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An interesting new study finds that the attitude of family members toward mental illness can aid or hinder the recovery of mentally ill relatives.Researchers from Northern Illinois University discovered that while family members often provide critical support, they also can sometimes be the source of stigmatizing attitudes that impede the recovery of mentally ill relatives.

“Negative attitudes of family members have the potential to affect the ways that mentally ill persons view themselves, adversely influencing the likelihood of recovery from the illness,” said lead researcher Dr. Fred Markowitz, an NIU professor of sociology.

The findings of Markowitz and his colleagues are found in Social Psychology Quarterly.

In the research, 129 mothers of adult children with schizophrenia were studied over an 18-month period.

“In short, what mom thinks matters,” Markowitz said. “It’s a chain of effects that unfolds.

“We found that when those with mental illness exhibited greater levels of initial symptoms, lower self-confidence and quality of life, their mothers tended to view them in more stigmatized terms—for example, seeing them as ‘incompetent,’ ‘unpredictable,’ and ‘unreliable,’” Markowitz continued.

“When mothers held these views, their sons and daughters with mental illness were more likely to come to see themselves in similar terms—what social psychologists call ‘the reflected appraisals process.’ Importantly, when the individuals with mental illness took on these stigmatizing views of themselves, their symptoms became somewhat greater and levels of self-confidence and quality of life lower.”

Prior studies have suggested that the stigma related to mental illness can be a major impediment to recovery, affecting self-esteem and even job prospects. But research has not historically examined the links between stigma, reflected appraisals, identity formation, and recovery, Markowitz said.

“Our study is part of research that is starting to more fully examine how stigma affects the self-concept and identity of those with mental illness,” he said.

Markowitz and his colleagues believe it is important to acknowledge that many of the sentiments conveyed toward ill relatives grow out of positive intentions and reflect attempts to cope with the difficulties of having a relative with serious mental illness. Yet, stigmatizing attitudes are of concern because of their potential adverse effects.

“This study highlights the notion that recovery from mental illness is not simply a matter of controlling symptoms as indicated by a strictly ‘psychiatric’ perspective,” Markowitz said. “It is, to a certain extent, a social-psychological process.

“The ways in which people, including family members and service providers, think about persons with mental illness affect the beliefs and actions of the individuals with mental illness, in turn shaping the trajectory of recovery.”

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Scientists have found that a widely used antipsychotic drug may influence overeating, weight gain and insulin resistance by lowering body temperature.In the study, Dutch researchers studied olanzapine (brand name Zyprexa), an atypical antipsychotic drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Olanzapine has been associated with weight gain and impaired blood sugar levels in humans and experimental animals.

In a series of studies, researchers sought to reveal underlying mechanisms for olanzapine’s metabolic effects by studying healthy adult male volunteers. Co-author Dr. Anton Scheurink, said they sought to examine the ”mysterious interaction between schizophrenia and diabetes.”

Their findings confirmed previous observations that olanzapine induces weight gain by increasing caloric intake. But it was also found to reduce body temperature, an action which contributes to decreased energy expenditure.

The finding that olanzapine treatment reduces body temperature may explain many of its side effects. The authors also found that olanzapine alters peripheral glucose metabolism, which may contribute to impaired insulin sensitivity.

According to lead author Simon Evers, “Our research group believes that reduced body temperature is the foremost direct and consistent effect of olanzapine in humans and in experimental animals.

“Reduced body temperature might explain several of olanzapine’s metabolic side effects, including increased food intake, reduced energy expenditure, sedation, high blood sugar, body weight gain, and insulin resistance.”

You must either be in control of the food resources of your household or in a position to strongly influence them.

This may be difficult in some situations.

Make the effort to discover “natural” foods.

Fresh fruits and raw or barely cooked vegetables are important. Soy bean sprouts, yogurt, garlic, honey, apple cider vinegar, wheat germ, various seeds and nuts, and bran are important. These are highly recommended foods that do more than their fair share of keeping your body functioning well.

Avoid refined, processed and additive-heavy foods.

Refined and processed foods are generally calorie rich and nutritionally poor or empty, including those labeled “enriched”. Most packaged cereals, candies, commercial ice cream, colas etc., fall into this category. Neither the federal government nor manufacturers have established the safety of the more than 5,500 chemical additives going into our food chains.

Eliminate refined white sugar. It is only calories and has no other nutritional value.

Substitute “raw” sugar if you are a non-diabetic and a low calorie sugar substitute if you are a diabetic. Whichever you select, use this sweetener in moderation.

Eliminate refined/bleached flours.

They all have the nutritional value processed out of them and are empty starches. Substitute whole grain flour for refined white flour. This includes products made with flour. For example, breads, bagels, muffins, and rolls. Eliminate white bread and select whole grain or multigrain breads. Most stores have a wide selection of healthy bread products. Some are also listed as low calorie/reduced carbohydrate. The lower calorie breads are an excellent choice for the person trying to lose weight in addition to eating healthier.

Decrease junk foods.

These foods include candy, snacks, desserts, etc. Substitute healthier foods such as fruits, seeds, nuts, and raw vegetables.

Eliminate, or greatly reduce, your intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, colas, and other carbonated beverages.

These beverages can become addictive and can actually stimulate your appetite causing you to eat more food and/or consume more of the same beverage. Most of these beverages have demonstrated health hazards in research studies and have contributed to specific disease processes.

