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Nutrition and Mental Health



A healthy diet is frequently mentioned in relation to physical health, but what about mental health? What part does nutrition play in maintaining our mental health? Let's investigate.


We reach for our "comfort food"—usually high-calorie, unhealthy foods—when we're upset or depressed. But why is food so comforting in times of distress? According to research, comfort foods high in fat and carbohydrates have a pleasant taste and make you feel good, but they also have a numbing effect that lowers the ability of your body to respond emotionally to stress. Sugary foods, on the other hand, have been proven to lower cortisol levels and raise serotonin levels, which helps us feel less anxious.


Additionally, comfort food has nostalgic value and serves as a remembrance of a period when we weren't feeling so bad, it gives us solace. Because of this, we think we need more of these foods, yet over time, these foods end up doing the most harm to our physical health. High carbohydrate diets are counter-productive in nature as they tend to release counter-regulatory hormones such as cortisol which increases our anxiety and depression. Hormones are extremely important for controlling our mood, and how well they are balanced relies on our diet and lifestyle.




Let's look at some foods we can eat to maintain a healthy nervous system since we know that the risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, liver disease, and other diseases is also a contributing factor to eating disorders and psychological disorders.

We love our carbs and fats, but it's crucial to remember that protein, vitamins, and minerals are also necessary. As a result, we can start by ingesting those first, and then consume our carbs and fats. By doing this, we tend to eat fewer of the bad foods and fill our tummies with the essential nutrients. Salads are a healthy food option that have the potential to meet your dietary needs before meals. Try to incorporate healthy options such as root vegetables, pulses, and lentils when choosing meals high in carbohydrates. Try replacing your urge for sweet foods with fruits or dark chocolate, which is considered to be a good antioxidant and blood sugar regulator. Additionally, studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet that is low in red meat and high in vegetables, grains, and cereals has been shown to lessen the symptoms of depression. Limiting your consumption of alcohol and caffeine helps you manage your mood and anxiety.

Another strategy to manage the amount of carbohydrates, fats, and sugar you add to your favorite dishes is to prepare them at home.

Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin A, B, and C, and Zinc should be consumed because these nutrients have a direct impact on our hormonal and mental health.


A balanced diet enhances our immune system, controls our mood, and improves our physical health and lowers the risk of lifestyle diseases. Although we often resort to psychiatric drugs when we have a mental illness to help control our mood, it's crucial to examine our nutrition and identify natural approaches to achieve the same results.





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Disclaimer: This blog post is meant for awareness/entertainment purposes only. It is not medical advice and one must refrain from self-diagnosing. It is in no way a substitute for therapy with a mental health professional and it is not meant to be clinical. To consult with a psychotherapist on our team, you can contact us on fettle.counselling@gmail.com.

 
 
 

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