A Doctor in the Wilderness

A fascinating autobiography of GP, organic gardener and advocate of disease prevention by sound nutrition

by Walter Yellowlees

The role of nutrition is fundamental to human health and well-being. It is, however, often overlooked when treating people with mental health problems.

Nutrition and Mental Health: a handbook explains the science behind nutrition and its effects on mental health in a clear, accessible way. It helps readers to think about the complex and dynamic relationship between mental health, diet and nutrition. It explores how mental health and mental illness related factors, dietary factors and other social, biological and environmental factors interact to affect mental well-being.

Readers should be reminded of the pioneering research which inspired those who founded the organic movement. True health can never be restored until the soil, crops and livestock on which humanity depend, are nurtured and used according to nature's laws.

About the Author

Walter Yellowlees was a pioneer in the now popular “five-a-day” approach to nutrition.

He graduated from Edinburgh University in medicine in 1941. His first professional appointment was as a house surgeon at Stirling Royal Infirmary.

He joined the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1942. On June 7, 1944, with the 5th Battalion of the Cameron Highlanders, he landed in Normandy. A week later, at the battle of Sainte Honorine, he was awarded the Military Cross for his outstanding bravery, tending the wounded under heavy fire.

After the war he decided to go into general practice and remained as a family doctor for 33 years until his retirement in 1981.

He was great believer in preventative medicine, encouraging his patients to exercise and take up eating habits now enshrined in the five-a-day campaign. In advocating the prevention of illness through exercise and sound nutrition, he devoted his energy to promoting to his patients the value of eating fruit and vegetables, reducing their sugar intake, choosing wholemeal bread instead of white, and butter instead of margarine.

See also:

• Obituary: Dr Walter Yellowlees, 97

• Listen to Dr Yellowless on BBC's The Food Programme in "Eat Well, Age Well?"