Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (324 page)

Get outside every day in daylight. Daylight is vital for normalizing body rhythms and moods. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day.

Deal with stress. Schizophrenia may be linked to chronic and acute
stress. If stress is a problem for you then consider talking therapies, yoga, tai chi, and visualizations. Support groups can also be helpful.

Insulin resistance (see page
326
) has been found to be common in those diagnosed with schizophrenia. This is particularly important if you are on antipsychotic medication, as there is some research that suggests that schizophrenics who take antipsychotic medication may be at increased risk of developing diabetes.

Avoid toxic metals such as lead, aluminum, cadmium, and mercury. These can interfere with brain chemistry and nutrient absorption. Sources include pollution, amalgam fillings, deodorants, cigarette smoke, some paint, lead water pipes, aluminum cooking utensils, and some fish such as tuna, swordfish, and shark.

Reduce copper intake and exposure and increase zinc intake. Those with schizophrenia tend to have high copper relative to zinc. Use a water filter and avoid copper cookware.

SCOLIOSIS

This is a condition that I have lived with since the age of 14. I have a theory that my body was not metabolizing enough vitamin D and the mineral manganese in my formative years when my bones were developing. Now as a practitioner, I always recommend to young teenagers that they take extra supplements of bone-building minerals to enhance skeletal growth.

The spine is twisted sideways, creating a lateral curve and can also come outwardly creating a humped appearance. Scoliosis is usually diagnosed as being thoracic or lumbar or both depending where the curving is on the spine. As the spine twists, it pulls the ribs out of normal position, too. Single and double curves can occur, creating a C shape or a sort of S shape. Often the hip will be affected, too. Although it can be apparent at birth, it more often occurs during the growth spurt years in childhood. The teenage years are the ones to watch for the development of this condition, but it can occur earlier.

In addition, the muscles around the spine become overly tense, often resulting in low-grade to excruciating pain. Not everyone experiences the pain as a symptom, although many do. Traditional treatment involves wearing a brace and, more radically, surgery where a metal rod is inserted into the back. Girls are affected more by this condition than boys.

UNDERLYING CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

Vitamin D deficiency.

Manganese deficiency.

General mineral deficiencies.

Hereditary.

Hormonal influences during growth spurt years.

Carrying heavy bags on one shoulder for prolonged periods of time.

Playing musical instruments that require a lopsided position, like the violin.