Prioritizing Mental Health

Nowadays, everyone leads a busy life, and with this life comes many ups and downs. In recent years, there has been a greater push towards prioritizing mental health. More patients are seeking support through therapists, counselors, and social workers. People are also learning the importance of leading a healthier lifestyle through consuming a dietary supplement coupled with exercise. Research shows a direct connection between diet and a person’s overall well-being.

How does food affect someone’s mental health?

The brain is a vital organ in the body that requires fuel from food to function properly. The gastrointestinal tract, lined with hormone-secreting glands, is vital to processing foods and producing gut bacteria. One of the hormones produced in the gastrointestinal tract is serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that delivers messages from the brain to other parts of the body. Serotonin affects people’s moods, appetites, sexual behavior, and other brain functions. Low serotonin levels have been linked to conditions like anxiety and depression.

Vitamin deficiency and the link to depression

Researchers have found evidence that low levels of vitamins B12, B1, B2, B3, folate (B9), and B6 can lead to depression, memory loss, and dementia. B vitamins are water-soluble nutrients that affect everything from the immune system to brain function. B-vitamins are crucial to the development and production of neurotransmitters in the immune system. B vitamins also help to reduce inflammation, and scientists have discovered a link between heightened inflammation levels and depression.

Where can I find these essential nutrients?

All necessary vitamins and minerals needed to maintain a healthy mind and body are found in foods. Eating a well-balanced diet is the best way to obtain B vitamins and other nutrients. A well-balanced diet means fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, nuts, and beans or legumes. B vitamins are found in foods like red meat, eggs, poultry, bananas, and oranges.

Nutrients that support brain function

B vitamins are just some of the nutrients the body needs for optimal brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient present in fish oil and salmon, are vital to cognitive function and can improve symptoms of depression. The flavonoids found in berries, along with the healthy fats present in nuts, have been shown to improve memory. Dark, leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach deliver vitamin K and beta carotene to the brain to offset cognitive decline.

The right supplements for maintaining brain health

People who cannot receive adequate nutrients from a daily diet should opt for dietary supplements. Supplements are available in capsule form, powders, pills, soft gels, gummies, and liquids, just to name a few. For brain health, patients should consider taking fish oil, vitamin K, and multivitamin supplements. Patients can also buy B vitamin supplements with just one individual vitamin or the entire B-vitamin complex. Probiotic supplements are live microbes that support healthy gut bacterial growth.

Talk to a physician

Patients with questions about supplements should consult a physician. A medical professional can educate patients on the best supplements for overall brain health and the right dosage based on individual needs.