Dr. Abram Hoffer, MD, PhD, began his work on essential nutrients and cognitive function of the brain in the 1940s at the University of Saskatchewan. His research in nutritional deficiencies causing mental diseases was supported by Tommy Douglas, then Premier of Saskatchewan.
Dr. Hoffer’s case histories revealed may instances of total recovery from end-stage catatonic schizophrenia through vitamin therapy using nicotinic acid and ascorbic acid. Other cases where mega doses of vitamins were used to treat advanced mental health disorders. An excellent article that led me to consider the various foods I eat on a daily basis, and how to eat healthy to keep thinking clearly. Making certain to eat as health conscious as possible might seem to be a stretch, but by avoiding those snack convenience foods we grew up on as children and teenagers makes a big difference.
Over the last couple of years I’ve taken steps to eradicate those foods and replace them with healthy alternatives such as nuts, fruit: dried or fresh, carriots, celery, etc. Though for cognitive function I find that eating sufficient quantities of meat protein help along with vegetables, fruit and grains. Certainly something to consider today in keeping oneself healthy
Nourishing Mental Health, Helke Ferrie, Vitality Magazine 2012, pp.40, 42-44, 48-49.
Photo Credit: Gord McKenna CC=nc-nd-flickr. Ladner farm in summer.
