Why Diet Might Be a Big Deal for Mental Health

Mental health is super complicated. And many things, from your genetics to your environment, can affect it. But what you EAT might be having a big impact on your mental health, too.
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[suicune]

I changed my diet drastically about 6 months ago and I noticed a huge difference in mood. I don't feel nearly as depressed or anxious as I did before.

[SoraByers]

That's so interesting when I was in inpatient for depression and psychosis we found out I had low levels of folate because my body had a hard time producing it so they started giving me methyl-folate and it helped along with the other meds they were giving me.

[aaminahasan]

This is the kind of content that really benefits me thank you!

[ImperiaGin]

I have depression and I'm in my 20s and my psychiatrist told me I should eat well, and excersise. I had my own meal plan and I'd go to the gym about 4 days a week. Hitting all the major muscles I could do and hitting secondary muscles as well. And I noticed I was a lot happier, I was sleeping better and generally just in a better condition. I was also taking multi vitamins. Yeah I was basically peeing the excess vitamins but it was honestly amazing.

[hiwagusu]

Wow, that's crazy, a couple of years ago I had like, a MASSIVE depression that lasted for, at least, 3 years. And the year before that, even just a couple of month, my doctor noticed, after a blood test, that my folate was incredibly low, for reason that we don't know, but I had to be careful (somehow).

And the year after my depression, blood test again, and my "level" of folate was back to normal.

[FirstFallSnow]

No surprise here. I have bioolar 1, and it's genetic. I've had it since birth. In my early 20's I decided to get healthy- bettering my diet and getting regular exercise- and my highs and lows became SO much easier to manage.

I still need meds, but it is easier to manage when I can't get them.

[ClareMaary]

I had suffered from severe depression and anxiety for over 10 years.
I went from eating poorly and doing nothing, to making sure I consume all the nutrients and water I need to nourish my body daily, whist incorporating daily exercise and 3-4 high intensity workouts per week. It was a drastic change, but it was a necessary change in lifestyle.
The mental shift was immense. It did not get rid of my anxiety completely, but it has changed my life.
My mind is sharper, my body is stronger, I sleep like a champion, and because my brain is functioning at 60% more than before, I am able to work through the anxiety by challenging it.
Personally, nutrition has been a huge factor in being able to live my life now.

[JohnKnutsson]

People with severe mental illnesses live on average 15 year shorter than average. If eating healthier gives a few more years, it's also a win.

[IDreamOfCrafting]

Before going on antidepressants, my doctor had me on vitamins D3 and B12 (since I was deficient in both). While I did feel better, it wasn't 100% so we moved on from there. So I can personally attest to a food-mental health link. Great video

[Consciouskuno]

Yup! Ive got a mutation that does not allow me to process folic acid, which leads to lower energy levels and all sorts of stuff. Started taking methylfolate and now Im a good deal better☺

[t.vinters]

Vitamin B12, B6 and Foliate deficiencies symptoms include fatigue, weakness and low mood. Which are also typical symptoms of depression. It kind of makes sense fixing those deficiencies in the background would make said symptoms milder.

[SpookyGhostIsHere]

Yay for causation vs correlation and a balanced view of treatment!

[tomhouf]

I've heard of this!! Antiinflammatories being used to help things that we never thought had anything to do with inflammation!

[dereklam]

0:19 to be fair, antioxidant-rich foods are like _the_ canonical "superfood".

Good thing there's 5 other minutes of this video about those scare quotes!

[Karabetter]

One common factor that seems to keep coming up is inflammation. And the simplest view makes a lot of sense. inflammation means swelling, and swelling can impede the transport of liquid. Inflammation in the brain can block its sewer/drain system, especially important during relaxed deep sleep. Crap builds up, causes more inflammation, vicious circle. Brain cells can't get rid of their waste, wither, die. So keep your pipes clean ! :)

[incorporealnuance]

Oh whole foods / facebook moms are gonna REALLY love THIS

[Toastmaster_]

I figure vitamin D by itself wouldn't help much with depression, but rather just getting enough natural sunlight.

[darciekelly]

Omega 3's need to be balanced with omega 6 so taking more omega 3 by itself won't make you feel better. Taking more zinc can deplete copper, so keeping things in balance is important. Getting nutrients from the right food is your best bet because it will have a balance naturally. Overall having a healthy lifestyle including waking and getting outside will help with overcoming stress and depression overall. Take care of yourself! 🥰

[ciciellew]

No, THANK YOU for always putting thoughtful content like this out for viewers like me to enjoy 😊

[scotthenrie]

Because you need specific nutrients for the brain to make the neurotransmitters.