The influence of food on mental health

February 6,Kathmandu. In the experience of Dr. Bishwabandhu Sharma, a senior psychiatrist who has been working for forty years, our food plays a big role in staying mentally healthy. Dr. Sharma's views are, 'Since general physical health is the foundation of mental health, it is a generally established belief that just as food has a positive effect on physical health, it is also suitable for mental health. Some food items have a special role.'

Foods rich in fiber, including micronutrients, are especially helpful in strengthening mental health. Fresh foods that are as minimally processed as possible, do not increase the amount of sugar in the body at once, and play a role in making the brain active and effective. That is, a variety of healthy foods, as well as plant-based foods, are able to make the brain active.

Similarly, various fruits like oranges, grapefruits, mangoes, and various types of berries (like blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries) contain antioxidants (which reduce the process of aging) and fiber. These elements play a role in maintaining strong mental health.

Similarly, vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, radish, etc. are also considered important. Dark green leafy, colorful vegetables like pumpkin, beetroot, red cabbage, etc. contain sufficient amounts of phytochemicals (a chemical that is useful for the brain).  

It has a positive effect on mental health. Scientists have started to make important points when discussing healthy eating. Patients with mental health problems are advised to consume walnuts, various seeds (almond, sesame, pumpkin seeds), and colored pulses, including black lentils, red lentils, and kidney beans.

Dr. Sharma's statement makes it clear that such foods also play a role in maintaining strong mental health, which are foods that keep the heart, liver, and digestive system healthy. Various scientific research has proven this. According to Dr. Sharma, "Vitamin 'B' 12, vitamin 'D', etc. are also important for the brain. If there is a severe deficiency of vitamin 'B' 12, there is a possibility of symptoms similar to forgetfulness. "Consumption of free-range chicken eggs, freshwater fish, and meat of free-range animals is suitable for keeping the brain healthy. Although many health workers believe that vitamin 'B' 12 is not found in vegetarian food. However, plant-based foods such as cheese, paneer, curd, and mustard provide vitamin 'B' 12 to the body," says Dr. Sharma. "Brain cells do not regenerate after they are destroyed, so one should pay attention to healthy food as much as possible to minimize the process of destruction."

There has been a lot of research on nutrition and mental health in the past few years, and mental health experts believe that exercise, sleep, and social activity are also important for staying mentally healthy. Nutritious food is also needed to minimize the side effects of taking various medications for mental problems. If any medication causes constipation, drink plenty of soup, water, or broth and eat foods high in fiber, such as various vegetables and fruits.

Similarly, since insomnia can cause problems in the brain and digestive system, advice on diet and lifestyle is also given at this time. It is advised to consume warm milk and turmeric before going to bed, and not eat too many calories and fatty foods at night. Recent scientific research has shown that the digestive system is strengthened by the intestinal tract and the microorganisms in the intestines.

Although some doctors have been saying for a long time that food is linked to mental health, the common people are yet to understand this. The organs inside the stomach have different operating processes. Just as there are trillions of stars in the Milky Way, there are trillions of microbes inside the stomach. Bacteria, fungi, etc. are present in various parts of the body (intestines), as well as in the lungs, etc. Research is being conducted to see if their presence can play a role in our physical and mental health.

Modern medical science says, 'Most physical diseases have their roots in the stomach.' Ayurveda also states that various diseases arise after stomach problems. Current scientific research has proven that 'stomach health also affects mental health. To put it in easy-to-understand language, healthy food is needed to be mentally strong. Mental illness cannot be treated by improving stomach health alone. Mental stress, depression, schizophrenia, and mania require medication. Some people need medication for a long time. But it is certain that people with mental illness need healthy food along with medication. For example, people with schizophrenia should not touch strong alcohol.

If our stomach is healthy, that is, if we eat healthy food, the treatment of mental health also plays a big role. There is a strong connection between the stomach and relationships. So much so that the stomach is considered the second brain. It is clear that the health of the trillions of bacteria in the stomach also depends on our food. And all three bacteria and germs play a role in the ups and downs of our brain and emotions. Treatment of mental illness and mental health are given very low priority in the government's health program. Because those who suffer from this problem cannot raise their voices to talk about the problem they are having. Those who do not have this problem are not found to have a positive attitude towards mental patients.

If the body is healthy, the mind is healthy, and if the stomach is healthy, both the mind and the body are healthy. Experts say that there is a relationship between the health of the stomach and various dementias and Parkinson's disease, which also play a role in mental problems. 80 percent of the substance called serotonin is produced in the stomach. Serotonin affects the human brain and creates a feeling of happiness. But when serotonin is lacking in the brain, the problem of depression arises. This substance is produced in the stomach and controls the functioning of the brain. Therefore, food, sleep, and exercise are important to keep the stomach healthy. Consuming food containing fibrous substances also helps in keeping the health of the mind strong.

According to a statistic from the World Health Organization, 15 percent of people in any society suffer from various types of mental problems and 2 percent of people have very severe mental problems. In this sense, in Nepal too, about 4 million people suffer from various types of mental problems and about 600,000 people have severe mental problems. Such mental problems include mental retardation, people who have become deranged due to using various types of drugs, people who have suffered from various types of social problems such as mental crime and depression, people who have suffered from mental problems after childbirth, etc. The increasing mental problems have increased due to the current changing social situation.

According to World Health Organization statistics, five of the 10 diseases that cause the greatest disability burden to people worldwide are mental illnesses. Depression is in second place. For a sustainable solution to the growing problem of mental illness, it is necessary to pay attention to proper nutrition along with timely medication. It seems that awareness needs to be raised at the public level in this regard.