The Impact of Nutrition on Mental Health: Foods to Avoid and Foods to Eat for Psychological Wellness

2024-01-14 09:40:19

• By Judith Braun

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A healthy diet is good for body and mind. More and more studies are pointing to this. If you have psychological problems, it is better to avoid certain foods.

More and more studies show that the quality of nutrition not only has a direct impact on physical health, but also on mental health. For example, two specific foods are said to be able to help with social anxiety. Those suffering from depression, however, could benefit from drug therapy with antidepressants by adhering to certain eating rules. However, some foods can be more damaging to the psyche and should therefore be avoided in order to prevent mental illness.

Nutrition for the psyche: three foods that should be avoided

People with psychological problems can benefit from a healthy diet.

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According to the results of a study from the specialist magazine American Journal of Psychiatry, In which over 1,000 women took part, women who eat healthily are said to suffer less from depression or anxiety disorders than women who eat unhealthy. A healthy diet primarily includes the consumption of vegetables, fruit, fish and whole grain products. Other studies finally revealed which foods could be more harmful to the psyche. The following three foods should therefore rarely or even never end up on your plate:

Meat and sausages: They contain a lot of curing salts (nitrites), which could lead to certain psychological disorders. Scientists suspected this based on the results of their study in which they examined patients with manic disorders.

Caffeine: In their study, researchers from New York recognized a connection between high caffeine consumption and psychological complaints.

Fast food: This usually contains high levels of trans fats as well as saturated and omega-6 fatty acids. Because these are loud Time online can trigger low-grade inflammatory processes in the body, they are considered to trigger depression or anxiety. Because inflammation is said to be able to negatively influence and manipulate the psyche.

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Depression: Stabilize your psyche with ten foods

Nutrients influence our brain metabolism and ensure a balance of the messenger substances norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They regulate physical well-being, feelings of happiness, feelings of stress or mood. That’s why it’s important for patients with depression to eat a healthy diet with anti-inflammatory foods, lots of important nutrients and good fats. It can help the body restore balance. Apples, for example, provide building blocks for the production of norepinephrine and can thus support the psyche. © Dieter Heinemann/IMAGONorepinephrine is particularly important in stressful situations. It makes you feel alert and productive. Pineapple can help produce norepinephrine and thus support the psyche. © photo-poster/IMAGoWhen it comes to norepinephrine, oats can also help produce the neurotransmitter and relieve depression. The grain provides the necessary building blocks for its structure. Oats and oat flakes are also low in gluten and at the same time significantly more nutrient-rich than all other types of grain. © Timmary/IMAGOBananas not only provide building blocks for the production of norepinephrine, but also promote the production of dopamine. The neurotransmitter is also known as the “messenger of happiness”. A lack of the happiness hormone can be one of the causes of depression. © OZMedia/IMAGOPaprikaPaprika is full of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, improves the absorption of iron into the bloodstream and has an antioxidant effect. Not only does it reduce the risk of cancer, but it can also stimulate the production of dopamine and help with depression. © algae/IMAGOCarrots in the supermarketJust like bananas and peppers, carrots can also promote the production of dopamine. However, they not only help with depression, but also strengthen the immune system and can prevent an increase in cholesterol levels in the blood. © Ute Grabowsky/photothek.de/IMAGOAvocadoAvocados not only taste good, but are also beneficial for the production of dopamine. © imago stock&people/IMAGOAlmonds Serotonin is also one of the messenger substances that, among other things, regulate our mood or our sense of stress. Almonds can cause your serotonin levels to increase. © Science Photo Library/IMAGOA woman eats a piece of chocolate. Dark chocolate with a cocoa content of over 80 percent is good for your serotonin levels. It also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and is suitable for those who want to lose weight. © Thomas Trutschel/photothek via www.imago-images.deFigsLast but not least, figs are also among the mood-enhancing foods. They can also increase serotonin levels. © Sevablsv/IMAGO

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.

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