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Mental health significantly affects eating habits, with stress, anxiety and depression often triggering unhealthy patterns such as emotional eating or loss of appetite. Conversely, diet and nutrition play an important role in mental health, as certain nutrients can affect mood regulation and cognitive function.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Gaurav Gupta, psychiatrist and co-founder of Emoniids, explained, “Inadequate levels of key nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins have been linked to an increased likelihood of experiencing depression and anxiety. Additionally, irregular eating habits such as binge eating or strict dietary restrictions can worsen existing mental health conditions or contribute to the onset of new conditions. This establishes a reciprocal relationship between mental health and dietary choices, where each aspect influences and maintains the other.”
He elaborated, “Addressing this complex interplay requires a holistic approach that considers both psychological and physiological factors. Integrative interventions, including therapy, mindfulness practices, and nutrition counseling, aim to promote a balanced relationship between mind and body, which not only promotes physical health but also emotional well-being. By recognizing and nurturing this connection, individuals can develop healthy eating habits and improve their overall mental health.”
Nitasha Singh Bali, Clinical Psychologist at Lisun, said, “The mind-body connection is like a dance between two partners, where the mind leads with feelings and thoughts, and the body responds with physical sensations and actions. Just as a skilled dancer guides his or her partner through complex movements, the mind influences our emotional state and behaviour, shaping our responses to stress, anxiety and other stimuli. In turn, our physical health, as represented by the body, reflects these mental states, with increased stress during calm moments and increased tension during times of crisis.”
According to her, nutrition acts like the music to this dance, setting the tone for our overall health and vitality. Nitasha Singh Bali said, “The mind-body connection is an intricate relationship between mental and physical health, where each deeply influences the other. This interplay can be observed by looking at our eating habits and mental health. In this interplay, our emotional states dictate what we eat and vice versa, what we eat can have an impact on our mental health.”
He added, “Eating habits are greatly influenced by mental health. Anxiety, depression, and even stressful situations can lead to overeating and undereating. For example, the tendency to crave certain foods in stressful situations serves as a coping mechanism for the underlying emotional disturbance. In depression, loss of appetite is commonly observed. It is also important to recognize that individuals can also experience the opposite, which may include binge eating. Similarly, our dietary choices can affect our mental health.”
The mental health expert explained, “The food we eat fuels our brain and if the diet is high in sugar or other processed and refined food and low in nutrients, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies which increase vulnerability to mental health disorders. Even though it has been overlooked for quite some time, emerging research is shedding light on the brain-gut connection and its vital role in maintaining mental health. The connection between our mental health and dietary choices reinstates the inseparable relationship that exists between our psychological and physical health. By making clean choices and being mindful of your choices, health can be maintained.”
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