A large body of evidence now suggests that your diet can have a big impact on your mental health, and the other way around—your diet, in turn, affects your mental well-being. Here are seven ways that diet can affect and improve your mental health.
1) Serotonin
The neurotransmitter serotonin regulates mood and appetite. When levels are low, it can lead to depression, anxiety and an increased risk of addiction. Foods high in tryptophan, such as poultry, eggs, soy products and milk can help boost serotonin levels. Other foods like bananas, salmon or leafy greens have a high level of vitamin B6 which increases serotonin production. It's also important to consume omega-3 fatty acids to improve brain function and regulate moods.
2) Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for good mental health. Omega-3s can help to reduce depression, anxiety and a variety of other mental disorders by improving mood, reducing inflammation and stabilizing hormones. Foods high in Omega 3s include salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, anchovies and tuna.
3) Vitamins B6, B12, and folate
Studies have shown that people who eat a diet rich in folate, B6, and B12 tend to have better mental health. These vitamins are found in certain foods like: leafy greens, beans, eggs, fish, and oranges. One study noted that when people with bipolar disorder took vitamin supplements for six weeks they had significant improvements in their mental health symptoms.
4) Iron
The link between food and mental health is a two-way street. A diet filled with nutrient-dense, fresh foods can help improve your mental health, but there are also negative effects of dieting on mental health. Eating well doesn't just benefit your physical well-being, it has a profound effect on your mood and mental health as well. When you're hungry or malnourished, the body produces less serotonin and other neurotransmitters that affect mood.
5) Zinc
In order to help protect against depression, it is important to maintain a healthy diet. One nutrient that may be especially beneficial for mental health is zinc. It has been shown that people who have low intakes of zinc are more likely to develop symptoms of depression. Low zinc levels can also cause anxiety and stress. The best sources of zinc are animal products, such as meat and dairy, so it’s a good idea to make these part of your daily diet if you suffer from depression or anxiety.
6) Probiotics
The link between food and mental health is becoming increasingly well-known, as more research reveals that negative effects of dieting on mental health may be just as prevalent. The gut-brain connection highlights the role of nutrition in mental health: it's now understood that probiotics can help to improve mood and alleviate anxiety.
7) antioxidants
Some foods have a better impact on mental health than others, but if you're looking for the best bang for your buck, antioxidants are your best bet. Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables and protect our cells from damage. They can be especially helpful for people with depression because they counteract the effects of stress that can cause symptoms of depression to worsen. The three most important antioxidant nutrients are vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.
Link Between Food and Mental Health
The link between diet and mental health is a complicated one, with negative effects of dieting on mental health being the most well-documented. There's also a link between food and mood: how do diet and nutrition affect our mental health? What foods are bad for mental health? What is the impact of eating healthy on your physical health? The role of nutrition in mental health is also extremely important, with studies showing that there is a correlation between certain vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients in the brain.
How does Eating Healthy Affect your Physical Health
Eating healthy is crucial to your physical health, but it also has a huge impact on your mental health. A new study found that the link between food and mental health starts with nutrition. Foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt can lead to weight gain and then eventually impair brain function.
Role of Nutrition in Mental Health
Psychologists have known for a while that the link between food and mental health is strong. There are also many negative effects of dieting on mental health because food is so connected to our moods. Foods bad for mental health vary from person to person, but can include foods with high fat content, like chocolate and greasy or sugary foods. These types of foods are often consumed when people are depressed or stressed.