There is a reciprocal link between nutrition and mental health: what and how well we eat influences our mental state, and the things we consume impact our mental state. The American Society for diet (ASN) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) are teaming together this month to emphasise the relationship between diet and mental health. Among a sample of 2,200 persons, [nutrition.org] APA conducted a survey between March 16 and 17, 2023, to find out more about the public’s perceptions of nutrition and mental health.
Sixty-six percent of respondents who responded to the study said they are aware of the connection between nutrition and mental health.
Of the respondents surveyed, [nutrition.org] four out of five (81%) would be open to altering their diet in a manner that would improve their mental health.
For better mental health, [nutrition.org] four out of ten people (43%) would be very eager to alter their diet.
A increasing corpus of studies supports the advantages of a balanced diet for mental health. Numerous studies highlight the advantages of the Mediterranean diet, and specific benefits have been shown in managing depression. An study from 2019 that was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that daily vegetable eating has a therapeutic effect by lowering symptoms of depression in those with clinical depression, and that increasing fruit and vegetable consumption significantly influences psychological health. A webinar on nutrition and mental health by the National Academies of Sciences, [nutrition.org] Engineering, and Medicine discussed how dietary changes might alleviate depression. Increased fibre, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, together with other nutrients, may lower inflammation and change neurotransmitters to lessen depressive symptoms.
As you may know, your mood may be influenced by the food you consume.
ASN member Jessica Bayes, Ph.D., conducted a research that was published in Current Developments in Nutrition to evaluate the efficacy of a Mediterranean diet in treating moderate to severe depression in males between the ages of 18 and 25. The Mediterranean diet has more fruits, vegetables, [nutrition.org] fish, whole grains, and healthy fats (poly and monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, nuts, and seeds) than other diets. It is based on the eating habits of people living in the Mediterranean area. Participants in the study, who were all diagnosed with severe depressive illness, were split into two groups for the 12-week parallel-group randomised controlled trial: one group received diet intervention, while the other was the control group. Nutritional counselling and help with meal planning to follow the Mediterranean diet were provided to the diet intervention group. On the Beck Depression Inventory Scale—Version II, the diet intervention group’s mean score decreased by 20.6 points, whereas the control group’s score decreased by 6.2 points. This indicates a substantial improvement in the group’s depressed symptoms.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that depression is a major global cause of illness and disability. One of the challenges in public health is understanding and treating mental health illnesses. [nutrition.org] Our knowledge of the connection between nutrition and the mind is expanding due to research, and the data available now suggests that food affects psychological well-being.
The American Psychiatric Association: An Overview
The nation’s oldest medical organisation was established in 1844 and is called the American Psychiatric organisation. With more than 38,000 medical professionals who specialise in the diagnosis, [nutrition.org] treatment, prevention, and study of mental diseases, the American Psychiatric organisation (APA) is also the biggest psychiatric organisation globally. Access to high-quality mental health diagnosis and treatment is APA’s mission. For further details, kindly visit www.psychiatry.org.
Concerning the American Society of Nutrition
ASN will commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2028 as a prominent nutrition advocate by releasing significant and relevant research in the fields of fundamental, clinical, [nutrition.org] and developing nutrition science. The top journals in the subject of nutrition are published by the society and include The Journal of Nutrition, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Advances in Nutrition, [nutrition.org] and Current Developments in Nutrition. Journals enrich their material with special issues on nutrition-related subjects and provide critical evaluations and commentary by prominent scientists in addition to research reporting. To improve nutrition science and its practical application, leading researchers, practitioners, global and public health experts, policy makers and advocacy leaders, industry, media, and other associated professions come together for ASN’s flagship annual conference, [nutrition.org] Nutrition. ASN works with Congress and federal agencies on problems that affect how nutrition scientists and physicians conduct research or treat patients, as well as advocating for nutrition resources and research. In addition, ASN works with groups on nutrition-related concerns in order to form alliances and promote topics of shared interest. One such alliance is this one with the American Psychiatric Association. Go to nutrition.org/ for more details.
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