Cutting Grains Could Be Your First Step in Healing Mind and Body
Many of us, including myself, have lived with anxiety and depression for years. I tried therapy, different medications, and endless lifestyle changes. Nothing gave me the shift I was desperate for. Ten years ago I changed my diet to keto, and that was when everything finally began to lift. The biggest change came from cutting carbs, and especially eliminating all grains. My mind felt clearer, my mood more stable, and for the first time in years I felt like myself again. If you are suffering, I want to encourage you to try removing grains from your diet for a short time, even a few weeks, just to see what happens. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so why not try it.
Richard Smith, a nutritionist who shares openly about his own struggles, went through something very similar. His story reminds me how so many of us go years without realizing what is happening inside our bodies. We say things like “I guess this is my life” or “I guess this is my normal.” Richard thought the same way. In his twenties, he was obese, diabetic, and nearly bedridden with anxiety and depression. He speaks about isolating himself, feeling trapped, and trying to find answers. His turning point came when he removed grains and refined carbs from his diet. What followed was not only physical healing but a deep mental shift.
Richard explains that grains were a constant trigger for his body. They fueled inflammation, digestive problems, and blood sugar swings that left his brain starved of stable energy. Once he cut them out, his anxiety began to calm, his depression lifted, and his resilience grew. He credits this dietary change with saving his life.
Here’s what Richard wants us to know:
Your brain and body are connected. What you eat directly affects how you feel.
Grains and processed carbs can drive inflammation and unstable blood sugar, both of which are linked to anxiety and depression.
Removing grains gives your body a chance to stabilize hormones, quiet inflammation, and provide your brain with cleaner fuel.
Change is possible, even if therapy and medication haven’t worked the way you hoped.
This doesn’t mean diet is the only tool. Richard also talks about facing past trauma, addiction, and toxic relationships. But he is clear that food was the foundation for his recovery. I feel the same way. My own mental health improved most dramatically when I made changes to my plate.
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, I encourage you to start small. Even one change at a time matters. Maybe it begins with skipping bread at lunch or choosing a protein and vegetable instead of pasta at dinner. Step by step, you give your body the chance to heal. Ask yourself how many grains and processed carbs show up each day. Consider what your body and mind might feel like without them. You may be surprised by the relief that follows.
Your journey does not have to look like anyone else’s. What matters is giving yourself the opportunity to feel better. Change takes patience, but the reward of a calmer mind and a brighter mood is worth it.
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Title: Anxiety, Depression & Picking Yourself Back Up, with Keto Pro Richard Smith YouTube
Disclaimer: The content shared here is for informational and educational purposes only and should never be taken as medical advice.
In writing this blog post, my goal is to distill research findings into a clear, approachable format that encourages critical thinking and empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
