Nutrition and Mental Health 1 in 4 adults−approximately 61.5 million Americans−experiences mental illness each year 74% of calories consumed by Americans come from processed, sugary foods (e.g., soda, pizza, donuts) Only 1 in 10 Americans meet the basic daily food group recommendations Poor Diet/Nutrient Depletion and Mental Health Disorders Symptom Comparison: Blood Sugar-Adrenal Axis: Blood sugar is regulated by the food we eat and hormones, including insulin and cortisol. Poor diet (e.g., high in processed, sugary food) leads to dysregulation of blood sugar and the associated hormones which result in mental health symptoms, inflammation, and many other health concerns. Fatigue Anxiety Depression Irritability Mood lability Stress Intolerance Overeating, cravings Sleep disturbance Neurotransmitter Depletion Symptoms of Nutrient Depletion: Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders: Fatigue Anxiety Depression Irritability Mood lability Stress Intolerance Overeating, cravings Sleep disturbance Neurotransmitter Depletion High Blood Sugar Range Stable Blood Sugar Range Low Blood Sugar Range Insulin increases to quickly lower blood sugar Stress hormone overshoots blood sugar into high range. Insulin attempts to lower blood sugar quickly High sugar/carb meal; blood sugar quickly rises Low blood sugar symptoms and cortisol released to raise blood sugar