Living a life with mental health issues isn’t easy, and anyone who suffers from a mental health issue can attest to that. However, if you suffer from a condition that relates to your mental health and is looking for a change, there are choices you can make today that can help improve your overall well-being.
Whether it’s diet or implementing other lifestyle choices, healthy choices can be made from home. Food for mental health is a widely discussed topic because it may help with those issues. Here are three of the best foods for mental health wellness.
Fatty Fish
You may have heard about Omega-3 fatty acids. Well, this essential nutrient can only be absorbed through consumed food or supplements. Omega-3 can reduce the symptoms of depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, and other mental disorders.
Because Omega-3 isn’t produced by our bodies naturally, it is most commonly found in these foods:
- Wild cold water fish such as salmon
- Seaweed
- Walnuts
- Flaxseeds
Dark, Leafy Greens
Spinach, spinach, spinach.
Dark, leafy greens are high in folic acid and B-vitamins. So while spinach is a great choice to help improve mental health, romaine and broccoli are both excellent choices when it comes to leafy greens.
When there are deficiencies in folate and essential B-vitamins, we are more likely to experience:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Lean Proteins
For those who suffer from depression, serotonin is a crucial player in improving your overall mood. When we consume protein, our attitude becomes influenced because it produces serotonin. This neurotransmitter regulates your mood and helps with sleeping, eating, and digesting.
Low levels of serotonin can lead to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Lean protein sources can help balance serotonin levels in the body, making it one of the best foods for mental health. Lean protein is commonly found in:
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Eggs and beans
- Fish
With these foods for mental health in mind, you can help improve your mental health with only a few dietary changes. Always speak with your doctor or trained mental health professional about other lifestyle choices that may be affecting your mental health.
If you struggle with a mental health issue and need help, contact us today at Desert Parkway Behavioral Healthcare Hospital in the Las Vegas, NV area. We are available 24/7 including holidays. Hablamos español.