Did you know that nutrition can directly affect your mental health?

 

Food you eat is not only important for your physical health but also your mental health. According to a Harvard Health Blog, your brain is working 24/7, even when you sleep. So, it is important to give your brain good nutrition so it can operate at its fullest (Selhub, 2015).

Like an expensive vehicle needs premium gasoline, your brain needs high-quality foods that have many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep it running at its best. When we don’t provide the nutrients that our brain needs it tends not to run as well, leaving us with fogginess and fatigue (Selhub, 2015).

So, what are the foods you should eat and which ones should you stay away from? Well, you have come to the right place!

As tempting as it can be at times, choosing sugary and processed fast-food options can tend to make not just your body feel weighed down, but also your brain. This kind of carb overload makes your brain feel foggy, tired, and overall blah. Your brain is a powerful machine and feeding it the right fuels will help cognitive function and decrease certain mental conditions like depression. 

High intakes of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, fish, low fat dairy, and antioxidants, as well as a low intake of protein has been shown to reduce risks of depression. While a Western-style diet containing high intakes of red and processed meats, refined grains, sweets, high fat dairy products, butter, and potatoes with a low intake of fruits and veggies has been linked with an increased risk of depression (McGrane, 2021).

Nutritional Psychiatrists believe there is a link between high processed, sugary, and fatty foods and inflammation, that can result in an increased risk of depression or other mental health concerns (Selhub, 2015). So, the next time you are feeling hangry, instead of going to the snickers bar, try eating some vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains. Your brain will be sure to thank you for it!

References

Selhub, E. (2015, November 16). Harvard Health Blog [Blog]. Nutritional Psychiatry: Your Brain on Food. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626

McGrane, K. (2021, January 8). Nutrition and mental health: Is there a link? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nutrition-and-mental-health-is-there-a-link#The-complexity-of-mental-health