Did you know that the food your patients eat can affect their brain? Most people focus on weight loss when planning a new diet, although you can use healthy foods to improve brain function, help prevent cognitive impairment, and improve immunity. brain. The vitamins and healthy fats in these foods can be beneficial for the brain and improve your patient’s diet.
Vitamins that support mental health
Many vitamins and nutrients are beneficial for mental and emotional health. Including foods with vitamins in your diet can help improve brain and brain health:
B vitamins: B12 and B9 (folate) are well known to affect mental health and mood. B vitamins are important for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which lead to feelings of happiness and well-being.
Magnesium: This vitamin helps regulate the nervous system. Adding magnesium to the diet can help reduce the risk of depression.
Omega-3: Fatty acids such as omega-3 can help improve neurotransmitter function to improve mood and emotions.
Vitamin C: In addition to strengthening the body, vitamin C can affect energy levels, mood, stress and brain function.
Vitamin D: Many mental health conditions are associated with vitamin D deficiency. Adding this vitamin to the diet can help improve brain function and mood.
Foods that boost mental health
Although many of these vitamins can be supplemented, your patients will prefer to take them naturally. Along with treatment, your patients can improve their mental health with foods that contain nutrients and vitamins.
Salmon
Fish is usually a healthy choice for a diet – especially salmon. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 has been linked to reducing symptoms of depression and other mental disorders and can improve memory and learning in the brain. Salmon also provides natural vitamin D, which has been linked to the reduction of depression. Mackerel, tuna and herring are also good fatty fish to include in the diet.
Chicken
Chicken contains tryptophan, the same amino acid in turkey that is often associated with sleep after a sugary meal. Although tryptophan doesn’t make you tired, it helps produce serotonin. The brain uses serotonin to help regulate emotions, maintain memory and prevent mental disorders such as depression. Chicken also contains other nutrients that are beneficial for the brain, such as B vitamins and magnesium.
Whole grains
Whole grains are a broad category, including foods like oats, beans, wild rice, and soy. The brain and body need complex carbohydrates like these to support slow glucose production and provide sustained energy. But in general, many people eat simple carbohydrates and have high blood pressure, which is associated with many psychological disorders.
Whole grains also help with tryptophan absorption. So when they eat whole grains with turkey or chicken, your patients are setting up their brains to be more effective in reducing stress and anxiety.
Avocados
Avocados are a great food for the brain. Avocados are rich in healthy fats that support brain function. They are also high in lutein, which has been linked to brain health. Avocados are also rich in folate and vitamin K, which help improve thinking, memory and thinking. These foods are rich in other nutrients such as vitamin Bs, magnesium, vitamin C, etc., all of which help support the brain.
Green leaves
Leafy greens like spinach and kale provide enough folate to help the brain fight depression, reduce the risk of dementia and fight insomnia, which is often associated with other mental health conditions. Dark leafy greens also contain omega-3s, magnesium and other nutrients, making them good brain foods.
There are many ways to include leafy greens in the diet, from salads to greens, so find a way to include leafy greens that works for your patient.
Yogurt
Products that contain cultures, such as yogurt, are the best probiotic source. Probiotics break down food so that the body and brain can access and use the nutrients.