Unprocessed: How the Food We Eat Is Fuelling Our Mental Health Crisis

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One of the more challenging yet important aspects of Wilson’s book is her long-term perspective around health. This is challenging due to our tendency to default to short-term perspectives around behaviours that can affect our health (such as “go on, then, just one more…” when offered another biscuit) which can distract us from and obscure the long-term implications of such behaviours. She speculates that this short-term approach is particularly relevant to diet since food is so ordinary and every day for many of us. Alongside the above, the author discusses how UK politicians have often failed to act on scientific evidence and take measures that might have resulted in the population’s improved mental (and physical) health. She explains the links between poverty, nutritional deficiencies (in pregnant women as well as children, adolescents and adults) and poor mental health (concentration and learning difficulties, chronic stress, aggression and emotional dysregulation). She argues that better nutrition and mental health are often less of an individual’s choice, and more of a government’s responsibility. My only concern is that her voice may come across as perhaps a bit too strong and this may alienate Conservative voters. But then again, the messages that ‘Unprocessed’ passes are important for individuals and societies alike, and as such they are highly political. We all know that as a nation our mental health is in crisis. But what most don't know is that a critical ingredient in this debate, and a crucial part of the solution - what we eat - is being ignored.

What changes (if any) will you make either personally or professionally as a result of reading ‘Unprocessed’? How will you maintain these? When your gut microbes ferment fibre, they produce short-chain fatty acids. And one of the key functions [of these] is to support the integrity of your blood brain barrier, which is a very selective barrier that prevents neurotoxic compounds from the bloodstream from crossing into the brain,” says Wilson. Burleigh, C. R., Lynn, R., Verity, C., Winstone, A. M., White, S. R., & Johnson, K. (2023). Fetal alcohol syndrom in the UK. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 108(10), 852-856. https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2023-325571

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Like most other books of this genre, every chapter focuses on a different aspect of a healthy diet, like for example Omega 3s, Alcohol or Fats and gives a thorough scientifically driven overview of these topics. Because of the authors motivated approach to properly educate her readers, the book was mostly an entertaining and informative one to read. Even I, who by no means is an expert, but is by now sort of versed in nutrition altogether had a few interesting take-aways from this one.

For readers who may be more politically engaged, ‘Unprocessed’ also throws down a challenge to hold those in power accountable for their role in safeguarding public health in an area of life that is frequently overlooked. Wilson clearly wants her readers to take action in response to her arguments. The question is: will you? 6am Book Club discussion questions: The second villain is the UK government, who Wilson excoriates for failing to regulate the content of produced food and thereby protect public health. Wilson has very clear and critical opinions regarding the legacy of the austerity policy initiated in 2011 and the conduct of the government throughout the Covid-19 crisis. Although this political polemicising may not be to everyone’s taste, readers are left in no doubt to Wilson’s views about potential shortcomings of government over the last decade. We all know that as a nation our mental health is in crisis. But what most don't know is that a critical ingredient in this debate, and a crucial part of the solution— what we eat—is being ignored. Explores the profound link between the food we eat and the way we think and feel' Radio 4 Start the Week Another study found a direct relationship between diet quality and hippocampal size (the brain’s memory centre, which is damaged in Alzheimer’s disease).Because adequate thyroid hormone is required from the moment of conception, women need to ensure sufficient iodine intake for several months before conceiving. This can typically be achieved by eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of dairy, fish and seafood. However, those who do not eat animal foods may need to consult a health professional about taking an iodine supplement. Too much can be a problem too, with an excess causing iodine poisoning or hyperthyroidism, so it is important to get the balance right. The NHS suggests that a supplemental dose of 0.5mg or less per day is unlikely to cause harm. Elsewhere, Wilson considers whether there is a relationship between poor nutrition and school exclusion and then lays out the evidence for this hypothesis. The topic of behaviour in schools has featured quite prominently in both the news and social media of late. Regrettably, the topic has become polarised within the latter online environment. However, Wilson’s arguments around the correlation between diet and behaviour are compelling and present a challenge to those with ‘behaviourist’ views of discipline to consider a more complex and nuanced perspective of behaviour in schools. Coffee: Take action. Patients do tell me I don’t let them get away with anything. They imagine I’ll be lovely, chatty and passive, when in fact I think good therapy – while needing to feel safe and supportive – should also be challenging. You should be made to think not just about what has happened to you, but what you do to yourself, and to others. I recently read Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Notes on Grief and though I was not recently bereaved, when I closed the book I promptly burst into tears. She portrays the rawness, the frayed edges and bewilderment of grief so perfectly that it felt like those moments in therapy when the interpretation hits just right. What was the last book that made you laugh?