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Antianxiety Food Solution

New Book Offers Insights on Anxiety & Mental Health: Insights that Patrick Kennedy’s “Moonshot” Research Team Will Find Compelling

By Trudy Scott 10 Comments

patrick kennedy moonshot

The first book by local Food Mood Expert and Nutritionist, Trudy Scott, is released this month: The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood & End Cravings. This release is hot on the heels of the CNN interview “Dr. Sanjay Gupta Reports: Patrick Kennedy – Coming Clean,” where Patrick Kennedy discusses his own battles with mental health and addictions, his mission to help remove the stigma of mental health, as well as create a “moonshot” medical research effort to find solutions to all brain diseases.

This is all taken from a press release when my book launched. I commend Patrick Kennedy for openly discussing his challenges with mood and addictions, and for being a leader in the field of mental health research! For more information on Kennedy’s Moonshot research go here http://www.moonshot.org/ and for a review of the CCN interview go here.

And continuing with the press release….

Foreword writer and author of Textbook of Integrative Mental Health Care, Dr. James Lake MD, feels that Scott’s book  “marks an important contribution to the public dialogue on the appropriate role of nutrition in mental health care in general and anxiety disorders in particular” and he strongly endorses this unique resource.

Scott’s book offers four different antianxiety food solutions, all of which emphasize the importance of real whole traditional food, but address each person’s biochemical uniqueness. Other chapters cover: why and how to quit sugar and control blood sugar swings; the effects of caffeine; the importance of optimal digestion; the bad-mood effects of gluten; balancing brain chemistry with individual amino acids; correcting pyroluria with zinc and vitamin B6; low vitamin D, hormone imbalances, toxins and medications; and finally simple lifestyle changes that include sleep, exercise and yoga.

An editorial by Dr. Marlene Freeman MD, in the American Journal of Psychiatry offered a very powerful comment on the recent food-mood studies, all of which are included in this heavily referenced book: “It is both compelling and daunting to consider that dietary intervention at an individual or population level could reduce rates of psychiatric disorders. There are exciting implications for clinical care, public health, and research.”

Scott, who has a nutrition practice with a focus on Food, Mood and Women’s Health and is President of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals comments: “I truly don’t believe dietary intervention is daunting and I am living proof it does work. I have been able to overcome my own anxiety and eliminate my panic attacks using the very same methods I cover in my book. And I see the same success with my clients every single day. Food and nutrients are very powerful!”

Edmund Bourne PhD, author of highly successful The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook says that Scott’s book “provides clear, helpful guidelines for utilizing nutrition to overcome anxiety” and Dr Katherine Falk MD, feels Scott’s book “provides important adjunctive help in the treatment anxiety, depression, and serious mental illness.”  All this provides a compelling resource for Kennedy’s research team and for Kennedy himself, who said in his interview that he was looking to live a full life and not just survive.

The Antianxiety Food Solution is now available in major books stores, at Amazon and via www.antianxietyfoodsolution.com.

You can find the official press release document here https://www.everywomanover29.com/media.html

WHO study ranks USA second in depression prevalence: NAMI speaker Trudy Scott shares the powerful positive effects of food on mood

By Trudy Scott 11 Comments

Depression affects 121 million people around the world and a significant number of these people are in the United States. New research published in BMC Medicine reports the prevalence in 18 countries around the world and found affluent countries tend to have higher rates of depression, with an average of 14.6% of their populations likely to get depression over their lifetime.  The United States, with the proportion at 19% of the population likely to get depression, ranks second overall, after France at 21%.

This study was done in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative.  Furthermore, the World Health Organization predicts depression will be one of the largest health problems worldwide by 2020, so now is the time for countries, organizations and the people to take action.

This is all taken from a press release for the NAMI California 2011 conference.  And I’m thrilled that it resulted in a call from NPR for an interview by Jeffrey Callison on Insight – to talk about my new book as well as my upcoming talk at the conference.

Date: Thursday, August 18th, 2011 between 10 and 11am PST
Topic: Depression and Food
Host: Jeffrey Callison
Insight: http://www.capradio.org/insight
On the dial: 90.9 FM KXJZ Sacramento; 90.5 FM KKTO Tahoe City/Reno; 91.3 FM KUOP Stockton/Modesto; 88.1 FM KQNC Quincy

And continuing with the press release….

An editorial by Dr. Marlene Freeman, MD, in the American Journal of Psychiatry offered a very powerful comment on 2009 and 2010 food-mood studies. “It is both compelling and daunting to consider that dietary intervention at an individual or population level could reduce rates of psychiatric disorders. There are exciting implications for clinical care, public health, and research.”

