Nutrition's Impact on Trauma, Anxiety, Insomnia, and Bariatric Assessments

Nutrition plays a vital yet often overlooked role in mental health, especially when it comes to trauma, anxiety, insomnia, and bariatric evaluations. The food we consume can have a profound impact not only on our physical well-being but also on our emotional and psychological state. As someone with two master’s degrees—one in clinical psychology and another in applied nutrition—I am passionate about integrating these two disciplines to provide an integrative approach to mental health care. Here’s how nutrition influences these critical areas from a mental health perspective:

Trauma and Anxiety:

Fueling Recovery Through Nutrition

Trauma can trigger chronic stress and anxiety, leading to a disruption in the body's natural stress response. When trauma occurs, the body shifts into a heightened state of alert, often resulting in poor digestion, nutrient malabsorption, and weakened immunity. In my work with clients who have experienced both single-incident and complex trauma, I’ve seen firsthand how poor nutritional habits can exacerbate symptoms.

Long-standing stressors can lead to unmet nutritional needs, which, in turn, may worsen emotional regulation and contribute to persistent anxiety. Nutrients such as magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins support a balanced mood and calm the nervous system. My approach integrates nutritional psychology to address these gaps, helping clients restore their physical and mental health. By prioritizing balanced, nutrient-dense foods, clients can experience reduced symptoms and an improved ability to cope with stressors.

Insomnia:

Nutrition’s Role in Sleep Quality

Insomnia can be a symptom of trauma and anxiety or a standalone issue. The relationship between sleep and nutrition is cyclical—poor sleep can lead to unhealthy eating habits, and inadequate nutrition can affect sleep quality. Certain nutrients, like tryptophan, melatonin, and magnesium, support healthy sleep patterns.

For clients struggling with insomnia, I emphasize the importance of creating a nutritional foundation that promotes restful sleep. This includes avoiding stimulants, reducing sugar intake, and increasing foods that promote relaxation and natural melatonin production. In many cases, optimizing nutrition can alleviate the severity of insomnia and support the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which is often disrupted by trauma and anxiety.

Bariatric Evaluations:

Addressing the Mental and Nutritional Connection

For those undergoing bariatric evaluations, the mental aspect of nutrition is just as important as the physical. Often, individuals seeking bariatric surgery have a complex relationship with food, influenced by emotional eating, disordered eating patterns, or unresolved trauma. I consider how these psychological factors impact nutrition choices and long-term health during evaluations.

Bariatric surgery is a significant life change that requires sustained nutritional adjustments post-operation. My evaluations focus on building a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food while addressing underlying emotional factors that may have contributed to weight gain. By working through the psychological ties to eating habits, clients can better prepare for the surgery and succeed in their post-surgery.