Nutrition May Impact Mental Wellness

Mental health disorders are leading causes of disability worldwide. Psychotherapy and medications are the standard of care in the US, but an exciting field is emerging onto the scene. Nutritional psychiatry addresses diet quality as it relates to mental health. Research has found that nutritional habits, dietary patterns, and diet quality may positively or negatively impact mental wellness.

Studies reveal that the Western diet of highly processed foods increases the risk of developing depression and anxiety. In contrast, those who follow a Mediterranean diet, experience fewer symptoms of depression because of the anti-inflammatory nature of this food. A balanced nutrition plan that incorporates vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, lean proteins, and whole grains was found to bolster mental wellness while enabling people to better manage stress, anxiety, and grief.

Bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders have long been medical mysteries. Scientists taking a deeper look into the pathology of the disorders and alternative treatments have found that improving the quality of diet alleviates symptoms. Research also suggests that a combination treatment that includes additional mitochondria-supporting nutrients helps counteract the damage done by eating foods that cause inflammation.

The mitochondria are the parts of the cell that take in nutrients and break them down to create energy that cells can use. Nutrients that support the mitochondria are B vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and other nutrients such as L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, pyrroloquinoline quinone, and creatine. These vital nutrients can be found in fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, seafood, and meat. The American Psychiatric Association also recommends adding omega-3 supplementation to one’s diet as an adjunct therapy for mood disorders.