3 Foods That Boost Mental Health & Reduce Anxiety

You’re probably tired of being told to eat healthier, but studies have shown that certain foods can really help improve overall mental health and help reduce anxiety. While vegetables are no substitute for medication and therapy, eating well can help the recovery process. Here are some foods that help boost mental health!

Dark Green Vegetables

Dark green vegetables provide the body with a natural source of magnesium and B-vitamins. Both nutrients are important for mood balance and energy levels, among other things. Vegetables like kale, broccoli, peas, and spinach are ideal choices. If you can’t find fresh versions of these, frozen green vegetables can work as well, provided they are flash frozen, which keeps them nutrient-rich. Serving green vegetables either raw or steamed is the best way to keep their nutritional value intact. And if eating vegetable plain isn’t your thing, don’t forget you can easily add kale or spinach into a fruit smoothie.

Fish

Fish oil is one of the best things for your body. Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fats. A diet rich in omega-3s has been shown to improve brain function. Healthy fats  actually help with communication between brain cells. As with vegetables, if you can’t get fresh, frozen works just as well! If you don’t enjoy the taste of fish don’t worry, you can also purchase fish oil supplements to get your omega-3s.

Herbal Teas

While caffeine might get you through the day, it can actually worsen anxiety. Caffeine exacerbates anxiety by stimulating an already over-stimulated brain. It also can disrupt sleep patterns, making mental health symptoms worse. So skip the black tea and coffee and go for an herbal tea like chamomile, lemon balm, or tulsi. These teas are calming and help ease anxiety. Most health food stores offer an array of anti-stress teas, so you can still enjoy a hot beverage without the unnecessary stimulants. Many herbal teas also contain antioxidants and help boost your immune system, so you feel physically as well as mentally better.

Proper diet and nutrition can help reduce anxiety

It’s unlikely that a change in diet will magically cure your mental health issues. But studies have shown that eating better can really help improve mental illness symptoms. If you find that your overall mental wellness is suffering, just try adding these foods into your diet to see if they help.

It is also important when seeking psychiatric help to look at all parts of your life, to see if there is anything potentially impeding your recovery. Often times Dr. Rodriguez will recommend patients meet with a nutritionist, along with psychiatry and therapy, to cover all of their bases. To find out more about nutritional therapy, call 888-551-6281 today!

 

Dr. Raul J. Rodriguez

Dr. Raul Rodriguez

DABPN, DABAM, MRO

Existing patients, please text 561-409-7296 for follow-up appointment requests or if you have medication concerns please text 561-409-7296.

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