Research has also indicated that the brain is implicated in almost all of the major mental health problems including depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia with many theorists arguing that many of the mental disorders are caused by insufficient levels of certain neurotransmitters, which act as “chemical messengers.” Many of the neurotransmitters such as essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) and serotonin are directly derived from the food that we eat and therefore if we are not eating the correct foods it can have a detrimental effect on our thoughts and feelings and consequently our mental health.

 

Researchers from the University of Harvard found that omega-3 fatty acids may be as effective as anti-depressants at relieving the symptoms of depression with Carlezon adding “… provides more evidence that our behaviour – including the selection of the foods we use to fuel our body – can have a tremendous influence on how we feel and act… the possibility that sustained improvements in diet may have beneficial effects on mood is definitely worth closer consideration.”

 

To find out more about the research conducted at the University of Harvard click here.

 

Furthermore, a survey of mental health service users in 2002 found that 88 per cent of people reported that they felt their mental health ‘improved significantly’ after changing their diet. The survey found that when people avoided stressor foods such as caffeine, sugar alcohol and chocolate, etc and replaced these with food ‘supporters’ such as vegetables, wholegrain foods, fish, organic food, and nuts and seeds greatly improved the symptoms associated with their mental illness such as mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety and depression. 

 

For more information on the survey and to learn more of the food ‘stressors’ and food ‘supporters’ visit:

 

There has also been much evidence that has shown that omega-3 fatty acids contained in foods such as walnuts which are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have anti-depressive like qualities and there have shown to be beneficial effects on some suffering from major depression (Carlezon, 2005). As with the anti-depressant drug Prozac and similar drugs, it is thought that the walnuts anti-depressant effects pertains to the neurotransmitter serotonin that has important implications for mood and appetite.   Furthermore, walnuts also contains approximately 15 to 20 per cent of protein as well as omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin B6 which is said to make them excellent sources of nourishment for a healthy nervous system (Haas, 2006).

 

Mental Disorders such as Depression and Anxiety Disorders have been attributed to low levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is an important neurochemical and is influential in feelings of contentment and anxiety, memory and cognitive functioning and low levels of this particular neurotransmitter can create many symptoms including feelings of anxiety and difficulties in sleeping. 

 

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin are made from amino acids, some of which can be made in the body but are also derived from protein in the diet. Furthermore, some of these amino acids can be converted directly into neurotransmitters and therefore if an individual’s diet does provide sufficient amounts of these amino acids it results in the low levels of the neurotransmitter and can result in a person feeling depressed, apathetic, unmotivated, anxious and insomnia.

It should also be noted that nuts and seeds whilst containing a lot of protein, vitamins and essential minerals are also high in fat and so you should be careful about the quantities that you eat.  For further advice please go to www.food.gov.uk.