Violent Behaviors Linked to Nutritional Deficiencies

WASHINGTON According to the Wise Traditions, the Journal of the Weston A. Price Foundation, vitamin and mineral deficiencies contribute to mental instability and violent behavior.

The report, "Violent Behavior: A Solution in Plain Sight,"  written by Sylvia Onusic, Ph.D., CNS, LDN, investigates reasons for the increase in violent behavior in America, specifically in teenagers.

"We blame violence on the media and on the breakdown of the home, but the fact is, a large number of Americansliving mostly on devitalized processed foodsare suffering from malnutrition and in most cases, this means their brains are starving," Onusic said.

Doctors are noticing a return of nutritional deficiency diseases that long ago were declared eradicated by public officials, and many of these diseases are causing brain injuries, according to the article. Some of these diseases are caused by malnutrition with the following vitamins and minerals: vitamins A, D, K, B1, B3, B6, B12, folate, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, chromium, manganese and minerals iodine.

One particular disease is Pellagra, a condition caused by deficiency in vitamin B3, and includes symptoms such as anxiety, hyperactivity, depression, fatigue, headache, insomnia and hallucinations. A zinc deficiency is linked to angry, aggressive and hostile behaviors that can result in violence.

"Excitotoxins that are so prevalent in the food supply such as MSG and aspartame are making matters worse," Onusic said. "People who live on processed food and drink diet sodas are exposed to these mind-altering chemicals at very high levels."

There are several other ingredients in the food supply that are linked to violent behavior including sugar, artificial colors and flavorings, caffeine, alcohol and soy foods. The toxic environmental burden of these ingredients include mercury, arsenic, lead, fire retardants, pesticides, heavy metals and Teflon.

For more studies on mental health and vitamin and mineral deficiencies, visit INSIDER articles "B12, Folate Reduce Schizophrenia Symptoms" and "Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Mental Illness."