How Healthy Eating Practices Can Boost Your Mental Health- Check Food Items To Include In Diet

Nutrient-Rich Foods: Incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support optimal brain function and neurotransmitter production. (Image Source: Getty)

Balanced Blood Sugar Levels: Choosing complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, along with adequate protein and healthy fats, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing fluctuations that can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. (Image Source: Getty)

Gut-Brain Connection: A healthy gut microbiome is closely linked to mental health, as the gut produces neurotransmitters like serotonin and communicates with the brain through the vagus nerve. Consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi supports gut health and may improve mood and cognitive function. (Image Source: Getty)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, have been associated with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, as omega-3s are crucial for brain structure and function. (Image Source: Getty)

Mindful Eating: Practicing mindfulness during meals by paying attention to hunger cues, savoring flavors and textures, and eating slowly can enhance the enjoyment and satisfaction of food, fostering a positive relationship with eating and reducing stress-related eating behaviour. (Image Source: Getty)

Limiting Processed Foods and Sugar: Minimizing the consumption of processed foods, refined carbohydrates, sugary snacks, and artificial additives helps stabilize mood and energy levels, as these foods can lead to inflammation, blood sugar imbalances, and oxidative stress in the body. (Image Source: Getty)

Hydration: Staying adequately hydrated by drinking water throughout the day supports cognitive function, concentration, and mood regulation, as dehydration can impair mental performance and exacerbate feelings of fatigue and irritability. (Image Source: Getty)

Leafy Greens: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens are packed with nutrients such as folate, vitamin K, and antioxidants, which support brain health and may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. (Image Source: Getty)

Berries: Berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids, which have been shown to improve cognitive function and protect against age-related decline in brain function. (Image Source: Getty)

Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds, including almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support brain health and improve mood. (Image Source: Getty)

Whole Grains: Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, brown rice, and barley provide a steady source of energy to the brain and help regulate mood by stabilising blood sugar levels. They also contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals important for overall health. (Image Source: Getty)

Beans and Legumes: Beans and legumes like lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans are rich in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, which help regulate blood sugar levels and promote stable energy levels and mood. (Image Source: Getty)

Inputs by: Dr. Pavana S, Consultant Psychiatrist, relationship expert and sexologist, Bangalore. (Image Source: Getty)