Nutrition & Mental health

▴ nutrition-mental-health
New research finds that your food choices may also affect your mood and mental health. This is sometimes called the “food-mood connection.”

     We are aware that the food you eat affects our body. There have been many studies that have shown that there is a considerable connection between the food choices that we make towards our overall health. Eating a healthy meal along with a good physical routine helps us to maintain a healthy body weight and a healthy heart thus helping in reducing the risk of developing any kind of chronic diseases going forward.

New research finds that your food choices may also affect your mood and mental health. This is sometimes called the “food-mood connection.”

 Path to improved health

There have not been many studies about the “food-mood connection” but whatever that has been done, have shown mixed results. In some of the studies, it was seen that people who don’t have a healthy diet were more likely to report symptoms of depression or other mental health issues hence suggesting some association between certain nutrients in food and emotional well being. These nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, vitamin D, magnesium, B vitamins, and tryptophan. These are all found in foods that are part of a healthy diet.

For now, the best way to use nutrition to support your mental health is to focus on your overall dietary patterns. A healthy, balanced diet should include:

Fruits and vegetables Whole grains Low-fat dairy Lean protein Limited amounts of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar.

 The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have a beneficial diet for overall health and brain health. A study done by A Sanchez-Villegas, et al, in 2006, on Mediterranean diet and depression showed that the adherence to a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern which ensures an adequate eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods such as fish, fruits and vegetables, beans, and whole grains. It also limits high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and such important sources of nutrients have been linked to depression prevention.

 Another study by Author links open overlay panel Natalie Parletta, et al, in 2013 on Nutritional modulation of cognitive function and mental health, suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet can facilitate healthy brain function. The role of selected nutrients are known to be high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins which is studied and proved to have a positive effect on the brain and in turn have a modulation of cognitive function and mental health. 

 Hence, a healthy diet could be as important to mental health as it is to physical health. 

Mental illness is serious. In some cases, it can even be life-threatening. If you are struggling with mental health issues, talk to your family doctor. He or she can help you find the right type of treatment and support.

 The importance of good nutritional intake since an early age is has been studied in multiple studies, which suggests that a poor diet which are high levels of saturated fat, refined carbohydrates and processed food products, which is linked to lower mental health in children and adolescents.

 Also, there are a range of inequalities that can contribute to the development of mental health problems. Other factors such as poorer physical health, living in poverty, bad environment or communities, have been found to be associated with poorer mental health and wellbeing. Both these inequality factors have also been shown to have a complex relationship with poor nutrition and how these factors interact with each other to affect mental health can be complex. .   

 The relationship between obesity and mental health problems is also a topic of concern. Poor nutrition can lead to physical health issues such as obesity, though there are a number of other factors that could affect the direction and or strength of the association with mental health including severity of obesity, socioeconomic status, food availability and level of education, gender, age and ethnicity. Results from a 2010 systematic review found two-way associations between depression and obesity, finding that people who were obese had a 55% increased risk of developing depression over time, whereas people experiencing depression had a 58% increased risk of becoming obese.

 There have been efforts to close the ‘mortality gap’ for people with severe mental health problems, who on average tend to die 10 to 25 years earlier than the general population. A number of factors may contribute to this premature mortality, including dietary and nutritional factors, among other things.

 While a healthy diet can help recovery, it should sit alongside other treatments recommended by your doctor. 

 

A Sánchez-Villegas, Mediterranean diet and depression, Volume 9Issue 8A, December 2006 , pp. 1104-1109 https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/public-health-nutrition/article/mediterranean-diet-and-depression/67F265CA11470ADC1C9AD2838B7340B7
Tags : #medicircle #myhealth #mentalhealth #researchmental #nutrition #healthmental #mentalhealthawareness #eatright #talktome #nojudgementzone #mentalillness

Related Stories

Loading Please wait...

-Advertisements-




Trending Now

The Bitter Truth Behind Sweet Treats: Hidden Cancer Risks in Your Favorite CakesOctober 03, 2024
Ageing Faster Than You Think? Discover How a Simple Cheek Swab Could Save Your LifeOctober 03, 2024
The University of Tasmania invites international student applications for their Tasmanian International ScholarshipOctober 03, 2024
A New Hope for Type 1 Diabetes: Tackling Blood Sugar Drops with Somatostatin BlockersOctober 03, 2024
Prostate Cancer Strikes Young: The Alarming Rise of Aggressive Cases in Men Under 50October 03, 2024
Fleetguard Filters Private Limited (FFPL) Wins Prestigious ‘Iconic Brands of India 2024’ at the This recognition adds to Fleetguard's growing list of accolades, further establishing its position as a leader in the automotive industry. The company remains dedicated to advancing innovation and providing solutions that consistently meet the changing needs of its customers.October 03, 2024
Mr. Piush Srivastava, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications of Fleetguard Filters Pvt. Ltd, Awarded 'Marketing Maverick' by Dun & Bradstreet October 01, 2024
Chikungunya Strikes Back: The Forgotten Virus Making a Deadly ComebackOctober 01, 2024
The Hidden Cancer Risk in Your Morning Routine: How Poor Oral Hygiene May Be Endangering Your HealthOctober 01, 2024
Toxic Wrappings: Is Your Food Packaging Linked to Breast Cancer?September 30, 2024
My body, Is it my own?September 30, 2024
A Cure for Type 1 Diabetes? The Game-Changing Power of Stem Cell TherapySeptember 30, 2024
The Future of Health: Why Ayurveda's Inclusion in Ayushman Bharat is a MilestoneSeptember 30, 2024
Nutriwiz Launches Affordable Milk Mixes to Combat Micronutrient Deficiencies at ISF 2024September 28, 2024
World Heart Day- Tetsuya Yamada - Managing Director, OMRON Healthcare India.September 28, 2024
Amritapuri Celebrates Amma's 71st BirthdaySeptember 28, 2024
Is Poor Sleep During Pregnancy Setting Your Baby Up for Developmental Challenges?September 28, 2024
Can India Save Modern Medicine? The War Against Antimicrobial Resistance Begins HereSeptember 28, 2024
Mpox Clade I: The Deadly Virus India's Fighting to ContainSeptember 28, 2024
From Desk to Date: Quick Hair Transformations for busy ProfessionalsSeptember 27, 2024