Boost your mental health by eating well

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.

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.

Say no to these foods

Fizzy drinks
Alcohol
Potato chips
Sweets and chocolates
Baked goods – cakes, pastries etc
Take aways
Sugar

Say yes please to 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: Want to start eating a healthy breakfast? Try these foods

Written by: Natasha

Boost mental health Health and wellness Healthy foods Mental health