Which Eating Habits Can Improve Mental Health?

[Peter1469]

Nutritional and chemical imbalances can cause mental health issues. People can go a long way in treatment by fixing these naturally rather than accepting the risks and side effects of prescription medication that is often addictive.


Which Eating Habits Can Improve Mental Health?

The reality is that a lot of factors affecting our mental health are things that we cannot control. But one of the things we can control is our eating habits. A number of studies have confirmed that eating habits can change our moods – both positively and negatively. Today we will be looking at some food items that are proven to improve mental health.

Eat Positive

Research has shown that the amount of vegetables and fruits we eat is associated with our happiness. For instance, one study discovered that on days when people ate more vegetables and fruits, their mental health was better in comparison to days when they did not eat much of them. Additionally, eating healthy for a day usually made them happier the following day as well even if they did not get to eat as healthy on that day.


At the same time, other researchers have shown that these colorful eating habits are associated with more positive moods, like having a more fulfilling sense of meaning and purpose, as well as more curiosity and creativity. The relationship is also apparently linear – this means the more one eats them, the better their mental health is.


Vegetables and fruits are storehouses of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The chemical messengers that are associated with mood regulation are protected and enriched by these substances. As a result, they can communicate more effectively.

Omega-3, Water, And Magnesium



Omega-3 fats are found in seafood and some plant foods as well like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Omega-3 fats are known for reducing brain inflammation and are known to improve mental health if they are regularly eaten. For instance, a study covering 26,000 adults and their eating habits found that those who eat walnuts daily had a higher chance of having increased optimism, greater energy levels, as well as more interest in activities. Another one discovered that walnuts caused young men’s moods to significantly improve even if they did not have depression symptoms. Although the study is inconclusive, researchers suggest that the improvement might be because of walnuts’ ALA content.


Secondly, drinking water can also help in improving mental health. A study showed that increasing the water intake of people who usually drank less led to significant improvements in their mood. This included less sleepiness and more energy. A different research found that not drinking enough water can cause concentration problems as well as increased anxiety and tension. 20% of our daily water requirement usually comes from other food items like watery vegetables, soups, etc. Drinking one glass of water after every meal is a good habit.


Magnesium is another mineral that is tied to stress and better mental health in general. Low levels have been associated with feeling tired, sleep disorders, irritability, aggression, confusion, nervousness, and anxiousness. Magnesium is associated with regulating your physical response to stress. Hence, these symptoms come naturally from a magnesium imbalance. However, a low intake of magnesium is extremely prevalent. Studies indicate that as many as 70% of the population do not meet the target.

And of course eating heavily processed foods isn't helpful.

[Abby08]

Nutritional and chemical imbalances can cause mental health issues. People can go a long way in treatment by fixing these naturally rather than accepting the risks and side effects of prescription medication that is often addictive.


Which Eating Habits Can Improve Mental Health?





And of course eating heavily processed foods isn't helpful.

That's what I was going to say, eliminate processed foods and, sugar.....refined sugar......and foods with a high fat content.....nothing but empty calories and, almost zero nutrition.

[carolina73]

That's what I was going to say, eliminate processed foods and, sugar.....refined sugar......and foods with a high fat content.....nothing but empty calories and, almost zero nutrition.

It's funny how quickly you loose your taste for those crap foods once you give them up.

[Abby08]

It's funny how quickly you loose your taste for those crap foods once you give them up.

I know, I gave up a lot of the things I used to eat and, don't miss them at all.

[Red Lily]

There's a lot to be said for foods that look like the parts of the body they are said to be beneficial to.