Role of Nutrition in Mental Health
Mental Health conditions are an important public health issue and a significant cause of human suffering. Moreover, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is the leading cause of disability for people aged between 15 and 44 years. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the effects of dietary patterns on Mental Health.
The health benefits of traditional Mediterranean-style diets were first noted in observational studies in the 1950s. Which indicated that populations following these dietary patterns had lower rates of heart disease and cancer and longer life expectancy compared to other populations. Newer Data suggest that this eating pattern may be good for mental health.
A study of 3486 British-aged individuals found that a whole-foods diet comprised of fruits, vegetables, and fish gave protection against the onset of depressive symptoms. Whereas a diet rich in processed meat, chocolates, sweet desserts, fried food, refined cereals, and high-fat dairy products increased vulnerability to depression.
The glycemic index and load are ways of measuring how foods affect blood sugar and insulin. Many highly refined foods and sweetened beverages have a high glycemic index, which means they are digested quickly. And cause brief spikes in blood sugar and insulin followed by a decrease in blood sugar levels.
Deficiency
This fluctuation in blood glucose has been shown in some studies, but not all, to have a negative effect on mood. It is widely recognized that hypoglycemia can increase irritability and that missing breakfast has negative consequences on mood late in the morning, particularly in children.
Iron deficiency is the leading nutritional deficiency in the world, especially affecting women and young children. Low stores of iron in the brain may alter neurotransmitter synthesis and function. And fatigue, apathy, and poor concentration are well-known symptoms of iron deficiency. A randomized placebo-controlled trial in southern Africa found that iron supplementation given from 10 weeks to 9 months postpartum improved depressive symptoms among anemic mothers.
A truly integrative approach to mental health includes a thorough assessment of dietary habits, level of exercise/physical activity, environmental exposures, medications, comorbid conditions, life stressors, level of social support, and family history.
