Nutrition is an important aspect of our physical and mental health. One of the most important issues that we all need to be aware of and fully understand is mental health. As life proceeds forward, a major part of the population is suffering from mental health issues. The impact is visible in males and females of all age groups, whether children, teenagers, or adults; not only these but all sectors of working professionals in corporate jobs, farmers, homemakers, students, and other non-working individuals are known to be suffering from mental health disturbances.
What Is Mental Health and its Importance?
Mental health is a condition of mental wellness that enables people to manage
life’s stressors, develop their potential, study, and work effectively, and give back to their communities. Mental Health is very important; it is the mind that plays a major role in maintaining the synchrony of physical health. All functions and daily
activities depend on good mental health. Due to any of these reasons, if mental health gets disturbed, it leads to disturbance in the life of the person.
What Is Mental Health and its Importance?
Mental health is a condition of mental wellness that enables people to manage
life’s stressors, develop their potential, study, and work effectively, and give back to their communities. Mental Health is very important; it is the mind that plays a major role in maintaining the synchrony of physical health. All functions and daily activities depend on good mental health. Due to any of these reasons, if mental health gets disturbed, it leads to disturbance in the life of the person.
The nutrition we get from the meal is like fuel for every cell of the body, and it is the first necessity for the body to be alive. Apart from physical health, it is equally important for mental health to maintain a healthy diet.
The diet is made up of the food and liquids we need to survive each day. We need to understand the concept of a balanced diet. Ayurveda has talked about shadrasa, i.e., the six rasas of food that are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent, and the combination of all these tastes in food makes a balanced diet.
Ayurveda states that food also has a direct effect on the brain because of its calming and agitating properties, which means suitable food can make you happy, while unsuitable food can make the person irritable and angry. Sweet, sour, and salty foods are good for mental health, while spicy and bitter foods are responsible for anger.
Ayurveda believes that our thoughts and emotions are directly impacted by the food we eat. Our bodies and minds are supplied by the energy that is created when we eat. To maintain good mental health, it is crucial to make the correct eating choices.
Ayurveda also focuses on the importance of nutrition for mental health by determining that including a diet that contains all six tastes and is naturally processed is always good for Dosha balance and the maintenance of good mental health.
Modern Perspectives on Mental Health And Nutrition
From a modern perspective, the involvement of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, fats, etc. is part of a balanced diet. The food we eat gives us energy for the movement and work we do, but it is equally important for our mental health. Ayurveda also focuses on the importance of taking all six tastes in the diet because they provide all the necessary components for mental health and the maintenance of an equilibrium state. Moreover, mental health also depends on the ability and capacity of the brain and is unique to every person. Studies have shown that a diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables is known to be good for health, as also mentioned in Ayurveda.
Also, foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals are considered good for mental health. It has recently been observed that people who have a deficiency of vitamins B6 and B12 are more prone to anxiety and depression at any age. Apart from this, studies have also shown that Junk foods, processed foods, and more sugar are proven to be harmful to mental health as they can cause inflammation or swelling in the body, which can cause depression and anxiety.
How Important is Nutrition for Mental Health?
Food is divided into three groups in Ayurveda: Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic. Sattvic food is considered healthy and pure and helps people think clearly. Rajasic food is stimulating and exciting, and tamasic food is weighty and dulls the mind.
Sattvic foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. These foods are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help nourish the brain and promote mental clarity.
Rajasic foods include spicy foods, coffee, and tea. These foods are stimulating and can increase mental activity. Tamasic foods include processed foods, meat, and alcohol. These foods are heavy and can dull the mind.
According to Ayurveda, it’s essential to eat according to your Dosha, or bodily type. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are the three doshas. Every Dosha has its distinct traits and needs a certain kind of diet to stay in balance. Vata types, for instance, are prone to anxiety and nervousness. As a result, individuals ought to eat hearty, nourishing foods that promote mental peace. Anger and irritation are traits of the Pitta personality. They ought to eat mentally calming, cooling meals. Lethargy and depression are common in Kapha personalities. They ought to have energetic, light foods that stimulate the mind.
Steps That We Can Take…
The Ancient Indian medical system of Ayurveda holds that proper nutrition is essential for preserving mental wellness. Each person has a distinct constitution, or Dosha, according to Ayurveda theory, and their diet should be customized to balance their Dosha and improve overall well-being. To maintain optimal health, Ayurveda also stresses the need to eat fresh, in-season, and locally sourced foods.
The digestive tract is seen as the foundation of all health in Ayurveda, which also acknowledges the link between the gut and the brain. Ayurveda practices like eating foods high in probiotics, eating mindfully, and introducing herbs and spices into meals can support a healthy gut, which is necessary for optimal mental health.
Overall, Ayurveda highlights the importance of a balanced and individualized diet
in promoting good mental health. By incorporating Ayurveda principles into our dietary habits, we can support our mental well-being and enhance our overall quality of life.