Trudy Scott, author of The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood & End Cravings, and President of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals comments: “While I agree that dietary intervention is compelling, I don’t feel it is daunting. We simply need to teach people how to eat real food again. And the great thing is that these changes, in addition to reducing depression and anxiety, will also reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer, arthritis and many other health conditions.”

Scott, who is a Food Mood Expert and Nutritionist, will be one of many excellent plenary speakers at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) California’s 2011 Annual conference. NAMI California works to provide help, hope and healing for those affected by serious mental illness and the conference theme is “Creating Change through Vision and Action”. Scott’s topic will be Food and Mood: The science behind the effects of food on mental health and she is endorsed by Dr. Lawrence E. Cormier, MD, as a “leader in the field of food and mental health”.  Scott will also provide practical how-to information in a hands-on nutrition workshop later in the day. The conference is in Sacramento, California on August 19 & 20.  For details and to register: www.namicalifornia.org

The Antianxiety Food Solution is now available in major books stores, at Amazon and via www.antianxietyfoodsolution.com.

You can find the official press release document here https://www.everywomanover29.com/media.html

Charlize Theron, Piers Morgan, inositol for OCD & Africa Outreach

By Trudy Scott 13 Comments

charlize theron
Photo credit: John Harrison

I’m a big fan of the amazing beautiful and talented actress Charlize Theron.  I am so proud that a fellow South African has wowed Hollywood and even won an Oscar. She won her Oscar for Monster – brilliant performance, so real and quite disturbing. I also really enjoyed her in The Italian Job!  She’s been in so many movies and you can find out more here http://www.charlizetheron.com/

Piers Morgan interviewed Charlize recently and she spoke about her childhood and marriage. You can see some of the interview here. I’m really enjoying the Piers interviews – he seems to ask really interesting questions and his guests appear to have a lot of fun! “Brilliant performance!” – doesn’t that just sound like Piers and don’t you love his British accent!?

For me, it’s quite strange hearing her talk with an American accent – she said she had to change it in order to be successful in Hollywood.  And she says he doesn’t like the sound of her voice! She did speak a few sentences of Afrikaans right at the beginning of the interview – Afrikaans is her first language and my second language, so I could understand her of course.  I look forward to her one day playing a South African and talking like a South African – I think she’ll do an excellent job!

During her interview with Piers she also jokingly shared that she has OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and can’t handle messy closets. If OCD really is an issue that causes distress and affects day-to-day functioning, it’s worth trying many of the same nutrients that help with anxiety issues: GABA, tryptophan or 5-HTP. They often help with OCD too.  However, one particular nutrient called inositol is particularly helpful with obsessive behaviors and ruminating thoughts.   Of course, these nutrients and others, are covered in my book The Antianxiety Food Solution.   I think I should send a copy to Charlize!

Charlize also talked about her foundation (created in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation) where she gives back to South Africa. It called the Africa Outreach Project which is committed to reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexual violence among African youth by supporting and collaborating with organizations that provide preventive education.  I loved it when Charlize emphasized education and the goal of teaching the youth that violence is not ok, and prevention of HIV/AIDS – very smart!  Much of the work is done in KwaZulu Natal, close to where I grew up. This makes me pretty homesick but also proud of what she is achieving on so many levels! You can learn more and make a donation here http://www.charlizeafricaoutreach.org/

My message to Charlize: “Baie dankie [thanks very much in Afrikaans]. You go girl! And check out some of these amazing nutrients for OCD and anxiety – you SO deserve to feel on top of the world in every way!”

Antianxiety Food Solution review by Mira Dessy

By Trudy Scott 12 Comments

I’m thrilled to share this wonderful book review by Mira Dessy, Certified Nutrition Educator and holistic health columnist helping others eat well to be well. It was featured in a recent edition of Nourishing Bytes, the ezine produced by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (www.nanp.org)

Be sure to check out her blog for great nutrition advice and recipes!

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Written in a warm, reader-friendly style, “The Antianxiety Food Solution” takes the often undiscussed topic of anxiety disorders, brings them into the light, and offers solid, scientifically backed nutritional advice to help alleviate the symptoms.

Anxiety disorders encompass a wide range of conditions from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to panic disorder to social anxiety and more.  Often undisclosed by those who suffer from this sometimes debilitating range of disorders, anxiety can cause a wide array of physical symptoms due to the stressors, emotional toll, nutrient depletion, and the lack of proper diet.  The author herself a former sufferer of anxiety, brings the voice of experience to this topic in a caring yet straightforward way.