You will discover you best meal regime, but it is important to begin each day with a decent breakfast.

It makes sense to do this because, as the word indicates, you should be breaking a fast of many hours in order to avoid low blood sugar levels. There is no law that says we have to eat three meals a day; but people generally find this convenient and sensible pattern. Some people, especially those especially those with low blood sugar problems, find it beneficial to eat more frequently (but less); others eat only if, and when they may be hungry. You must find what is best for you.

Eliminate foods with High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Sometimes abbreviated HFCS on the label. This is a sweetened/additive that has absolutely no nutritional value and actually causes the body to crave more food. The body metabolizes this additive as a concentrated sugar; it stimulates the appetite and causes weight gain. You need to read all the labels carefully to eliminate this additive. It is in carbonated beverages, “soda”, canned fruits, canned soups, processed foods, yogurts, etc. It is in many foods as one of the main ingredients.

Select healthier choices without the HFCS, such as canned fruits with “no sugar added” or labeled as being natural. It is difficult to eliminate this additive completely from your diet.

I suggest you attempt to eliminate it the best you can. The foods that still contain HFCS that you enjoy eating should be eaten in moderation or on a special occasion.

Eat High-fiber roughage daily.

The best source for this is bran. Fiber is the part of plants that gives them structure. In food, fiber is commonly referred to as roughage or bulk. It is the portion of food that is not broken down and digested as it passes through the body.

There are two kinds of dietary fibers. Insoluble fibers aid in digestion and promote regularity. Soluble fibers can help lower blood cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. Both should be consumed as part of a healthy lifestyle. Fiber is only found in plant foods, so eat more whole grains, vegetables, dried beans seeds and fruits. How much fiber should I add to my diet? Americans eat approximately 9-13 grams of fiber per day. This is not enough. You should consume 30-45 grams daily.

SOURCES OF FIBER Excellent Very Good Good Fair None •All-Bran
•100% Bran Cereals
•Kidney Beans
•Pinto Beans
•Navy Beans
•Barley
•Whole Wheat Pasta
•Dried Lentils
•Apples
•Pears
•Raspberries
•Strawberries
•Raisins
•Bran Muffins
•Broccoli
•Brussels Sprouts
•Carrots
•Corn
•Potatoes with Skins
•Spinach
•Oranges
•Whole Wheat Products
•Brown Rice
•Cabbage
•Cauliflower
•Asparagus
•Celery
•Apricots
•Pineapple
•Peaches
•Grapes
•Watermelon
•Lettuce
•White, Refined Breads & Cereals
•Meat, Fish, Poultry
•Dairy Products
•Eggs

Consider taking a vitamin supplement or several supplements as recommended by your health care provider.

Discuss your nutritional concern and questions with them. The USA’s RDA’s (Recommended Daily Allowances) for some vitamins and minerals are set at levels lower than might be desirable and tolerable for you, especially if you have special dietary restrictions.

Take eating seriously.

Avoid eating on the run or under pressure. Let eating always be a pleasure—a joy without becoming an obsession. Plan your meals and the circumstances surrounding them. Whether yours is a religious or simply a philosophical perspective, precede eating with a moment of reflection, linking the process with your life’s meaning and purpose. Eat unhurriedly, chewing well, and savoring every meal. Make eating a pleasant experience.

Control sodium.

Do not add salt to foods. Most prepared foods already have a significant amount of sodium added. Choose foods naturally low in sodium. Learn to read labels and select lower sodium content foods. Remove the salt- shaker from the table and do not add salt to foods while cooking or baking. Try to use other seasoning instead of salt. Season or marinate meats with fresh herbs ahead of time to bring out the natural flavor.

Maintain adequate hydration.

Water is the best choice. Drink 8-10 glasses a day.

Avoid fast foods.

They are high in calories, saturated fats, and have limited nutritional value. Most times after a large meal at fast food restaurants, you will feel hungry within a few hours. This is your body’s response to the high glycemic index (sugar and starch content) in the foods that were consumed.

Try to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

Get some type of regular exercise on a regular basis.

This helps maintain a healthy metabolism.

Limit daily alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Clean hands, food contact surfaces, and fruits and vegetables to avoid food borne illnesses. Do not leave food unrefrigerated for extended periods of time.

Avoid unpasteurized milk and juice, raw or undercooked eggs, and raw or undercooked meat and poultry.

Add more Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids improve serum triglyceride profiles, stabilize heart rhythms, reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity in patients with Type 2 Diabetes, and enhance the immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids also help dissolve body fat and increase metabolism and energy production. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, fish oil supplements, walnuts, flaxseed, and canola oil.

THE IMPORTANCE OF OMEGA-3 FATS
IN WEIGHT LOSS •Omega-3 fats are energizing and help you exercise longer.
•Flaxseed oil helps the cells of the body (particularly muscle cells) to respond more effectively to the body’s fat-burning hormones.
•This increase in the efficiency of the hormonal response helps the body burn calories better.
•Omega-3 fats, like those found in flaxseed, if used in childhood, can help prevent the development of an excessive number of fat cells.
•Those with more fat cells are more likely to be overweight. This has led some researchers to Omega-3 fats “anti-obesity fats.”
•Omega-3 fats make food taste good and release the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) from the stomach to send a message to the brain when we have eaten sufficiently.
•Without that message, we continue to feel hungry. A little bit of fat goes a long way!
•Omega-3 fats help burn excess calories instead of depositing them as fatty tissue.