If you suffer from ups and downs, mood swings, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, it may most likely be caused by your diet. Making sure the food that you consume is full of nutrients and well-balanced will aid not just your physical health, but your mental state as well.
Mental health problems are the single largest cause of disabilities in the world. Some of the major disabilities are depression, anxiety, dementia, and alcohol abuse. Prior to Covid 19, 9.86% of adults experienced a mental illness, equivalent to nearly 50 million Americans. And globally, only an estimated 10 percent of people who need attention or treatment for mental health problems receive it. There has been no reduction in the burden of mental disorders since 1990 and growing evidence indicates nutrition is a significant cause and what we eat can impact our brains as we age. Many studies suggest it is best for our brain to eat a heart-healthy, balanced diet low in processed foods and high in whole, nutritional foods like vegetables and fruits for optimum physical and mental health.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, highly processed foods tend to be chock-full of added sugar, salt, fat, and artificial preservatives. During manufacturing, many nutrients found in unprocessed whole foods get altered or removed, leaving products that aren’t as nutritious. The big problem is that people who are stressed, anxious, and depressed will often turn to foods that they think will have a ‘happy factor’ in them, and tend to overeat for comfort, which is the worst thing possible.
Taking supplements may seem the easiest thing to do, but nutritious food is a much better solution and longer lasting. Supplements can be beneficial, but they are not a substitute for a well-balanced diet. If you are struggling, Dr, Aaron Bardwell at Beyond Health and Wellness can help you break this circular nutrition deficiencies cycle.