The impact of nutrition on overall health and wellbeing is not the same for everyone. Diet is believed to have a greater impact on women’s mental health compared to men, and women are more prone to unhealthy eating habits than men. This puts women at an increased risk of mental distress.
Factors such as hormonal fluctuations, unique nutritional needs during different life stages, and higher rates of certain mental health conditions may make women particularly susceptible to mental health consequences.
Actively addressing the link between women’s mental health and nutrition is crucial to prevent unintended mental health impacts and promote complete health and wellbeing.
Eat your way to better mental wellness
Nutritionist, author, and owner of Re-Invent Health, Nicci Robertson maintains that many foods can enhance our brain’s ability to function. Omega-3 rich foods such as fatty fish, certain seeds and nuts as well as vegetables support brain health, mood, and cognitive function. Complex carbohydrates from whole food sources can help regulate mood, appetite, and sleep by supporting serotonin production. These food groups have been proven to alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms.
The role of diet and nutrition in mental health is multifaceted. “Eating a healthy diet and keeping the brain mentally active can increase plasticity, improve brain health, and reduce the risk of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, “says Dr Kirti Ranchod, Neurologist and founder of Memorability. “Diet also has a huge impact on stress levels – a poor diet contributes to how you cope and manage your stressors, and paying attention to your eating habits can help mitigate this impact.”
Using technology and digital tools to incentivise people for changing their behaviour can be a great motivator to not only create awareness, but can encourage people to improve and take accountability for their health by making healthy choices and help them put strategies in place to be able to manage stress.
Being mindful through personalised dietary choices
The personalisation of nutrition is particularly important when considering the impact of diet on mental health. Individual differences in genetics, gut microbiome, and lifestyle factors can significantly influence how the body responds to specific nutrients and dietary patterns.
“Dietary patterns that help with brain health vary depending on the individual’s age, gender and activity levels. Depending on an individual’s microbiota some of these commonly thought of healthy foods may in fact cause issues. Some people battle to digest raw foods while others react badly to fermented foods. It is important to work with someone who understands how to make sure you get a wide range of nutrients that are easy to absorb without any side effects,” says Robertson.
Dietary choices have a profound impact on the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome. A diet rich in fibre, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory compounds can foster a healthy and diverse gut microbial community, which in turn can positively influence brain health and cognitive function.
“There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to improving one’s overall wellbeing, therefore it is important to understand individual needs. We prioritise a total approach to healthcare, incorporating the physical, mental and nutritional aspects, rewarding members for taking greater responsibility for their health,” says Márcia Eugénio, Head of Momentum Multiply. “We want to empower people to live the best version of themselves by knowing their health, taking steps to improve it, and getting rewarded for doing so.”
By understanding one’s unique nutritional needs, individuals can optimise their diet to support their mental wellness and overall wellbeing. From the rise of terms such as mindfulness to the increase of tracking apps and incentivised wellness programmes, the interconnected importance of mental health and nutrition is now more important than ever to complete health and wellbeing.
Listen to an in-depth discussion on how you can develop healthy eating habits for better mental health and wellbeing. Momentum Multiply, as an integral part of Momentum Health Solutions, plays a crucial role in enabling more health for South Africans by incentivising preventative care and promoting complete health and wellbeing.
For more information visit the Multiply website, and get rewarded from day one for every step you take towards better health.
