7 Vital Nutrients
What we eat is vital to our overall health.
The nutrients we consume, as part of our diet, are critical for brain structure and function.
And, as a result they have a potentially profound impact on our mental health, Jerome Sarris, a senior research fellow at the University of Melbourne writes for The Conversation.
An increasingly robust body of research points to the detrimental effect of unhealthy diets and nutrient deficiencies.
And it highlights the protective value of healthy diets – along with select nutritional supplements as required – for maintaining and promoting mental health.
Research literature suggests dietary improvement and nutritional interventions may help reduce the risk, or even arrest the progression, of certain psychiatric disorders.
2. B vitamins and folate
We need B vitamins for a range of cellular and metabolic processes, and they have a critical role in the production of a range of brain chemicals.
Folate (B9) deficiency has been reported in depressed populations and among people who respond poorly to antidepressants.
Several studies have assessed the antidepressant effect of folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) with antidepressant medication.
Some show positive results in enhancing either antidepressant response rates or the onset of response to these medications.
Folate is found in abundance in leafy green vegetables, legumes, whole grains, brewer’s yeast and nuts.
Unprocessed meats, eggs, cheese, dairy, whole grains and nuts are, in general, richest in B vitamins.
If you’re going to take supplements, it’s advisable to take B vitamins together as they have a synergistic effect.
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