Before each function, marriage and family gathering one wishes to be beautiful and slender it begins crash dieting. Sometimes the chemical of our brain named serotonin is behind this we might have excess or deficiency of it. Some individuals lack proper knowledge about what their body requires for its proper functioning.
Others believe that only expensive food products are good for their body. Youngsters are fascinated towards ultra-processed foods because the food products are specially engineered to activate our taste buds with the perfect mixture of sweet, salty, and fatty tastes. Such food does not let out the harmonies of fullness and raises the appetite for more. Thus, a person begins to put on weight.
From an early age body attempts to adapt to these bad eating habits but once beyond a certain threshold body and mind begin to rebel and the individual begins to feel weak and low both physically and mentally. We understand the link between nutrition and a healthy body, but today we will see the link between nutrition and mental health. Depression is considered to be an emotionally based disease, but lack of some biochemicals triggers or is a primary cause for its onset and prolonging its duration.
A mentally healthy person is prepared to tackle the problems of life with a good approach towards life. An individual however tough he might be, physically, is not regarded as healthy if he has a bad approach towards life. Proper nutrition greatly influences an individual’s thought process and mental well-being. A number of nutritional deficiencies like deficiency of vitamin B-12, B-9, and zinc can lead to symptoms of depression, low mood, tiredness, poor intellect and irritability.
Consuming a diet rich, in fresh fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy food, lean meat and fish can reduce the risk of mental illness. Vitamin C, D, B Complex, Magnesium, Selenium, and Zinc salts are responsible for maintaining our brain healthy. Brain relies on glucose for energy which is obtained from carbohydrates as whole grain foods. Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates which are a consistent source of energy for regular brain activity. Amino acids offer neurotransmitters like Dopamine that make us happy and motivated.
Most of the brain consists of fat, i.e., Omega-3, and Omega-6, fatty acids. Fatty acids and vitamins cannot be produced by our body alone but it obtains them from our food. Water is the most crucial nutrient for our body, even slight dehydration can develop mental and physical health problems. To preserve our brain health, we need to consume food that contains essential nutrients, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and fatty acids along with a good quantity of water.
Healthy dietary habits we need to adopt in order to preserve physical as well as mental health-
1-Ensure fibre-rich food as whole grains.
2-Have healthy snacks handy.
3-Consume natural sugar.
4- Eat fruits and vegetables of various colours.
5-Nuts and seeds like walnuts almonds, peanuts, and sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
6-Fish has omega -3 that enhances brain health.
7-Drink plenty of water
8- Never miss your breakfast.
9-Avoid processed meat, fried food, fast food, high-fat dairy products, cakes, pastries, refined cereals, cold drinks or soda.
Obey the 20-minute rule- our brain takes 20 minutes to get signals from our stomach that it is full. So eating slowly, and chewing food properly, not only helps in digestion but it also keeps us from eating too much.
A healthy diet maintains a healthy brain and revitalizes our body. While a balanced diet should be our prime focus, supplements like omega-3, fatty acids, and vitamin-12 can complement our efforts. Consultation with a healthcare professional is a must before adding supplements to your routine, so best of luck for your journey toward a more healthy and positive lifestyle.
