The human lifestyle has changed in a major way since the Industrial Revolution. With advanced technology, we can get food that we could not in the past, like strawberries in the cold wintertime. Does this mean that we are better at managing nutrition compared to our ancestors?
Unfortunately, the answer is Most Likely not.
Compared with the fast-developed urban lifestyle and technologies, the human race has hardly changed on a genetic level. Especially compared with our ancestors of thousand years ago who lived in nature and got food from animals and fields directly. Modern agriculture aims to select strains of grains that are competitive to the market in terms of the taste and the amount they can produce.
An unfortunate result is the amount of protein and minerals is much decreased compared with the grains from the past. Many are unable to have contact with natural soil and animals due to urban life. As a result, we are also unable to get certain bacterial strains that are important for many of the functions of our bodies. These include the immune system, GI function, as well as mental health. We from Beverly Mental Health Service believe in an integrative approach. A nutrition therapist in Los Angeles, CA can offer nutrition and lifestyle changes to improve your quality of life in a comprehensive way.
How the Mind and Body are Linked
This may surprise you, but what you eat can have a direct impact on your mental health. Our minds and bodies are closely linked. As a result, what we put into our bodies can have a significant effect on our mental well-being. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mindset. Ensuring you’re getting the right nutrients can help improve your mood, cognitive function, and mental health.
Probiotics and Mental Health
The gastrointestinal tract has been called the second brain. This is because of the many ways it communicates with the central nervous system. In fact, 90% of the body’s serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter) is produced in the gut. Probiotics are live bacteria that benefit the GI tract. Probiotics have been shown to help with depression and inflammation. So, not only can probiotics improve your gut health, but they can also support your mental health.
Exercise and Depression Symptoms
As you may know, exercise has many benefits for the body. When we exercise our bodies release endorphins. These are natural painkillers that act as mood enhancers. Research has shown that exercise can help improve symptoms of depression. Taking a walk or going for a run can be a great way to improve your mood and start your day. This will not only help you on a physical level but also mentally.
Omega-3 and Combatting Depression
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining brain health. These essential nutrients can be found in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Or, if you don’t eat fish, you can take a supplement. Omega- 3 fatty acids are also known to help to reduce inflammation. They are also shown to help combat depression symptoms.
Some ways to include omega-3s into your diet are:
- Eating fatty fish
- Taking a fish oil supplement
- Eating flaxseeds or chia seeds
- Algae oil
- Canola oil
These are only a few of the many ways you can improve your mental health through nutrition. But, you should always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
Supplements for Mental Health
There is no quick fix for mental health. But, there are certain supplements that can be helpful for some people.
These supplements can include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Probiotics
- Vitamin D
Omega-3 fatty acids, as we mentioned before, are great for reducing inflammation and have been linked to improving depression symptoms. Probiotics are live bacteria that benefit the gut. And, as we now know, can not only improve our gut health but help with depression and inflammation. Vitamin D is important for many functions in the body, including bone health and immunity. But, vitamin D has also been linked to improved mental health by helping to reduce depression by correcting a vitamin D deficiency.
However, there are people who the supplements benefit more than others.
Supplements can be a great benefit for people with:
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Mild symptoms of depression
- Taking certain antidepressants
- Who doesn’t respond well to medication
Supplements should not be seen as a cure for mental health but as a way to help improve symptoms. And, a way to support a healthy body and mind. As always, you should consult a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen. Our team at Beverly Mental Health Service would be happy to consult with you and help you on your journey to better mental health.
Begin Working With An Online Nutritional Therapist in California
Improving your relationship with food is much easier said than done. But, our team of therapists and psychiatrists would be happy to help you to improve your mental health and overall wellbeing through nutrition. We are happy to offer support from our Los Angeles, CA-based therapy practice. Contact us today to start your therapy journey!
Other Services Offered With Beverly Mental Health Service
Nutrition therapy isn’t the only service we offer at our Los Angeles, CA-based therapy practice. Our team understands you are a complex person, with complex needs. As a result, you may need support with mental health concerns other than nutrition therapy. We are happy to offer support with ADHD treatment, OCD treatment, depression treatment, and social anxiety treatment. In addition, we also offer bipolar disorder treatment, and self-assessments for depression as well. Please feel free to visit our blog or help page for more helpful info today!