Eating for mental wellbeing

SuffolkSally

I've had a few queries from friends about my choices of macros and the supplements I take, and I've responded to several threads about what nutrients might help with anxiety/depression. I just came across this article and thought I'd share it...

http://themindsanctuary.com/good-mood-food/ingredients/

primrosehill

Hi, just wanted to say thanks so much for this. I have bi-polar disorder (mild, thankfully) and am currently on anti-depressants but would love to come off them some time in the future. I've looked into nutrition before but struggled to find anything beyond the basic 'eat 5-a day, high Omega-3 and low-GI'. This site is much more detailed. I live not far from Ipswich, so it's quite cool to see the sponsored links too - I've never found sponsored links useful before!

Thick question - what are 'macros'? And, if it's not too personal, how do you decide what supplements to take? I'm on iron for anaemia, but whenever I look at supplements in health food shops I'm scared I'll overdose on something that will turn out to be bad for me in the long-term. I always take zinc and vit C supplements if I feel illness coming on and they seem to work for me, but I've heard so many scare stories I feel like I'm dicing with death!

Thanks again for your help

bellaparishan

macros are macronutrients, as opposed to micronutrients.. I believe??

I found this article incredibly helpful too, as I am hoping to be all natural sometime in the near future

primrosehill

Aha, got it! Thanks. I knew it was a dumb question!!:blushing:

VMarkV

You also need monounsaturated fats to boost good cholesterol - low cholesterol is common in depression. Also, D vitamin. As far as mental status/cognition, electrolytes like salt and potassium are essential as well as magnesium and B 12.

SuMcP

Great link - I've found this very helpful for my psychotherapy clients too;
http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/feeding-minds/ It is a free downloadable PDF and a fairly easy read.
XXX