Improving Mental and Cognitive Health

Many people struggle with emotional eating, and oftentimes, the food sources are less than healthy. While food is to be used as a fuel source for the body’s health, mindless eating in a response to an emotional need can simply make matters worse. The psychological health of your mind is just as dependent on the food you eat as the physical health of your body. When your mind is fighting depression or anxiety, your body’s response is both emotional and physical. Fatigue and a lack of energy are two of the body’s primary physical responses to mental health concerns.

Even though food is not a cure for depression, some choose food as a source of comfort and a way to slowly avoid the real issues of pain or discomfort. This usually leads to feelings of guilt or shame, especially if weight gain is involved. The feeling of being out of control or abnormal can further exacerbate issues surrounding depression and keep the vicious cycle going. However, food can be used to do the complete opposite. While there isn’t a specific food that can cure someone from depression, there are certain foods that can help calm and manage the symptoms of the condition. If you aren’t able to get the recommended foods into your diet on a regular basis, you should consider the benefit of adding a supplement to your diet.

Supplements as Sustenance

Although they should not be considered a complete replacement for your food source, supplements can be a boost for areas of nutritional deficiency. According to the Le-Vel Thrive Reviews, this supplement can give your body more than just vitamins and minerals. Whether their capsule or powdered shake form, there is an additional intake of amino acids, probiotics, plant-based nutrition, and antioxidants. While it won’t be the answer for someone suffering from depression, it can improve their energy levels, which can ultimately have an effect on their mental condition. When your diet is able to focus on your health and energy levels, you have the ability to work on your mental health from the inside out. These are some foods that you can rely on for improving both mood and energy.

1. Unsaturated Fats

Contrary to what many think, the rights fats are beneficial to mankind. The brain itself is made from about 40 percent fat, and without enough supply, its functions will be impeded. When the brain does not operate correctly, the rest of the body will cease to work correctly. Unsaturated fats are found in foods like seeds, olive oil, nuts, or avocados. Most people are familiar with consuming trans fats, and these also impede brain structure and how it functions. The omega-3 oils, or essential fatty acids, found in foods like fish, fortified eggs, or walnuts, have been shown to increase energy levels and improve cognitive functioning.

2. Protein

Without enough protein, the body can experience a lack of concentration, fatigue, and irritability. Tryptophan is one of the building blocks contained within a protein, and research has shown the increased levels of the nutrient can help raise the moods of people suffering from depression. Plant-based foods like nuts, seeds, soybeans, broccoli, and peas are good sources of protein, which fish, eggs, meat, and dairy products are also strong choices. If you have an iron deficiency, it can affect both energy and mood levels. Red meat and other sources of protein are effective sources of iron. Increasing your intake of protein helps your iron levels, benefiting both your mental wellbeing and physical health.

3. Water

Although not considered a food, this one element your brain will not function without. Drinking enough water is critical for healthy brain function. Memory, concentration, cognitive abilities, and mental stability are impacted by the slightest care of dehydration. Muscles and tissues are also damaged without enough water intake. Without 64 ounces of water daily, your body is at risk for serious failure in these areas.

It is always suggested that you talk to a physician about mental health concerns, but dietary and activity changes can help manage symptoms of depression or low energy. What you feed your body directly impacts your brain functions and resulting commands to the rest of the body.