Nutrition and mental health
So, is there a link between nutrition and mental health?
A meta-analysis including studies from 10 countries, conducted by researchers at Linyi People’s Hospital in Shandong, China, suggests that dietary patterns may contribute to depression, for example. “This Mental Health Month, we aim to bring to the fore the correlation between nutrition and mental health,” says Letswalo.
According to a study of 120 children and adolescents – consuming fast food, sugar and soft drinks was associated with a higher prevalence of diagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Led by Maria Izquierdo-Pulido, PharmD, PhD, of the University of Barcelona’s department of nutrition, food science and gastronomy – the study also found that children who ate fewer vegetables, fruit, fatty fish and other foods associated with the Mediterranean diet were more likely to have ADHD symptoms.
“While these associations don’t prove causality the findings suggest that diet could play a role in ADHD’s development,” says Letswalo.
Evidence shows that food plays an important role in the development, management and prevention of specific mental health problems such as depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diamentia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Depression: For example, although the occasional drink is harmless, people should limit their alcoholic intake. Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with anxiety and panic attacks. Excessive drinking also depletes serotonin, which makes people prone to anxiety and depression. Caffeinated beverages also increase the risk for anxiety, depression and poor sleep.
Schizophrenia: Correcting blood sugar problems may be a relevant nutritional approach. Addressing essential fat imbalances, increasing antioxidants, B12 and folic acid may also assist. Some people with mental health problems are sensitive to gluten, especially wheat gluten, which can bring on all sorts of symptoms of mental illness.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Some food additives have been implicated in behavioural problems, particularly in hyper-active children. Foods rich in protein — lean beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, soy, and low-fat dairy products — can have beneficial effects on ADHD symptoms. Protein-rich foods are used by the body to make neurotransmitters, the chemicals released by brain cells to communicate with each other. Protein can prevent surges in blood sugar, which increase hyperactivity.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Foods that protect against Alzheimer’s include green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil and wine.
“The link between poor mental health and nutritional deficiencies has long been recognised by nutritionists, however, psychiatrists are only now becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of using nutritional approaches to mental health, calling for their peers to support and research this new field of treatment,” says Letswalo.
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They offer a range of weight loss programmes, which are flexible enough to fit in with your lifestyle, along with the one-to-one support of your very own Cambridge Weight Plan consultant. Many of the Cambridge Weight Plan consultants have also lost weight on the plan, so they know exactly what you are going through.
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ISSUED BY: QL Consulting
ON BEHALF OF: Cambridge Weight Plan