Diving right in to the topic, Chapter 1, Figure Out Your Optimum Antianxiety Diet, gives a step-bystep approach to proper nutrition to support the bio-individual needs of those looking to, as the sub-title says, calm their anxious mind, improve their mood, and end their cravings.  As part of the nutritional support offered in the book, the author gives very clear examples of what to eat and, just as importantly, what not to eat, even including examples of nutrient dense bonus foods.  The author then takes the subject a step further by including chapters on a wide range of conditions that may affect nutritional status and promote anxiety such as allergies, addiction, blood sugar imbalances, poor digestion, brain chemistry, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle choices.  Throughout the book are a number of easy to understand self-scoring quizzes as well as tables which concisely illuminate the points the author is making.

One main premise of the book is the promotion of a clean, traditional diet, free from chemicals and additives, that is high in whole foods.  In another significant topic, the author explains how the use of amino acids can be highly beneficial for many sufferers of anxiety disorders.  Clearly highlighting the symptoms each amino acid deficit can cause, she then illustrates how to address these deficits and discusses how to consider use of amino acids to help regulate brain chemistry.  She then looks at a little discussed condition called pyroluria…

You can read the rest of the review here:
http://grainsandmore.blogspot.com/2011/06/antianxiety-food-solution.html

By Mira Dessy

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And you can learn more about The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood and End Cravings! at www.antianxietyfoodsolution.com

Antianxiety Food Solution: great questions at Avid Reader

By Trudy Scott 9 Comments

trudy at avid bookstore to present antianxiety food solution

I’ve had a busy few weeks doing fun book promo stuff and some fun local book signings at Avid Reader books http://www.avidreaderbooks.com/.  It was so cool (and very humbling) to finish my talk and have folks line up to get a signed copy of my new book The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood and End Cravings!

It was also very exciting to see my book on display and on the shelves in the book store. Of course we took a ton of pictures and savored the moment!  I hope you enjoy these pictures and that I see you at the next live event I do.

I had a great turnout at the Avid Reader in Davis and some great questions were asked.

Here are just some of the questions and my answers:

From someone I spoke to before the talk: “I have bad moods (anxiety and depression) and really bad sugar and bread cravings and I’m hoping this book will address all of this.”
My answer: “Great question, because often mood problems go hand-in hand with cravings and addictive behaviors.  For example low endorphins can make you feel sad and also lead to comfort eating – so you address the low endorphins and both sadness and comfort eating is resolved.  A similar case can be made for feeling anxious and eating to calm down – address the low GABA and both will resolve! You’ll love this book!”

And another question after the talk: “I do get anxious, but I really love my coffee. Do I really have to give up coffee or can I drink decaf?”
My answer: “This is a great question too, and one I get a lot. I see so many of my clients benefit from quitting coffee altogether that I really think it’s worth a try for you. Also, keep in mind that decaf does contain a small amount of caffeine and a subset of anxious people are just more sensitive to the effects of caffeine. I suggest trying some delicious Dandybend and see how you feel”.

You can read more about my book and these topics at www.antianxietyfoodsolution.com and read a book review by Mira Dessy that was featured in a recent edition of Nourishing Bytes, the ezine produced by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals http://grainsandmore.blogspot.com/2011/06/antianxiety-food-solution.html

Monaco wedding jitters and tips for Charlene’s wedding to her prince

By Trudy Scott 9 Comments

For someone with wedding anxiety, nerves and jitters, here are some great calming tips:

  • Drink less coffee. It’s probably best not to stop completely right before the wedding because of withdrawal headaches. And try a calming herbal tea like chamomile
  • Get outside in the sunshine and do some exercise, which will raise serotonin levels and help with worry and anxiety
  • Get a massage, meditate and/or do some yoga, which are all very relaxing. Studies have shown that yoga actually raises GABA levels and GABA is very calming
  • And if none of these tips help, the amino acid GABA in the form of a sublingual supplement will have immediate relaxing results (if you are low in GABA)

I’m drawn to do this blog post because of the newest royal wedding: this weekend in Monaco, Charlene Wittstock is marrying her prince, Prince Albert II in a lavish 3 day ceremony! And of course there are always plenty of summer weddings.

I’m especially intrigued by this wedding and have been following their story for a few reasons:

  • Charlene Wittstock, who is quite stunning, and a former national swimming champion, comes from South Africa, which is where I grew up!
  • I just love the area around Monaco. In my late 20s while backpacking through Europe I spent some time nearby. And then I had an amazing climbing trip in the south of France a few years ago! And I’m a big romantic at heart so I wish them all the best!

Unfortunately earlier this week there were rumors that Charlene tried to skip town on a one-way flight to South Africa. If it is just wedding jitters and anxiety, the above tips should help. If there is more to it, and Charlene has a serious reason for wanting to back out, I say don’t marry your prince!