According to the Association for Comprehensive Neurotherapy, a diet rich in whole grains and protein may be beneficial for reducing symptoms of OCD and preventing anxious reactions.
Vitamin B12 and folate are thought to be effective in OCD treatment due to their associations with neurotransmitters. Depending on their antioxidant effect, zinc and selenium can be used in augmentation therapy for OCD. However, both trace elements and vitamin B12/folate can be affected by diet.
The results of the study showed that OCD may be associated with vitamin D deficiency and there is a moderately negative correlation between serum vitamin D levels and OCD symptom severity.
Studies conducted on mice have shown that exercising on a running wheel helps them sprout new connections between neurons in their brains. Exercise may cause the release of “growth factors,” which trigger neurons to make new connections. These new connections may help to reduce symptoms of OCD.
Trauma, stress, and abuse all can be a cause of OCD getting worse. OCD causes intense urges to complete a task or perform a ritual. For those who have the condition, obsessions and compulsions can begin to rule their life.
One of the most effective treatments for OCD is a form of CBT called exposure and response prevention (ERP). This form of therapy is conducted by a trained therapist who exposes you to triggers that may cause your obsessive thoughts, then helps you resist performing your compulsions on your triggers.
However, nutrition has been observed to play a significant role in OCD outcomes. The Western diet, high in sugar and processed foods, does not contain adequate nutrition required to manage OCD and support individuals experiencing symptoms.
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms generally wax and wane over time. Because of this, many individuals diagnosed with OCD may suspect that their OCD comes and goes or even goes away—only to return. However, as mentioned above, obsessive-compulsive traits never truly go away. Instead, they require ongoing management.
Foods containing sugar
The “sugar high” triggers OCD symptoms like exhaustion, mood swings, and anxiety neurosis. Patients with OCD experience acute mental confusion as their blood sugar levels fluctuate due to an excess of refined carbs.
Scientists have found that exercise, when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, can support faster and more lasting recovery from OCD. One study, led by Dr. Ana Abrantes of Butler Hospital in Rhode Island, showed that adding exercise to an OCD treatment regimen can lead to better results.
It's also not uncommon for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to struggle while fasting. One reason? For some with this condition, fasting may exacerbate their OCD symptoms.
The anti-obsessive–compulsive activity of honey may be due to the presence of tryptophan, which is an important precursor of serotonin in the serotonergic neurons, thereby enhancing the biosynthesis of serotonin to facilitate the anti-obsessive–compulsive activity.
OCD onset often occurs in childhood and adolescents, but early adulthood is another peak time for OCD to emerge. Symptoms in adults are similar to those in childhood and adolescence, though with maturity and older age, adults may have a better understanding and insight regarding their condition.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can be treated. The treatment recommended will depend on how much it's affecting your life. The 2 main treatments are: talking therapy – usually a type of therapy that helps you face your fears and obsessive thoughts without "putting them right" with compulsions.
If you think that you might have OCD, you should speak to your doctor. OCD is usually treated with medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or a combination of the two.
The relaxation that comes with deep breathing will kick in after a minute or two, but keep going for five, 10 or even 20 minutes for maximum benefits. During belly breathing, we experience a reduced heart rate, lowered blood pressure and more efficient breathing, each of which promotes a state of calm and relaxation.
Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress. Vitamin E and vitamin C are both antioxidants. People affected by OCD have been shown to be significantly deficient in Vitamin E and slightly deficient in vitamin C [11].
Curcumin is the main bioactive component in the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa). What is this? Curcumin helps OCD by normalizing levels of both dopamine and serotonin and decreasing brain inflammation.
OCD is most commonly triggered in older teens or young adults. Studies indicate that late adolescence is a period of increased vulnerability for the development of OCD. Boys are more likely to experience the onset of OCD prior to puberty and those who have a family member with OCD or Tourette Syndrome are most at risk.