for mental illness. Inflammation in the digestive tract from unhealthy foods will create an unhealthy immune response in the bloodstream.
We have a protective lining around our brain and spinal cord, called the Blood Brain Barrier. It is highly selective and incredibly sterile. Only the most important things can cross. But when inflammation levels rise in the body, there is an overproduction of inflammatory cells such as IL-17. Scientifically speaking, IL-17 has been shown to poke holes and compromise the integrity of the Blood Brain Barrier. This means that the once-sterile barrier to the brain is now an open highway.
The brain becomes a perfect place for inflammation to build up. This clouds our thoughts, destroys our focus and decreases our concentration.
Mental Health and Healthy Fats
The brain and spinal cord are made up of essential fats. As the body constantly repairs itself, the fats from our diets are taken up into the brain and spinal cord to replace old fats. If our diet is made up of saturated unhealthy fats, our brains become clouded with inflammation. In a very real way, we are what we eat.
The Science of Exercise and Mental Health
So how does exercise fit into this picture? First of all, movement increases circulation to all parts of the body. If we are improving blood flow to the brain, we are also improving blood flow away from the brain. This means we can effectively clear away waste products, including inflammatory cells and toxins.
Exercise burns through fat tissue and excretes excessive amounts of stored hormones. We lose weight, and we feel great! The added benefits include an increase in self confidence and production of endorphins that make us feel great.
Exercise is an Anti-Depressant
Many individuals with histories of anger, depression and suicidal ideation have turned to exercise as an effective coping mechanism. Correctional facilities around the world have implemented exercise plans as part of a rehabilitative strategy. John McAvoy is an example of someone with a criminal history who is now an elite athlete. His story is very inspiring and encourages all of us to take a deeper look into how well we are actually coping with the world around us.
Exercise really is the most under-utilized antidepressant. No medication will ever be able to replicate what exercise can do for the human body. And the more we try to avoid it, the more likely we are to end up on a whole bunch of medications instead!