Mental health and physical health, despite what we might have heard growing up, are extremely interrelated. What affects you physically can have impacts on your mental health, and what affects you mentally can also affect you physiologically in many ways – both in good and bad ways.
Nutritional Psychiatry
The same way you tend to eat things in order for you to provide your body with the nutrients it needs for the functioning of your different organs, your brain is an organ that needs fuel on its own. Foods with strong nutritional value, vitamins, minerals, and such are extremely healthy for your brain and, in turn, your mental health! In contrast, foods with high levels of refined sugar, for example, have contributed to the worsening of certain mental health conditions such as mood disorders.
Besides the nutrients you consume having a chemical effect on your body, your gut is directly linked to your mood. It can speed up or slow down according to your mood. Certain foods can be very beneficial for your gut – including fruits and vegetables. Similarly, other foods can affect your brain negatively. For example, foods like chocolate and caffeine often trick your brain into releasing chemicals we often lack. While it does temporarily alter our mood and make us feel better, it is not very beneficial in the long run.
Eating With Others
Another point that affects your mood besides the content of the food you eat is how you eat and consume it. Research has shown that eating with others can often be beneficial to our mood. Psychologically, eating with others can give you a sense of belonging and can help you feel connected to others. Biologically, when you listen and talk to others over dinner, for example, you tend to eat slower than usual, which helps with digestion.
Is it Just Food?
No! There are so many other things you can do to help your mental health by helping your physical health. Besides eating well, it is important for you to drink the right amount of water, get some exercise regularly, cut down on smoking and drinking, and so much more! Everything you do affects your mental health in some ways. Make sure to acknowledge what works for you!