Nutrition not only impacts physical wellbeing, but it can also have an impact on mental wellbeing as well. Studies suggest certain diets may help boost feelings of well-being and lower the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Eating a nutritious diet is essential for mental wellbeing. Consuming various foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats and low-fat dairy will provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals it needs for optimal mental performance.
Eating a Healthy Diet
Eating healthily can have a tremendous effect on your mental wellbeing. Eating nutritious food also improves how you feel and looks physically, which in turn boosts self-confidence levels.
Your diet plays a major role in controlling your mood, sleep patterns, energy levels and more – not to mention other aspects of mental health. Eating or drinking differently can have an impact on blood glucose (sugar) levels, immune activation and the microorganisms living inside of your gut (known as your microbiome).
You can improve your mental wellbeing by eating a variety of foods, such as fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, seeds and unsaturated fats. These can come from various sources like frozen, canned or dried products.
Eating a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes and starchy vegetables can help increase serotonin levels and reduce anxiety. Lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, beans or nuts may also promote mental wellbeing.
Getting Enough Nutrients
Nutrition plays a critical role in both physical and mental health. Studies have demonstrated that proper nutrition can help protect, treat, and manage various mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. A nutritious diet is not only good for your physical wellbeing; it’s also known to boost your energy levels and moods.
Fiber is an essential part of a nutritionally balanced diet. It helps promote a healthy microbiome and balance of “good” bacteria in the gut, which in turn influences the production of certain chemicals that carry messages from the GI tract to the brain like dopamine and serotonin.
Fortunately, many foods are naturally rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. Studies have even demonstrated that certain components of these foods may improve brain function and reduce symptoms associated with mental illness.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in mental health, but there are some simple steps you can take to ensure both your brain and body feel their best. Achieving healthy weight maintenance is an important step toward prevention or management of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol issues and heart disease. Eating healthier meals and engaging in moderate exercise also leads to improved moods and sleep quality.
What’s more, the human brain is responsible for approximately 70% of your feelings and moods. So, keeping these emotions under control and managing them effectively are major components in maintaining long-term mental wellbeing. That is why a balanced diet with plenty of fresh produce like fruits, vegetables and whole grains are so critical in maintaining mental clarity in the long run.
Managing Stress
When under stress, it’s essential to remember that both your body and mind need nourishment. Eating nutritiously helps manage stress and prevent health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.
Everyone experiences stress from time to time, but prolonged exposure can have serious negative consequences on one’s health. If you find it difficult to cope with your ongoing stress, consider seeking support from a mental health professional who can teach you effective coping techniques and encourage healthier choices in everyday life.
Stress can be caused by a variety of things, such as work and relationships issues, money problems, and family matters. When you feel overwhelmed with responsibilities, it may be beneficial to reduce them and take some time out for yourself.
