Whatever emotions you experience and however your mental health influences your day-to-day functionality, good nutrition can affect your mood greatly. Remember that as human beings, we are a complex mix of body, mind and spirit: each shapes the other. In this blog, we will look specifically at how diet, mood and mental health interact and how what you eat can be an important part of your wellness plan.
Your Diet, Your Emotions, Your Thinking
Research shows that you really are what you eat. Eat the right nutrients in the right quantity, and your physical health thrives, along with how you feel and even your mental sharpness and cognition. Consume unhealthy foods or eat meals which are rushed or sporadic, and mental health changes, particularly if you are prone to disorders such as anxiety and depression.
How to Optimize Mood and Mental Health Through Nutrition
Nutrition is an important part of our approach to integrative psychiatry. In fact, when you consult with one of our mental health providers, you will have an in-depth discussion about your eating habits and food choices.
In general, our clients improve their mood and mental health management when they follow a heart-healthy diet. Interestingly, what’s good for your cardiovascular health also benefits your mood.
A diet that benefits your mood and cognition includes:
- Low-fat proteins
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Adequate hydration (six to eight glasses of water daily)
- No caffeine
- Very limited alcohol (none for those with alcohol use disorder or those taking prescription medications which prohibit its consumption)
- Reduced sugar and processed food intake
Additionally, you and your counselor will explore how and when you eat. It’s helpful to make healthy meals intentional – that is, to thoughtfully eat in a seated position (no rushed fast food) and to eat with friends or family. Social interaction and conversation together aid both digestion and mood.
In summary, your mental health provider will show you ways to make your daily diet more than just fuel for your body. It should feed your mind and your spirit as well.
Nutritional Supplements
At Psychance, our providers understand that treating mood and mental health disorders takes more than eating well. Sometimes, therapy, medication and diet need the additional boost provided by nutritional supplements.
We offer a long list of high-quality supplements through Metagenics, which provides world-class supplements. During your initial consultation and follow-up appointments, you will discuss the superior products we offer and how they can aid you in your journey to emotional, mental and physical wellness. We have specific Metagenics packages for mood disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more.
Functional Nutritional Therapy
At Psyhance, functional nutrition therapy plays a pivotal role in our approach to comprehensive mental health care. This unique form of therapy takes a personalized approach in which your functional nutritional therapist will adjust dietary interventions to meet your individual needs.
This therapy integrates evidence-based medical treatments with holistic care strategies, aiming to create a harmonious balance between the mind, body, and spirit, essential for overall well-being and mental health.
We may also recommend essential vitamin supplementation, and through our partnership with Metagenics, patients have access to high-quality nutritional supplements.
During therapy sessions, discussions may encompass dietary habits, hydration levels, and appropriate nutritional supplements. These conversations aim to equip patients with the knowledge and tools to optimize their energy levels and lead a balanced, fulfilling life.
Integrative Psychiatry Services in White Plains, NY
Learn how your eating habits can improve your overall wellness and help you manage mood and thought patterns. Contact board-certified mental health nurse practitioner, William DaSilva for an in-depth consultation. He and his caring team will work with you step by step to identify and remodel less-than-beneficial attitudes towards food and to develop a new and invigorating way to really enjoy nutritional food.
Contact us by emailing s.lahlou@psychance.com or request a visit online. We look forward to speaking with you soon!