How Our Diet Can Improve Our Mental State

Our diet is beneficial for more than just our physical health, certain foods can play a role in improving our mental health too. Similarly, foods can cause mental and physical decline. Choosing the right food choices is key in reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, and enhancing the serotonin levels in our brain, which boosts happiness. For more on how our diet can improve our mental state and the right foods to choose, keep reading.

Of course, there are many medications we can take that improve our mental state. For example, lexapro generic can help boost serotonin and reduce feelings of depression. Taking this each day can reduce anxiety or sleep deprivation too, which is ideal for those who suffer from those issues. Yet, certain foods can have the same effect. 

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Fatty fish 

Fatty fish isn’t what it sounds like. Fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, contain omega-3 fat which is vital for brain health. These are the fish that have an oily feel to them. Studies have shown that diets high in fatty fish correlate to lower levels of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. This is thought to be because omega-3 helps with the production of neurotransmitters that regulate our mood.

Yogurt

Yogurt can pack a serious punch on our mental health. Recent studies have found a huge link between our gut health and our mental health showing more evidence that food really does affect our mood. The right kind of yogurt contains probiotics that influence healthy gut health. This is essential for the breakdown of nutrients and their proper absorption into the body. It’s important to remember to look for live probiotics and with up brands so that you get a good variety of bacterias. Greek yogurt is a popular choice because it’s also full of protein and tastes delicious with fruit, helping to pack a punch of vitamins with it.

Iron-rich foods

Iron can potentially help by contributing to the production of brain chemicals that regulate mood (emotional behaviors). Iron-rich foods include meat, nuts and seeds, dried fruits (prunes, raisins, apricots), and iron-fortified bread and breakfast cereals.

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain valuable prebiotics, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example, magnesium, found in avocados, nuts, and salmon, and vitamin C, found in broccoli, oranges, and kale, can help reduce anxiety.

Fruits and vegetables are also natural sources of fiber, which can relieve anxiety. But only about 10% of American adults consume the recommended 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables a day. They’re really good food for your gut bacteria. When your good gut bacteria is fed by these nutrients, they thrive. And by thriving, they help your mood, help you feel better so that your chances of inflammation are lower.