Our own Debbie Nelson had the incredible opportunity to speak with Dr. Teralyn Sell about the country’s current mental health crisis. Unlike other publications and podcasts that only delve into the issues that may have caused the crisis, today’s Alternative to Meds Center podcast also takes a look at holistic solutions that can improve your mental health by way of the adrenal gland.
Dr. Sell’s Inspiration
Originally beginning her career in prison psychiatry, Dr. Sell quickly noticed the consistent over-prescription of incarcerated individuals who were considered “difficult.” This inspired her to search for a holistic method that could better help them, giving them another option beyond psychiatric medications.
After coming across a study conducted in a local jail, Dr. Sell found that Omega-3 fatty acids appeared to have the power to reduce aggression and related behaviors and suggested supplementation to her own facility. While her facility failed to see the potential in her findings, she trusted herself and decided to start her own private practice. Ever since, Dr. Sell has been dedicated to creating new solutions to the mental health crisis by focusing on the adrenal gland.
While most mental health treatments focus on individual and group therapy to help the brain cognitively and emotionally, Dr. Sell also incorporates positive nutrition habits into her work to help her patients heal. This is because mental health is a multifaceted issue that doesn’t have a simple resolution. Instead, every person needs to understand their body’s unique demands so that they can encourage it to get better.
Caffeine, Sugar, and Your Mental Wellness
Your body requires an extensive list of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to function. When you consistently feed it substances that it doesn’t need or can’t use, both the brain and the body can feel the difference. Irritability, inability to keep steady relationships, lack of focus, and even new dependencies can arise when you don’t prioritize your nutrition.
As someone who struggled with caffeine and sugar herself, Debbie Nelson notes how little these foods are talked about in relation to substance use disorders. In fact, it’s been found that many individuals in recovery face problems with sugar and other unhealthy substances simply because they replace their cravings with something new. Unfortunately, not enough treatment centers prioritize implementing healthy nutrition plans for their residents.
Adrenal Fatigue
Your adrenal glands are responsible for multiple crucial bodily functions. They help to regulate your hormones, aggression, stress, and even your immune system. Dr. Sell experienced adrenal fatigue for years, giving her first-hand experience with the side effects that come with low cortisol levels. Symptoms range from extreme tiredness to racing thoughts and the inability to focus.
After testing numerous holistic methods to solve the issue, she found that one of the most important skills anyone struggling can have is knowing how to manage their stress. Learning to meditate, taking essential vitamins like vitamin C, and trying adaptogenic herbs (herbs thought to address the stress response) can all make an immense difference in your stress levels. However, no one will know how to manage your body’s stress better than you.
Understanding Cortisol and How It Impacts Your Life
Cortisol is a chemical produced within your body’s adrenal glands. Because it interacts with your body’s dopamine (the happy hormone) pathways, it gives your body the “drive” to do things. If your cortisol levels falter, you may feel the mental and physical effects almost immediately.
For today’s medical community, one of the most common solutions to low cortisol problems is prescribing an SSRI. Unfortunately, these drugs can have many side effects of their own and frequently create dependencies. Many individuals who are recovering are looking to stay off medications completely or would prefer a more holistic treatment method.
As a long-term mental health advocate and skilled psychiatrist, Dr. Sell has worked to leverage the power of nutrition to help individuals improve their health. By bringing attention to adrenal fatigue and the power of nutrition, she is revolutionizing the conversation surrounding mental health solutions.
If you’d like to continue educating yourself on alternative treatments, mental health, and substance use disorders, make sure to stay up-to-date with the ATMC Podcast.
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