Dr. Bonnie Kaplan, Professor Emeritus of the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of California, Calgary, has devoted much of her career to clinical research to understand the causes and treatments of neurodevelopmental disorders, including mental health issues.
The benefits of a healthy, balanced diet are well known, but a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Calgary (UCalgary) examines the role of nutrition in mental health.
Dr. Bonnie Kaplan, Professor Emeritus of the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of California, Calgary, has devoted much of her career to clinical research to understand the causes and treatments of neurodevelopmental disorders, including mental health issues.
Recently, in collaboration with the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, a review was conducted highlighting why nutrition is so important to brain health.
“There are more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific publications in the medical scientific literature showing that the use of a wide range of minerals and vitamins to treat mental health problems can have a tremendous impact on many people.” Kaplan said.
In the past, she says, people researched cures for ailments one nutrient at a time.
However, this single nutrient for single therapeutic approach to cure disease was a false assumption and ineffective. must take a holistic approach to
Kaplan adds that if you really want to optimize your brain health, you need to consume about 15 vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and phytonutrients, or those found in crops, proteins and amino acids. increase.
She says there’s a direct link between eating a nutritious diet and how it affects your mental health, making you more or less prone to anxiety and depression.
For example, if you are feeding your gut with good bacteria containing prebiotic foods, these nutrients will be picked up from your food and passed into your bloodstream.
Kaplan adds that almost 20% of the metabolic activity our bloodstream and brain exert comes from eating healthy foods containing these important nutrients.
“All of these nutrients are what our brains are built for. builds the healthy brain cells it needs, and supplies our brains with ongoing micronutrients.
A cofactor is an organic or inorganic molecule that is necessary for an enzyme to function. These vitamin components produce neurotransmitters that help your brain function better.
Given the rising cost of living, including the recent surge in inflation, Kaplan says eating a whole food diet isn’t too expensive as long as you follow the Canadian Food Guide and incorporate the right amount of fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts. Say no., and species.
“You know, there’s a myth that whole food type meals are more expensive. And that’s because people haven’t found a way to make it cheaper. There are studies that show it can save you money,” she explained.
“When you stop eating highly processed chemicals that are very expensive, you only have two dollars to put in the vending machine at a time. You’re wasting your money. Stop eating them.” She adds that it’s important to break free from your addiction to sweeteners.
According to Kaplan, about half of the diets of North Americans do not contain enough nutrients.
“Pop-tarts, chips and pretzels, which are ultra-processed foods, are essentially devoid of vitamins and minerals. “We are doing it,” said Kaplan.
Diet fads abound, but Kaplan recommends the Mediterranean diet the most.
“If you buy dried beans and lentils, wow, unbelievably cheap. If you don’t have time to cook dried beans, they’re still available in very cheap cans,” she said.
Given the prevalence of mental health problems stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Kaplan said educating the public on the role of nutrition and the long-term effects of mental health on wellness is essential. added that it is more important than
This is especially not recommended for young people who have returned to campus for the first time in two years and are living off nothing but ramen and carbonated drinks, as they will not be able to concentrate on lectures and study sessions.
“Personally, I think everyone who goes to seek mental health help of any kind would benefit. It makes sense to educate everyone about what they spend.Mouth affects brain health [and] If you think of it like pretreatment at a mental health clinic, it will have a big impact. “
