Ways Diet Or Foods Affect The Mental Health

Diet has a huge role to play in shaping your overall well-being. Nutrition and mental health are closely connected. Poor nutrition is associated with various mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and an increased risk for dementia in one’s lifetime. Our changing diet (that includes a lot of the convenient/processed foods) is the major reason behind the huge prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in America these days. It’s high time we went back to our nutrient-heavy fruits, vegetables and whole grains from highly processed and high-calorie foods that people consume these days.

Recent studies have linked a healthy eating pattern to a lower risk of stress, anxiety and depression. So it is a good idea to adopt healthy eating styles, such as the Mediterranean diet and DASH diet (benefits your heart and brain immensely).

Role diet plays in shaping the brain:

Diet is said to directly impact the biological pathways that lay the foundation for depression and other mental-health conditions. This is where fruits, vegetables, nuts, oily fish like mackerel, herring, etc. come into the picture that are nutrient-rich coming with anti-inflammatory properties, and are instrumental in controlling emotions and cognition by impacting the concentrations of brain chemicals. Oily fish like the ones mentioned above are a great source of the brain-healthy Omega-3 fats that helps preserve memory and boosts mood, not to mention shielding your brain from cognitive decline.

A nutrient-packed diet comprising the following foods promotes brain cell growth and reduces brain inflammation.

1. Whole foods or foods that aren’t or are minimally processed (fruits, vegetables)
2. Fiber (vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains)- this will keep you full for a longer time and curb hunger that makes one resort to unhealthy stuff (where the problem starts).
3. Spinach, bananas, beans (great source of magnesium- deficiency in which can lead to depression and signs indicating anxiety)
4. Leafy greens, lentils and cantaloupes (dopamine-boosting foods- a source of folate, a type of B vitamin that uplifts mood and makes you feel happy)
5. Leafy green vegetables, berries, dark chocolate (these are full of antioxidants that help lower risk of brain inflammation)

Another way diet affects your mental well-being or brain health is by replenishing the gut with healthy bacteria that holds your brain in good stead. The good bacteria helps preserve the immune system by keeping bad germs at bay that helps keep the inflammation in the body in check. It is advised that you increase intake of foods with the beneficial bacteria (probiotics), yogurt being a prime example. This will help reduce inflammation that influences cognition and mood. Stay clear of a high-sugar or high-fat diet if you wish to keep your gut and brain health in good shape.

Memory care is considered the best form of senior living in Anthem for those dealing with Alzheimer’s or other-related dementias. Anthem Senior Living ensures good brain health and mental well-being through a healthy diet based on nutrient-heavy whole foods that is key for the integrity of brain cell membranes.

For specialized memory care, book a suite today at Anthem Senior Living. Call us on 602.909.9550.