Diet, Inflammation, and Mental Health (OCD)

In 2020 I wrote about how Prozac transformed my life. I was not wrong; it did. I believe it helped me get from where I was to where I am. But part of healing is regularly reassessing what works… and what may no longer be working for you.

Recently, I started a strict elimination diet to help clear my adult acne (which I developed a week after having COVID-19). While it was not my intention to discontinue Prozac, my elimination diet had a surprising result — I am no longer anxious and depressed.

In one month, I was able to completely ween off of Prozac. There is a calmness, clarity, and contentment at my core that I did not feel before. Since I feel calmer, I am present and able to utilize the tools I have learned to deal with intrusive thoughts (Exposure and Response Prevention & mindfulness). I am certain this positive change is not circumstantial because my life has been stressful.

Granted, it has only been a month, but I am optimistic about this unexpected change.

Elimination Diet

I eliminated dairy, gluten, refined sugar, nightshades, eggs, peanuts, soy, alcohol, almost all grains, and anything cooked or processed with oils like sunflower, safflower, canola, etc.

I increased my intake of organic healthy fats, cruciferous vegetables, and meat.

I also adopted intermittent fasting and eat within an 8-hour window.

A typical day

breakfast:

raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries

unsweetened coconut flakes

cashews, pecans, walnuts

lunch:

bone broth soup with chicken, carrots, plenty of kale and whatever vegetables I have on hand

dinner:

salad with avocado, kale, greens, plenty of bacon, cashews, potatoes, and whatever vegetables I have on hand

snacks:

pistachios, cashews, pecans, or walnuts

berries

drinks:

organic black coffee

green or herbal tea

sparkling water

lemon water

*all food is certified organic and unprocessed

Potential Evidence

My current diet is anti-inflammatory. After noticing how it had a profound effect on my mental health, I did a basic internet search for a link between OCD and inflammation — the results were pretty surprising. I found evidence that OCD could be connected to inflammation. There is even a clinical trial for an anti-inflammatory medication for the treatment of OCD currently going on.

“The results of the study were clear: in the brain regions associated with OCD, individuals with the disorder had 32 percent more inflammation when compared with people without the condition.”

Sources:

Inflammation in the Neurocircuitry of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

OCD May Be Linked to Inflammation in the Brain

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Autoimmunity and Neuroinflammation

Clinical Trial for an Anti-inflammatory Medication for the Treatment of OCD

My Conclusion

I have reconsidered my approach to my own mental health. I think an SSRI had its place in my life, but hopefully it will no longer be a permanent fixture of my medicine cabinet.

Me feeling happier and healthier than I have in years (…maybe even ever)

I do not shame people for taking psychiatric medication. I do not intend to patronize people by saying, “hey, just change your diet” … because I know firsthand how debilitating depression and anxiety can be. Some days getting off of the couch could be a struggle. How could you adopt a challenging elimination diet if you don’t even have the energy to move? I get it. Maybe the circumstances of your life do not support such a radical dietary change. Maybe they never will. Whose to say? I am certainly not advising others. I am only sharing my personal experience in hopes that it can benefit someone out there.

For me this diet has made a difference.

*This is not intended to be medical advice. This is only my personal experience. Always consult with your doctor about your own health.