Hamburgers and ice cream are not among the foods that a nutrition expert or doctor would suggest as part of a healthy diet, especially for those who are looking after their heart health, and they might not be for mental health either.
The New York Post notes that eating too much meat and ice cream can “trigger bipolar, anxiety and other mood disorders, as well as inhibit the effectiveness of treatments,” based on a new study published in Science.
Meat and dairy contain high amounts of glycine, an amino acid necessary for the body.
The University of Florida Academic Center for Health shares that glycine may send a “slow down” signal to the brain, likely playing a role in major depression, anxiety and other mood disorders in some people, according to scientists at the University of Florida. Wertheim UF Scripps Institute.
Results in previous studies on meat consumption and psychological well-being offer mixed results.
An analysis of 18 studies published in 2020 in Critical Reviews of Food Science and Nutrition found that “the majority of studies showed that those who avoided meat consumption had significantly higher rates of risk of depression, anxiety, and/or self-injurious behaviors.” ”.
Nutrition as part of therapy
Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, notes that food contributes to mental health. Naidoo points out that a healthy diet can help treat and prevent a wide range of psychological and cognitive health problems.
Foods that, due to their nutrients and other compounds, are recommended by specialists to help combat anxiety and depression in nutritional psychiatry:
Fruit. Fruits like berries and avocados contain potassium, B vitamins, vitamin C, and magnesium.
Beans and other legumes. Beans contain B vitamins, thiamine, iron, and magnesium. Other legumes like lentils contain magnesium, B vitamins, zinc and iron.
Green leafy vegetables. Vegetables like spinach and kale contain magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, and B vitamins.
Walnuts. Walnuts and cashews contain magnesium, omega-3 fats, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin E, and selenium.
Olive oil. Olive oil contains good fats and antioxidant compounds.
Fish and shellfish. Salmon and other fatty fish, as well as clams and anchovies, contain zinc, iron, B vitamins, omega-3 fats, magnesium, and selenium.
Seeds. Sunflower and chia seeds contain vitamin E, vitamin B1, magnesium, zinc and omega 3 fats.
Spices. Ginger and turmeric contain magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, and vitamin E.
Whole grains. Quinoa, farro, and wild rice contain zinc, iron, vitamin B1, selenium, and magnesium.
fermented foods Products like kimchi contain probiotics
Experts in nutritional psychiatry note that these foods are most effective as part of a larger program that includes regular exercise, a healthy sleep pattern, therapy, and, where appropriate, medication.
Keep reading:
–5 Worst Foods and Drinks for Your Brain Health
–7 foods that help keep the brain young for longer
–How to follow the MIND diet to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s