4 Ways a Healthy Diet Can Improve Mental Health Over the Years

In the US, one in five people will experience a mental health issue every year, and four percent of the population lives with debilitating depression, anxiety, or similar disorders. This is of particular concern when aging, as our bodies produce less folate when we get older. There are a few things you can do to lower your risk of such complications, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet. Let’s explore how your diet affects your mind over time. 

4 Ways a Healthy Diet Can Improve Mental Health Over the Years

1. Your Diet Can Reduce the Risk of Depression and Anxiety

Aside from exercising and reducing the amount of stress we’re exposed to, eating well is one of the most important things we can do to keep our mental state intact. Eating lots of foods with a high glycemic index, which is the measure of the speed at which carbohydrates can be digested, is associated with a higher level of depression. This is because it disrupts your body’s chemical balance and inhibits counter-regulative hormones such as glucagon. 


To prevent this from happening, avoid eating too many refined carbohydrates such as white bread, sugar, and baked goods. Also try to avoid trans fats found in pre-packaged foods like biscuits and snack cakes, because they can cause inflammation in the body. Not only is this a physical problem, but it has been linked to increased mental challenges, particularly depression.

2. Eating Well Starts a Virtual Cycle

People who struggle with anxiety and depression are unlikely to have much mental space to think about eating well. When they eat junk food, their health deteriorates further, which prompts them to eat even more comfort food. They are trapped in a vicious cycle. On the other hand, if you eat well, you’ll have more willpower to resist junk food and the healthy eating habits you adopt will further decrease your risk of depression. 

3. Reduced Risk of Obesity Leads to Less Depression

In the US, over 40% of adults aged 60 and up struggle with obesity, and the number one cause of this issue is unhealthy nutrition. While this is a problem physically, it also carries a number of additional risks with it. If you are overweight, you are much more likely to also have depression. 


This is not only because on average, obese people eat less healthy food, but also because of the increased diseases, stigmas, and other disadvantages that come with the condition. No matter how old you are, getting your diet back on track can help you to achieve or maintain a healthy weight. 

4. You Can Retain Your Active Lifestyle Despite Aging

With greater age comes the risk that you will no longer be able to participate in certain activities you used to enjoy. This change can cause many people to feel down and places them at greater risk of depression or anxiety. When you eat plenty of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, you significantly reduce your chance of suffering from a wide variety of conditions, such as heart or joint disease, which mitigates this age-related issue. 

Although eating healthily has a wide range of physical benefits, it can also significantly affect our state of mind. As part of a healthy eating routine, natural supplements support your gut health and come with a wide range of anti-inflammatory properties. Contact Panacea Scientific today to find out more about our range of effective and all-natural products.