Trauma and plant-based diets

Here's a place you might start: https://drhyman.com/blog/2017/...ut-issues-arthritis/

"Over the past decade we’ve learned an enormous amount about the effects of childhood stress and trauma on illness later in life, namely that trauma can alter gut bacteria, the intestinal lining, and gut-immune function, making us a breeding ground for chronic disease." - Mark Hyman, MD

That's such and interesting question. I am more familiar with the assertion that vegetarianism causes or is a symptom of mental disorders. This article showed an association, but evidence supported mental disorders preceded vegetarianism:

Nancy – thanks for getting back to me. There is no rationale. I am inquiring because my daughter is an attorney for a non-profit that promotes plant-based diets. Given that veganism has been shown to help in a number of other areas, and given the variety of things that have been shown to help address trauma, I was wondering if there was a way to connect the two. I so, it would provide a way for me to team with my daughter by joining my work on trauma with my daughter’s work. Sounds like either the evidence is not there or it has never been explored. If you ever stumble on anything that suggests a connection, please let me know, but regardless thanks for your help. Great website by the way. Dan

Dan -

This is a great question. I've often thought that eating meat is just eating trauma. Same goes for consuming dairy products! We are consuming the cortisol and adrenaline produced by the animals as they are slaughtered or handled during milking. That Native Americans and other cultures have rituals to thank the animals for their sacrifice makes sense. Many studies show our means of mass-slaughter coupled with our carbon-creating meat-based diet are not sustainable. I'm obviously not an expert on any of this. I am very interested however. 

I bet you'll have some good response to this post. Following!

There has been a number of studies, below are a couple:

Vegetarian diets are associated with healthy mood states

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2887769/

Diet and depression

https://www.health.harvard.edu...ession-2018022213309

 

 

I think we need to be VERY careful in suggesting that certain diets can heal trauma.  Eating disorders are extremely prevalent in our society and show up in many different forms.  And they are NOT at all what the media portrays.  Roughly, over one third of patients with an diagnosed eating disorder have experienced some sort of trauma.   And there are MANY people suffering who do not have a diagnosis. 

If you want to help a patient who is dealing with trauma select a particular diet, PLEASE have them seek the help of a registered dietitian EXPERIENCED in eating disorders.  For anorexia alone, 26 people die EVERY DAY.   Restriction and limiting or eliminating  food groups is inviting an eating disorder. 

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

 

Dorrie – thanks. both articles are insightful. I wonder if this is an issue that needs more research to determine if a plant-based diet or modified form of it should be part of a comprehensive trauma-informed initiative. Regards,
Dan

I agree. As you investigate this issue, please share any insights and research you find.   

Hi Everyone, 

Join us on the ACES and Nourishment Community Board to explore these ideas and share research. I do agree with BH Wright that one needs to be very careful about correlating diet and group outcomes, especially since people with trauma are at very high risk for eating disorders which include orthorexia (an obsession with food that one considers healthy). Our organization is considering how to help people develop an emotionally healthy relationship with food that doesn't re-enact  trauma or reinforce disordered eating, while still teaching people about the evidence-based benefits of a plant-based diet.

Dorrie Philbeck posted:

There has been a number of studies, below are a couple:

Vegetarian diets are associated with healthy mood states

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2887769/

Diet and depression

https://www.health.harvard.edu...ession-2018022213309

 

 

From the Diet and Depression article:

“A dietary pattern characterized by a high intake of fruit, vegetables, whole grain, fish, olive oil, low-fat dairy and antioxidants and low intakes of animal foods was apparently associated with a decreased risk of depression. A dietary pattern characterized by a high consumption of red and/or processed meat, refined grains, sweets, high-fat dairy products, butter, potatoes and high-fat gravy, and low intakes of fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk of depression.”

Unfortunately, in selecting diets the mindset tends to be all or nothing rather than moderation. If the first article, vegetarians ate lower levels of omega-3 fats (omega-3 fats help reduce a multitude of inflammatory responses in the body). The second article associates a high f/v diet with a decrease risk of depression but includes some fish and meat as part of the diet.

I also want to add that eating with joy and authentic connection to self and community may be the best diet based strategy for tackling the effects of trauma.

Dan, 

Plant based eating, without  a doubt , benefits individuals with ACES.  I  personally score a 9 out of 10.  

I am applying for a doctorate degree in psychology and my research topic is on this very topic. Exploring a plant based protocol within an integrative form of treatment of ACEs to help promote healing, prevention, and intervention. This is not to say that the plant based protocol is the primary therapy, however it is to bring together trauma therapy, nutritional psychology, and somatic therapy to help health the whole self. As research does suggest that adverse experiences impacts the development of a healthy gut among other chronic and immune conditions. I'll keep you posted!

This sounds like a very interesting and needed line of research - please keep us posted!