TLI Staff
New Delhi: While coronavirus-induced restrictions have been affecting mental health worldwide, it is not always the external factors that affect your moods, focus and anxiety levels. The diet you are consuming also determines your overall mental health.
According to a recent study by Apollo Diagnostics on nutritional deficiency associated due to poor diet and physical health among young, finds that nutrition plays a major role in mental health as it impacts out mood, anxiety level, ability to focus, and every other aspect of brain function.
Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables and nutrients may be associated with feelings of wellbeing. Regular tests to check the nutrition level in the body is vital.
Low dietary intake and all micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and folate, are associated with functional decline, decreased quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Good nutrition helps in building blocks that are necessary for producing chemicals in the brain needed to properly regulate our mood and behaviour.
“Micronutrient inadequacies are a common and avoidable contributor to decreased quality of life. To create awareness about the importance of proper nutrition to our body. Apollo Diagnostics conducted a study by taking a health check-up sample report among the age group of 25- 55. It has been noticed that around 20% of people who underwent health check-up in the last 12 months, has nutrition deficiency, a leading cause of mental health,” says Dr. Sanjay Ingle, Zonal Pathologist, and Technical Head West India, Apollo Diagnostics.
People are unaware about the importance of nutrition such as Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin D, B12, Carbohydrates, Protein, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Folate, Selenium in their daily diet.
Take a look at how the deficiency of certain nutrients can impact our moods:
· Zinc – Poor zinc levels can impact mood and anxiety levels, reduce appetite, and lead to people generally feeling like they have no energy or motivation to do things,
· Omega-3 Fatty Acids – It support healthy brain function and low levels can lead to unstable moods, depression, anxiety, poor focus, and attention,
· Vitamin D – It is needed for neurotransmitter production, and low levels have been linked to depression, anxiety, and a host of other mental health symptoms
· B12 – Intake of B12 help in improvement of depression.
· Magnesium- Magnesium levels that are lower than they should be, which can lead to increased anxiety and panic, restlessness, poor sleep, and irritability.
· Selenium- It help improve mood.