The effectiveness of the raw foods diet as a complementary and alternative medicine for depression and anxiety.

摘要

This study focused on the impact the raw foods diet has on metabolic syndromes such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, and consequently, how those metabolic syndromes exacerbate depression and anxiety. A statistical significance was indicated through a Hierarchical Regression Analysis, where anxiety was found to be negatively correlated with participants who were on a raw foods diet for 1 month or longer. The prevalence of depression and anxiety has been a significant burden on both the individuals who have suffered from the disorders but on the health care system as well. Major Depression Disorder is considered the highest-ranking disabling disorder and has been found to cause significant comorbidity and death. Both depression and anxiety are risks factors for metabolic syndromes and a comorbidity of depression with anxiety has been found to increase risk factors exponentially.;Physicians have commonly prescribed special diets to patients suffering from metabolic syndromes. The literature also indicated that the nutrients in a person's diet directly impact mood and cognitive functioning. Diet is one of the five major domains of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) and has been shown to be beneficial with mental health. The use of CAM is increasing around the world, and has significantly increased within the last few years in the U.S. This study explored the benefits and limitations of CAM, specifically, the increasing prevalence of CAM in psychiatric populations with patient satisfaction reported as being very high due to reported positive treatment outcomes. This study examined CAM treatment options for patients who were resistant to traditional treatment methods and ways to assist them in making informed decisions.;This study will describe the raw food diet practices, attitudes, and beliefs, and explain how the diet enhances treatment for patients with regard to specific psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety.