Nutrition’s Impact on Mental Health (Part 2 of 2)

By: The Well Staff

Like any other body part, the brain depends on essential nutrients found in food to function properly.

So we have already covered the health risks associated with a poor diet, but what can we do through eating better to live a more mentally superior life?

Direct links lie between mental health and proper nutrition. People’s emotions and mental health suffer when they don’t get the vital nutrients from their diet.

People who don’t maintain a diet rich in vitamins and minerals such as B6, C, and D, as well as calcium and zinc, are at risk of developing major health problems and even nerve damage. Anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue, and paranoia may all be felt due to the brain’s inability to perform its vital functions. Taking in and remembering information, as well as thinking clearly, may be difficult for the individual. We risk further brain and adverse health effects if we fail to address these deficiencies.

It is important to note that improper excessive dieting can lead to detrimental impacts on the brain. Common among teenagers, who are more susceptible to peer pressure, is unnecessary dieting due to an innate desire to seem slimmer or lose more weight. Overdoing this approach can lead to self-imposed starvation in teenagers. As a result, the person becomes weak, tired, and unable to think clearly or concentrate. Consistently starving oneself can lead to malnutrition and various health-related psychological issues, such as eating disorders.

However, a proper diet can help one’s mental well-being in various ways. Observations have found that people who consume a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and mackerel, are less likely to suffer from depression. Foods rich in artificial sweeteners and empty calories, like soda, should be avoided. Consuming excess amounts inhibit the body’s ability to absorb insulin, making it feel weak and more susceptible to mood swings. Eat a well-balanced meal every day to stay healthy. Research, follow a food pyramid that suits your lifestyle, and seek the counsel of a doctor or other health care professional when preparing your meals. A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for your overall well-being, on both a physical and psychological level.

Proper nutrition is good for our mental health

It’s true! Eating healthy isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good too. And when you feel good, you are more likely to be happy. And when you’re happy, you are more likely to be productive at work and school.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, but we overlook it when discussing nutrition. The truth is that the foods we eat can significantly impact how our brains function. A healthy diet can improve our moods and help us fight depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses.

Here are some tips for getting started:

1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and folate that keep our brains functioning properly. They also contain antioxidants that protect against free radicals, which cause cell damage and inflammation in the body.
2. Choose whole grains over refined grains like white bread or pasta. They have more fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels in the body. It also helps maintain digestive regularity, preventing bloating and constipation. Fiber and whole grains may improve moods and reduce stress levels by lowering blood pressure.
3. Choose lean proteins like fish over red meat. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are essential to brain health. At the same time, red meat contains saturated fat, which can increase cholesterol levels in the body, causing heart disease and leading to depression symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pains.
4. Avoid sugar as much as possible because it spikes blood sugar levels, leaving the body to feel hyperactive and jittery.

Using these methods for a month while avoiding unhealthy meals, drinking enough water, and getting plenty of exercise is guaranteed to make us feel much better. Trust me; I’ve been there.