Contemporary Review of Role of Nutrition in Psychiatric Disorders

Contemporary Review of Role of Nutrition in Psychiatric Disorders

The 20th century has seen major shifts in dietary intakes globally, with a marked increase in the consumption of sugars, snack foods, take-away foods and high-energy foods. At the same time, the consumption of nutrient and fibre-dense foods is diminishing. The very large body of evidence that now exists suggests that diet is important to mental health in the same way as it is to physical health. Feeding the brain with a diet that provides adequate amounts of complex carbohydrates, essential fats, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and water can support healthy neurotransmitter activity. It can protect the brain from the effects of oxidants, which have been shown negatively to impact mood and mental health.

Dry weight of the brain is composed of 60% fat and hence the fat we eat may be directly affect the structure and substance of the brain. Twenty per cent of the fat in our brain is made from the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, which must be taken from outside through diet. Unequal intakes of omega-3 and omega-6 fats are implicated in a number of mental health problems, including depression, and concentration and memory problems.

Recent trends in diet and nutrition, which might have played an important role in the causation of diseases, are

• Altered cooking and manufacturing practices
• Non-adherence to the dietary practices followed by the ancestors which were comparatively more healthy and in accordance with the general geographical traits.
• Increased access to fast food, food processed with unhealthy items
• Including fresh fruits and vegetables in regular diet is not being practised
• High caloric diet, which gives fast nutrition, is being highly used.
• Increased use of mood enhancing substances are being practised
• Increased use of alcohol, drugs etc
• Practices of reheating refrigerated food, using stale food etc 

Holistic approach to mental health

The therapeutic approach to mental illness has undergone drastic change over the centuries and civilizations. It has started with shamanism, black magic and spiritual approach to the current comprehensive chemotherapeutic approach which is the main stay of psychiatric management. In-depth qualitative research shows that many factors are important in promoting wellbeing and preventing mental ill-health, including medication, relationships with friends, family members and professionals, complementary therapies, religious and spiritual beliefs, self-help strategies, sport and physical exercise, and creative expression.

Source : Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences