Diet and Behavior-Part 1

Behavioral problems can be the first sign of nutritional deficiencies caused by an inadequate diet.  The brain must have steady levels of glucose to function normally.  Low blood sugar problems can starve the parts of the brain responsible for learning and social and moral behavior.  The energy gets shunted to the brain stem when glucose levels drop too low.  In this region primitive behaviors originate, absent of impulse control.

Low blood sugar can mimic symptoms of neurosis, psychosis, and schizophrenia.  It also is a big source of internal stress since the adrenals (the stress glands) get kicked to bring glucose levels back up after they drop too low.  There are certain nutritional deficiencies that usually go along with this and they are big players in brain biochemistry.  They include vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, chromium, and zinc.  When blood sugar drops, cravings for refined sugar or alcohol may occur.  Most heavy alcohol users have low blood sugar problems.

A diet high in processed refined carbohydrates is the biggest problem.  This is a big shock to the body and causes a giant increase in blood sugar after ingesting.  The body over reacts to this insult and secretes too much insulin which drives the glucose down too low.  With the average American eating over 150 pounds of refined sugar each year, is it any wonder that they are physically and emotionally operating with thermostats that are either set too high or too low.

An altered brain means altered behavior.  It should be no surprise that teenage violence is on the rise considering the typical teenage boy drinks a minimum of THREE sodas per day.  Ten percent drink a minimum of SEVEN sodas per day.  This kind of diet, along with a lack of nutrients the brain requires for normal functioning, is a recipe for disaster.  Violence is only one possibility.  ADD and other learning and processing issues are another, and these problems are increasing at alarming rates.

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