Nutrition is likely one of the last factors you consider when assessing your mental health and well-being. Unfortunately, many people who struggle with mental illness oftentimes overlook how impactful their nutrition can influence their mental health– for better or for worse. That’s why in this article, you’ll learn more about the link between nutrition and mental health so you can lead a healthier life by prioritizing a healthy diet.
At 90210 Recovery, we are a luxury drug rehab that helps clients overcome addiction and lead happier, healthier lives. We are committed to providing individualized treatment plans to help clients receive the unique care that they need to best achieve long-lasting sobriety. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment options so you can receive tailored support. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your road to recovery.
How Nutrition Impacts Mental Health
While poor nutrition doesn’t cause mental illness, your nutrition can play a significant role in impacting your mood and overall mental well-being. This is because certain unhealthy foods can negatively impact your mental health, while eating a healthier diet has the potential to improve your overall mental well-being. Below are some key factors to consider when understanding the link between nutrition and mental health.
Mood and Energy Levels Influenced By Your Diet
More than 1 in 5 adults in the United States live with a mental illness, according to the CDC. When you think about mental illness, nutrition all too often becomes overlooked when understanding why someone may be struggling with a certain mental disorder. However, what you eat, especially on a daily basis, can greatly play a role in your overall mood and energy levels. While it’s inevitable to experience fluctuations in your mood and energy levels, a consistently poor diet can harm your overall mood and energy levels, thus negatively impacting your mental well-being.
Nutritional Deficiencies Can Hurt Your Mental Health
Nutritional deficiencies are another way a poor diet can harm your mental health. Nutritional deficiencies can be difficult to recognize without proper testing to check if you are low in certain vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients that make up a well-balanced diet. Nutritional deficiencies can not only lead to physical decline but also may contribute to mental health struggles.
Hormones Are Impacted By Your Diet
Your diet can also impact your hormones, which can ultimately impact your mental health. For example, eating foods that are heavily processed or high in sugar content can raise your body’s cortisol levels. In turn, your cortisol levels influence your stress levels, so high cortisol can raise your body’s stress levels and negatively impact your mental well-being.
Certain Unhealthy Foods Can Lead to Inflammation
Certain unhealthy foods and drinks–like foods high in sugar, processed foods, alcohol, and more–can trigger your body’s inflammatory response. This can not only impact your physical health but also hurt your mental health.
Nutrition Can Impact Cognitive Function
Last but not least, what you eat can influence your brain’s overall cognitive function, which can also impact your mental health. Eating a well-balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help support your physical health, while also giving your brain the nutrition it needs to perform at its best. This in turn can help support mental health.
Help Is Available
Now you know more about the link between nutrition and mental health. While nutrition does play a role in your physical and mental health, your nutrition on its own doesn’t cause mental illness. However, a poor diet can play a significant role in worsening your mental health symptoms. This is why prioritizing a well-balanced, healthy diet is key. A healthy diet is important for everyone, whether you are struggling with a mental illness or not.
If you are struggling with addiction, you should never have to suffer in silence with your condition. Our compassionate team at 90210 Recovery is here to help you every step of the way along your road to recovery. Ready to start your recovery journey? Contact us today!
