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The Nutritional Cure for Crime

In my opinion, the majority of mental health problems may be attributed to sub-clinical malnutrition.

Too many dairy and refined wheat products on food bank shelves. Yet both dairy and wheat allergies are often the main cause of behavior problems among both children and adults.

Even a multivitamin pack per family would be a good addition there.

Additionally, energy drinks need to contain more nutritional ingredients rather than taurine and caffeine. Indeed, municipalities need to pass a bylaw restricting energy drinks and caffeinated beverages to people 16 and older. No child needs caffeine in their soda pop, nor do they need aspartame-laced diet cola.

Malnutrition also may contribute to criminal behavior.

According to a report by J Patrick, a definite relationship between a low-protein low-carbohydrate diet and aggression is suggested by studies involving Peruvian peasants, First Nations people, Canadian Inuit, and Australian Aborigines who suffer bodily illnesses associated with some mental dysfunction.

"Violent criminals seem to live principally on candy bars, cokes, coffee, and alcohol; this further aggravates their condition, as their blood sugar levels fluctuate daily. In addition, they may lack vitamin C, an outstanding anti-stress agent, and the nerve-relaxing B vitamins such as B-1 or B-3 (niacin)." — J. Patrick, Malnutrition and the Criminal State of Mind

Sub-clinical pellagra (B-3 vitamin deficiency) or allergy of the brain may be seen as two possible causes of headaches and dizziness. Furthermore, criminals in prison prefer junk-food over a healthy diet.

While the report by Patrick is useful to support the suggestion of providing better nutrition to people living in poverty, there is need for improved nutrition provided to prisons.

Although the sentiment exists that prisoners should not be allowed the luxuries of freedom, the nutritional content of food prepared for such institutions is lacking in providing adequate vitamin C and niacin.

I am thankful that food banks have been established in almost all cities with a significant number of people in poverty.

In order to reduce criminal behavior, we would need to view prisons in a different light. Prisoners are human beings with the same rights as everyone else, save that their criminal behavior have placed them in an institution where adequate nutrition is not always the priority.

Originally posted: June 22, 2009 at 1928H
Updated: February 15, 2013 at 0006H

J. Patrick, Malnutrition and the Criminal State of Mind: https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/Abstract.aspx?id=63701

Sub-clinical and covert malnutrition: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/990570

Understanding nutrition, depression and mental illness: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738337/

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