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Missing key vitamins and minerals can lead to raised levels of stress and anxiety. Research shows that nutritional deficiencies may even add to cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Just like our body, the brain needs healthy fuel to work best. It needs healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. Eating too little of these foods fires up the growth of toxins in the body. So does eating too much sugar and processed foods that can lead to inflammation. In the brain, that can mean a build-up plaque, which may harm cognitive function.
When it comes to mental issues like depression, anxiety and dementia, studies have found that many people with these problems lack some of these key vitamins and minerals:
So what should you eat to support your mental health? No one has the exact same dietary needs. But the foods below are known to have the needed vitamins and minerals listed above:
Before making any major changes, it is always best to speak with your doctor or someone who specializes in nutrition, like a registered dietitian, about your plans.