Most of us probably know someone whose character transforms when they haven’t eaten recently. They may become depressed, irritable, raging, sad.
I’ve seen these moods beset a person when they haven’t eaten and vanish quickly once they’ve eaten and I’ve also seen miraculous, long-term changes in mood brought on by radical (sustained) changes in diet.
I’ve tried an elimination diet two or three times and I haven’t experienced the sort of healing in myself I’ve seen in others.
At one point acid reflux forced me to go 90% vegan / gluten free for weeks (maybe a few months?) and yet I have not experienced the relief others have found.
What do I make of this?
- Our nutritional intake can play a significant role in our short-term and long-term mental health.
- Doing an elimination diet (in consultation with medical professionals) is probably a worthy undertaking for individuals looking for relief from mental issues.
- That said, nutrition is not a panacea for what ails the human heart.
Someday, maybe, I’ll undertake another elimination diet. Maybe. But for me personally I don’t have much hope that it will bring significant healing to my life.
For you, if you haven’t tried changing your diet, I’m more optimistic. But if it doesn’t work, you didn’t fail. We are diverse beings and what heals one can hurt another.
Caveats
For Those Who Can’t / Won’t
Undertaking a significant change in diet is a major endeavor. I have never found it easy and always quite unpleasant. For those of us struggling with long-term / chronic / unending suffering it is often beyond our reach.
I believe we must accept our limitations, aspire towards relief, but understand and accept who we are. If now (and perhaps forever) such a change is beyond your ability, that’s okay.
For Those Who Have / Will
I celebrate with you, I’m so happy you’ve found some relief from your suffering! I hope you are able to maintain what you found works and that it continues to provide you with relief over the long-haul.
The fact it doesn’t work for some of us doesn’t lessen the awesomeness you’ve discovered and applied to your life!