The Better Brain: Proper Nutrition and Mental Health
Proper nutrition is a determining factor in our mental health, new research shows. A poor diet, as we all know, can cause obesity, Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature death, whereas a more optimal nutrient intake lays the foundation of our physical and mental resilience and empowers us to take care of ourselves.
We often associate mental health with lifestyle factors, such as stressors, exercise, time in nature, and feelings of purpose. Largely overlooked is the absolutely essential role of nutrition.
The Better Brain: Proper Nutrition and Mental Health
Exactly how our diet shapes our mental wellbeing is the focus of one of the top health reads of the year, The Better Brain by Dr. Julia Rucklidge and GoGetFit collaborator Dr. Bonnie Kaplan.
Kaplan, a research psychologist and professor at the University of Calgary, and Rucklidge, a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Canterbury, share their new groundbreaking research on the ways nutrition works to treat mental disorders like anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
“After you know what nutrients actually do in your brain every minute you are alive, you will want to increase your consumption of them,” said Kaplan, a GoGetFit collaborator.
“As a society, our brains are drained because of our poor nutrient intake, and our impoverished soil which leads to poor nutrient density.”
There are many reasons mental health problems are becoming more commonplace and poor nutrition is one of them. But, understanding this link also offers us an actionable solution.
Fewer than 10 per cent of the population consumes the minimum recommended daily servings of vegetables, effectively depriving our brains of the nutrients that provide the foundation for mental health resilience.
By choosing to buy so much ultra-processed ‘food,’ Kaplan explains, we are “choosing to exclude more than 50 per cent of the minerals and vitamins our grandparents used to consume.”
It’s no secret that we are now seeing many concerning dietary patterns across our society. What’s been less clear - until now - is what the mental health implications of this are. It begs the question, to what degree are psychiatrists treating mental disorders versus suboptimal nutrition?
Brain Health and Diet
The groundbreaking research behind The Better Brain sheds new light on the role minerals and vitamins play in brain health. But, the book does much more than that too.
“The Better Brain provides tons of information on what to eat, what to avoid, and how to save money by eating a whole foods diet. We also have an entire chapter of great recipes,” said Kaplan.
“This book provides the basis for a new future of reducing the global burden of mental illness.”
If you’re looking to try something new this week, Dr. Kaplan suggests the “easiest soup in the world” as featured on page 204 of The Better Brain.
All you do is:
Sautee 3 chopped leeks
Add 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
Add 12 ounces of frozen peas
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh mint
Cook till soft. Then blend. Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt.
The book highlights the ideal diet for your brain and offers essential advice on when and how to take supplements. Keep in mind, eating healthy doesn’t start with a meal. It starts when you plan your meals or write your grocery list for the week. Is there an item of processed food you could cross off your list next time? Raw veggies make great snacks. So do nuts, and they’re good in smoothies too… hint, hint.
See if there’s one small change you can make. Your brain will thank you later, and so will your mind!