2 Self-Checks That May Improve Your Mental Health

"People often believe they have mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, borderline, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But the real culprit can be their food.

2 Self-Checks That May Improve Your Mental Health

At this point, science verifies a relationship between what we eat and our mental health.

1. Check your eating frequency and balance. For example, we know that a lack of food for a duration of time can cause “hangar.” For consistent mood and energy, registered dietitian Matt Stranberg suggests that we start with the “rule of threes. Aim to consume three balanced meals each day, one to three snacks each day, and no more than 3-4 hours between meals and snacks. Be sure to include all components at meals (i.e., starches, proteins, fats, fruits and/or vegetables, and at least 8 oz. of fluid).”
2. Check your fluid intake. Are you drinking enough for you? Matt reminds us that dehydration affects so much: “cognition, mood, energy levels, feelings of well-being, feelings of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and so on. Being dehydrated by just 2% significantly impairs performance in tasks that require attention, psychomotor, and immediate memory skills, as well as assessment of the subjective state.” With that in mind, insufficient hydration may account for some symptoms of attentional (e.g., ADHD), mood, and anxiety disorders. (Please note that drinking too much water is also possible, especially if you have certain medical conditions.)"

Read the complete article online at Psychology Today!

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