Nutrition directly impacts mental health, with deficiencies in key nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin C and selenium linked to depression and mood disorders. A balanced diet supports neurotransmitter production and brain function.
Processed foods worsen mental health. Studies show diets high in fast food and refined sugars increase depression risk by 51%. In contrast, whole foods like fruits, vegetables and omega-3s stabilize mood and reduce inflammation.
Specific foods boost neurotransmitter function, such as salmon (omega-3s for serotonin/dopamine), walnuts (17% lower depression risk), eggs (B vitamins and iron) and leafy greens (magnesium and B vitamins for neurotransmitter synthesis).
Gut-brain connection is critical. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt improve gut health, which influences neurotransmitter production, while ultra-processed foods trigger inflammation and dysbiosis, worsening depression.
Small, consistent dietary changes (such as swapping processed snacks for nuts or adding whole grains) can significantly improve mood, complementing traditional mental health treatments.
As modern medicine evolves, healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing that mental well-being isn’t just about therapy or medication. It’s also deeply connected to what’s on your plate.
Read Full Article: https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-02-19-beat-depression-foods-for-better-mental-health.html
