EXPLORING THE VIOLENT BRAIN How Toxic Foods Cause Aggression
The Ups & Downs of Our Time
Over the last few months, so much has been brewing inside all of us, both personally and collectively. There have been tremendous ups and downs, and lately, the “downs” seem to be dominating the news.
The recent act of gun violence in Las Vegas is heartbreaking. It’s hard to get the news of this horrific event out of my head. A gal friend of mine just told me today that her daughter was in the area at the time of the event and is trying to process the drama. Thank goodness her life was spared!
Guns and Politics
The idea that the NRA gives millions of dollars to our politicians (many of whom protect the current “too lenient” gun laws) makes my hair stand on end. And the idea that we need guns at all, to feel safe and protected in our world, causes my heart to sink into my stomach. I believe with my whole soul that we desperately need to teach non-violent communication in our schools, workplaces, and government offices, and shift our focus from dominance “over” others, to cooperation “with” others.
What Is the Underlying Cause of Violent Behavior?
On the surface, there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason for why people are coming out of the woodwork in greater numbers to commit insane acts of violence in our nations’ churches, schools, concert halls, and public places. But when I allow my mind to probe deeper into the possible reasons for the occurrence of these heinous acts, what comes to mind can be summed up in three short words: human brain toxicity.
What people are ingesting through their diets and the prescription medicines they consume, as well as the toxins they are exposed to within the larger environment is sure to be playing a role in the aggressive and violent behavior that we are all witnessing!
Brain toxicity is something that I think our mainstream culture is largely unaware of. But it is a topic that seems to be inviting more attention lately, with the escalation of brain related health conditions such as Parkinson’s and autism, which some doctors and health practitioners believe is the result of chemicals settling in the brain tissues and causing inflammation.
Excitotoxins: Dr Russell Blaylock Sounded the First Alarm about Toxic Food
Today I thought it might be a good idea to share an article with you that was written in 2005 by Dr. Russell Blaylock M.D. Dr. Blaylock has seen all kinds of brains during the course of his long career as a neurosurgeon, and he shocked the natural health community several years ago when he wrote a book titled “Excitotoxins- The Taste that Kills” and explained how certain substances in the American food supply have the power to kill brain cells.
Excitotoxins, Blaylock stated in his book, are found in ingredients such as MSG, as well as aspartame, carageenan, cysteine, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed protein, textured vegetable protein, aspartame, and natural flavorings. The most common adverse effects people experience when consuming foods with these ingredients he said, include: allergic reactions like hives, shortness of breath, and rashes. Others have reported the well-known MSG headache, as well as rapid heartbeat and stomach cramping. And the most serious reactions involve depression and paranoia.
Studies Confirm that “We Are What We Eat!”
In the article below, Blaylock elaborates on the link between a toxic, nutrient deficient diet and violence.
“A recent series of studies confirms the old adage that “you are what you eat” in a way that should concern ALL American’s. The studies show that a poor diet is closely linked to aggression, violence, and even crime. One study involved criminals on probation. Researchers found that those who ate a diet high in sugar and junk food committed antisocial acts at a much higher rate (56% compared to only 8% of those on a healthy diet void of junk food and low in sugar). Similar results were seen in parolees reverting to narcotics use.
A five state study of prison inmates found that violent offenders were deficient in a number of vitally important nutrients. But with nutritional supplementation, violent acts decreased by 38%. In Oklahoma, several institutions for delinquent juveniles saw a 43 % reduction in serious crime after a change in diet.
Sugar, Soy, and Excitotoxins: A Recipe for Violence & Crime
So, what is behind all of this? Two critical factors seem to be hypoglycemia and nutrient deficiencies. Hypoglycemia causes the brain to secrete glutamate, and it also depresses serotonin (the “feel good brain chemical”) levels.
High levels of glutamate in the brain increases aggression and violence while low levels of serotonin in the brain are linked to depression, agitation, violence, and suicide. (Think Stephen Paddock, -the Las Vegas “mad-man”).
As for nutrients, the brain is so dependent on them for proper function that even marginal deficiencies can induce criminal and antisocial behaviors. What we eat can change the balance of critical neurotransmitters that control behavior.
Sugar consumption, a major cause of hypoglycemia, has increased over 2500% over the last 100 years in this country, while the growing popularity of junk food (containing numerous excitotoxins) has led to serious nutrient deficiencies. There is also a low intake of omega 3 oils, which have been shown to fight depression and anxiety.
Another surprising factor may be the rapidly increasing popularity of soy products. A recent study found that in monkeys, soy caused increased aggression among males. All in all, America spears to be paying a heavy price in terms of criminal behavior, for its current dietary trends.”
The “Blaylock Wellness Report" is available here: http://www.blaylockreport.com/
Candia Lea Cole
Founder, Eco-Learning Legacies
www.ecointelligenteating.com
www.eco-mentor.com
