Mental Health

Last Updated: August 16, 2022

Mental health refers to emotional and psychological well-being. Diet and dietary supplements can be helpful in maintaining mental health.

What is mental health?

Mental health can be defined as having the necessary emotional and psychological well-being to enjoy life, manage stress, and develop meaningful relationships. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and ADHD negatively impact mental health and can be difficult to manage. Additionally, having a mental health disorder may increase the risk of developing other diseases, including type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease.[1][2] [3]

How could diet affect mental health?

There does appear to be a relationship between diet and mental health. However, the effect of diet on mental health is highly complex, and its mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. Similar to other aspects of health, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, and lean protein can benefit mental health.[4]

Which supplements are of most interest for mental health?

The supplements that are of interest for mental health include ashwagandha, curcumin, D-serine, fish oil, kava, saffron, and sarcosine. Before starting any supplement for mental health, it is important to consult a healthcare professional because concurrently taking a drug for mental health disorders and a dietary supplement could lead to adverse effects.

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References
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