How Nutrition Can Improve Your

Mental Health

Quick Intro

There is a very complex relationship between your diet and mental health. What is known for sure is that there is connection. Food can help boost your mood and over all wellbeing either in a positive or negative way.

Furthermore, research supports the idea that a good quality diet can in fact improve your mental health and reduce the risk of or prevent mental disorders. More research is needed in the area of using diet as part of treatment of mental disorders.

A great example to give you an idea is the Mediterranean Diet. This diet which consists of lots of fish, vegetables, fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic and grains has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression.

The SMILEs Trial

There has been growing evidence that diet and nutrition can play an important role in the treatment and prevention of depression. Among the first trials ever conducted was the SMILEs (Supporting the Modification of lifestyle in Lowered Emotional States) trial.

For the experiment, there was a control group with no dietary intervention. The other group met with and Accredited Practicing Dietitian for dietary education, support, and nutritional counseling. They were also encouraged to follow a Modified Mediterranean Diet.

Have you ever asked yourself the question...

If I improve my diet, will my mood improve?

References

O'Neil, A., Berk, M., Itsiopoulos, C., Castle, D., Opie, R., Pizzinga, J., . . . Jacka, F. N. (2013). A randomised, controlled trial of a dietary intervention for adults with major depression (the “SMILES” trial): Study protocol. BMC Psychiatry, 13(1), 114. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-13-114