Can a Healthy Diet Boost Your Mental Health?

With all of the focus on health and wellness in the world today, people have begun to take their mental health seriously. Your mental health is also very much a part of living a life of recovery. As you stay sober, you’ll notice certain problems that hold you back in life and cause you mental stress. Maybe you also struggle with a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. Whatever your mental health situation, it’s important to do your best to take care of yourself. The goal of recovery is a better life. Being at your best, mentally, will help you through your new journeys.

Gut Health, the Body, and Mental Health

Scientists have only recently studied the effect of food on the body, but one promising new study found that probiotics can be a part of that. A research study analyzed “gut health” and the microbial universe within your stomach walls and its relationship to mood. The releationship isn’t super clear, but studies have shown that when people take probiotic supplements with “good bacteria” in them, they experience significant changes in their mental state. Probiotics seemed to help rid their anxiety levels and stress levels. Study participants given probiotics also had their attitudes improve.

So where can you get probiotics?  There are nutritional supplements available, but the prices and quality will probably vary a lot. However, many people get their probiotics from yogurt and their vegan counterparts.

Healthier Food Can Help With Mental Health

Studies also show that nutrient-rich food can help improve moods. In fact, science has shown that carbohydrates are linked to the mood-boosting brain chemical, serotonin. While the jury is still out on the evidence, experts agree that carb cravings could be related to low serotonin activity.

Healthier carbs, such as brown rice, beans/legumes, salads, and even fruit, can help the body function better and add antioxidants to your diet, which can help fight cell damage (which many people who fight addiction may have.)

Healthy protein choices such as tuna or chicken also  contain an acid called tryptophan, which can help your body regulate seratonin. Having enough protein is important for skin, nails, muscles, and hair. So even if you’re vegan, please try to eat something with protein several times a day. It will help you boost your energy and build a strong body.

Consider Sober Living

Many people live in sober living environments because they want to focus on themselves and their recovery. Is sober living right for you? Give us a call to learn more about our programs and if they fir your needs. Call us at 76-216-2077.