The Surprising Truth About Vitamins And Mental Health

You probably know that vitamins can enhance your physical wellbeing, but how do they affect your mental health? Many mental health professionals and patients report positive results from using a variety of natural supplements, and a growing body of research supports their claims. These developments may sound promising if you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety or if you want a little help dealing with daily stress. In this blog, we will take a look at the surprising truth about vitamins and mental health, discussing how they may provide relief to these conditions.

 

Vitamins And Supplements For Mental Health:

 

1. Enjoy the sun. Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, helps with mood regulation and brain function. Research suggests it may provide some relief for depression and anxiety. In addition to supplements, you can get vitamin D from sun exposure and foods like egg yolks.

 

2. Explore B vitamins. The B group contains 8 different vitamins. Several of them may play a role in depression, especially B-12, B-6, and folate. Before taking supplements, check with your doctor to be sure they won’t interfere with any medications. You can also get B vitamins from most animal products and some fortified foods.

 

3. Take omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids provide many health benefits and may help prevent and treat depression and anxiety. If you’re not a fan of fatty fish, you might prefer to take easily swallowable capsules.

 

4. Consume more magnesium. Reducing anxiety is one of many jobs for this essential mineral. You may not need pills because magnesium comes in so many foods from dark chocolate to black beans.

 

5. Try valerian. Children with hyperactivity disorders and seniors with insomnia have had positive experiences with this root. As studies are still being done on the effects of valerian, consult your doctor to minimize your chances of getting headaches or upset stomachs.

 

6. Consider melatonin. Your body produces melatonin naturally, but extra doses may help you sleep. It’s been used successfully with patients with schizophrenia, seasonal affective disorder, and anxiety.

 

7. Drink tea. Some commercial products contain substances derived from tea. For example, green and black varieties contain the amino acid L-theanine, which is involved in regulating stress and sleep.

 

8. Purchase lavender. This fragrant herb is another popular sleep remedy. Grow it yourself or buy it in many forms from body lotions to candles. Simply breathing in this essential oil can help ease your stress.

 

Other Natural Approaches To Mental Health:

 

1. Eat healthy. Most adults can get enough vitamins and other nutrients from a balanced diet. However, your doctor may suggest supplements if you’re pregnant or have other certain conditions.

 

2. Exercise. Physical activity trains your brain. Yoga or team sports help relieve stress and moodiness. Additionally, exercise can help boost mood and improve sleep quality.

 

3. Meditate daily. Even the briefest sessions of mindfulness produce major mental health benefits. Regular practice eases psychological stress and social anxiety as you increase your self-awareness and compassion.

 

4. Sleep well. Psychological issues can interfere with your sleep, and lack of sleep can make symptoms more difficult to manage. Break the cycle by sticking to a regular bedtime and keeping your bedroom dark and quiet. Although it may be tempting, remember to turn your screen off at least 1 hour before bedtime as blue light can inhibit sleep.

 

Vitamins and other natural remedies may help ease your mental health. Before testing different vitamins, make sure to consult with your healthcare practitioner. If you live in the Pickering region and think you can benefit from naturopathic remedies, contact Dr. Cecilia Ho today! To book an appointment, call 905-492-8688.