Mental health is a hefty term to unpack and means a lot of things to a lot of different people. From a scientific perspective, it includes our psychological well-being, the balance between our emotions and our actions, and the harmony between all three. It is the way in which we think, feel, and act, and is essential to our health and wellness. Last month we talked about the importance of working on our mental health, but if we want to get our brains in tiptop shape, exercise routines need to be complimented by a healthy diet. Nutritional psychology research shows that consuming things like water, Vitamin D, probiotics, plant-based diets, amino acids, fatty acids, and others have all proven to significantly advance our brain functioning. Here’s a brief look at some of those.

Water: Losing 1-2% of your body weight in water results in significant decreases in concentration and alertness, and causes headaches and lethargy
Probiotics: Bacteria in the intestine help to produce neurotransmitters like serotonin
Vitamin D: Plays a vital role in maintaining serotonin and dopamine levels
Phytochemicals: Founds in plant-based diets and protects brain cells from injury
Amino Acids: Low carb diets will cause a reduction in amino acid synthesis, and increase the risk of depression
Fatty Acids: Without the presence of fatty acids like Omega-3s, advanced aging of brain cells occurs

Our brains are the most powerful organ in our bodies, and to maximize their potential, we must ensure our mental health is at the epicenter of considerations surrounding our lifestyle management. Through diet and exercise, we have the potential to exponentially increase our brain functionality. And during a time of crisis where our mental health is at risk, it is important to direct our attention to the small improvements we can make to keep our lives in balance.