By: Natasha Archary
One third of South Africans are battling mental illness and 75% do not seek medical treatment.
This equates to an estimated 17 million people struggling with mental health.
A number that the South African Depression and Anxiety Group suspect may have increased since the Covid-19 pandemic gripped the world.
With the rate of suicide in Gauteng at a shocking 90% and more people feeling anxious and depressed, is there a healthy way to boost your mental state of mind?
While mental illness is as physiological as it is psychological, and medical intervention should be considered, studies suggest that the foods we consume can influence our mental health.
Ditch the comfort food
Before turning to your favourite comfort foods, which are usually sugar-laden or greasy takeouts, reach for more wholesome foods.
Known as nutritional psychiatry, the research finds a link between the influence of food on happiness and mental health.
Processed foods may give you a temporary rush of “happiness” or comfort but once the sugary high wears off, the negative thoughts and feelings return.
This is not to say that eating a salad can cure depression. No, but you can boost your mental health in a more natural way but including more “brain” foods in your diet.
Giving your brain and nervous system all the nutrients to improve mental functioning, nutritionists advise including a variety of foods into your daily meals.
Instead of consuming the same foods, introduce more super food groups into meals.
Ditch these foods
- Fizzy drinks
- Alcohol
- Potato chips
- Sweets and chocolates
- Baked goods – cakes, pastries etc
- Take aways
- Sugar
Include these foods
- Nuts & Legumes
- Dried fruits
- Fruits and vegetables
- Complex carbohydrates such as brown rice or sweet potato which release energy gradually
- Healthy fats such as avocado
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Foods that are rich in Omega 3 such as salmon
Also read: Mental Health – It’s normal to feel January blues
