Foods that Combat PTSD Symptoms from Rape

The human body is truly an amazing system. On a daily basis, our bodies are fulfilled by getting enough exercise, sleeping regularly, and by eating a balanced and healthy diet. With this, the human body also fights internal and external threats like viruses, grief, or trauma. According to Psychology Today, trauma can directly affect one’s digestive and gastrointestinal systems within the body. Trauma disrupts the microbiome, which can later cause larger issues in terms to the body’s immune system and overall physical health. 

Recent research has displayed that by being more conscious of our food choices, improvements are made towards our mental and physical well-beings. After experiencing trauma to the body, such as sexual assault, it is easy to resort to familiar comfort foods that are high in sugar, fats, and sodium. It is important to remember that like our minds and our gut health needs time and healthy substances to heal. A study conducted in 2011 found that women with PTSD symptoms were more likely to binge on fast-food. Although many of the women noted that these bingeing episodes helped reduce their PTSD symptoms in the moment, these women experienced more PTSD symptoms in the long run and were at a higher risk of weight gain compared to women that ate more healthy (Hirth 2011). 

Foods that have been known to help combat PTSD symptoms include blueberries, dairy products like cheese and milk, walnuts and leafy green vegetables. Look for foods that are high in folic acids, protein, and Omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to proper counseling, other professional help and time, consuming a balanced diet can help to support your healing process.

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Sources:

20 Mins Of Meditation Can Reduce PTSD Symptoms; These 5 Foods Might Help Too! (2018). NDTV.Com. https://www.ndtv.com/food/20-mins-of-meditation-can-reduce-ptsd-symptoms-these-5-foods-might-help-too-1800218

Gillihan, S. J. (2019). Can the Right Diet Help You Heal From Trauma? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/think-act-be/201912/can-the-right-diet-help-you-heal-trauma

Hirth, J. M., Rahman, M., & Berenson, A. B. (2011). The Association of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with Fast Food and Soda Consumption and Unhealthy Weight Loss Behaviors Among Young Women. Journal of Women’s Health, 20(8), 1141–1149. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2010.2675