The Power of Eating: Mental Health and Diet - Essay Sample

Introduction

In the article, “Can What We Eat Affect How We Feel” by Richard Schiffman, who is psychiatrist in food and nutritional offer counseling the eating habits that can ensure individuals avoid anxiety and depression, citing that what we eat affects how we feel and that what we eat can also result in better mental health( Schiffman, 2019). Dr. Ramsey, who is a clinical professor assistant of psychiatry at the University of Columbia, is impressed by his patient, who ate 36 Oysters at the weekend (Schiffman, 2019). Doctor Ramsey suggests that Oysters are good in Vitamin B12 and aid in reduction of brain shrinkage (Schiffman, 2019).

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Oysters contain long-chain Omega 3 fatty acids, without which an individual might develop a high risk of depression and suicide. The World Health Organization reports that a poor diet contributes to depression, especially among Americans between 15 to 44 years of age (Schiffman, 2019). This is because most Americans focus on eating more calories and starve themselves of the essential micronutrients needed by the brain, including at minimum a lone and half cup of produces and three cups of vegetables in a day. Cutting down processed and fried fatty foods help in the improvement of mood.

The Mediterranean diet contains whole grains, seafood and legumes whose consumption with dense leafy vegetable full of nutrients rich in fiber promotes increased helpful bacteria in the gut. According to studies, the healthy gut microbiome is essential in processing neurotransmitters like serotine that regulate mood (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). However, an individual should combine a variety of diets since eating vegetables sonly may result in depression and eating disorders. Eating should be combined with the right attitude based on a person eating what makes them feel good.

Something I Have Learned

I have learned that a Mediterranean diet that is inclusive of whole grains, seafood and legumes contributes immensely to the assorted populace of microorganisms in the gut, and also a fit gut microbiome is essential in the dispensation of neurotransmitters such as serotine, adjust the mood (Schiffman, 2019). Previously, I had a slight idea of vegetables and fruits contributing to a better mood and lower depression levels. Still, I did not realize that there is a diet called the Mediterranean diet. This has led me to conduct further studies on the food, where I have identified that the food combines both traditional and healthy flavors and is utilized for observing coronary heart disease. It is one of the diets that have been recommended for most Americans for healthy living and the prevention of chronic illness.

I Settle With the Notions that the Article Presents

Essentially, I consent with the thoughts presented in the article for the rationale they are relevant in terms of facts, details, and opinions which relate to the topic displayed. The views presented on how what we eat affects how we feel" are well illustrated and evidenced from various studies by distinguished researchers, and a patient confirms the usefulness of eating particular food like Oyster in reducing anxiety and depression through their personal experience. Aside from distinct studies like the survey published in 2017 by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the author also presents evidence from the World Health Organization (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). These two are weighing grounds for most data relating to health.

How I Might Apply What I Have Learned to My Own Life

From the article, I have discovered that aside from eating a rich diet of fruits and vegetables, and Mediterranean diet, of importance, is how I feel about what I eat. in the application, I would ensure that the food I eat is not only healthy but makes me feel good. A right attitude towards the prescribed healthy meals will go a long way in ensuring food satisfaction. I plan to develop a proper attitude towards eating more vegetables and in the introduction of the Mediterranean diet to my eating schedule so that the food I eat will give me joy and happiness and will ensure I am mindful. I will notice my body and how I feel about eating a variety of healthy diets.

Additional Information Related to This Topic

Interestingly, the article suggests that we should eat a healthy diet but also ensure that we eat us feel good. Related studies on how what we eat affects how we feel indicate that most women treat their anxiety and depression with food (Legg, 2020). As stated by Legg (2020), eating a healthy diet enhances the practice of self-care and is vital in bolstering a person's moods. Many patients have become interested in alternative methods of curbing depression and anxiety aside from seeking medication and therapy, and studies have indicated that eating healthy food is just one of the alternative prescriptions.

Idea or Follow up Question

I think more studies should be conducted on how the attitudes we bring towards what we eat contributes to good mental wellbeing. This is because basing healthy living with how a person feels is a complicated issue since the most exciting meals are those with high caloric intake. A few people will feel good after eating a lot of vegetables a day compared to more chunks of fried meat. Motivational factors need to be identified and discussed, and a proper way forward should be outlined. Also, many poor people, as suggested by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2017), can hardly live in the luxury of selecting their favorite meals based on how they feel. This needs to be put into consideration as research on "feeling good" is conducted. The study idea is relevant since people who are already anxious and depressed and have a disturbed mood can hardly motivate themselves hard enough to eat these varied diets and a good meal to feel good. while it is true that most women have no difficulties eating to feel good, studies need to focus more on men and boys regarding this issue.

References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, November 16). Men, younger adults, and people in poverty get fewest fruits and vegetables. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/p1116-fruit-vegetable-consumption.html

Legg, T. (2020, March 26). These women treated their anxiety and depression with food. Here is what they ate. https://www.healthline.com/health/best-diets-for-mental-health#1

Schiffman, R. (2019, March 28). Can what we eat affect how we feel? The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/28/well/eat/food-mood-depression-anxiety-nutrition-psychiatry.html