Here are some simple steps to nourish both your mind and body

Harvard medical professor Uma Naidoo talked about the impact of diet on our mental health.

Speaking to Zoe's Science and Nutrition Podcast, Naidoo confirmed that proper nutrition, along with some simple daily habits such as deep breathing and exercise, can help people prone to anxiety improve their mental health.

Naidoo presented a simple technique called "SAW" (replace, add, walk), which includes 3 steps that can help improve gut health and mood together.

She explained the importance of changing some eating habits, such as replacing unhealthy foods with healthy ones. For example, instead of eating ice cream on a regular basis, you can replace it with a mixture of frozen fruits that provide a delicious taste without adding excessive sugars.

Naidoo confirmed that adding a variety of colorful vegetables to the diet helps provide the body with many essential nutrients. She pointed out that peppers, lettuce and other vegetables are "low in calories and can be eaten in large quantities", which enhances satiety without gaining weight, and they also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that are beneficial for the body and brain.

The expert also recommended practicing any type of physical activity, stressing that even a short walk can have a positive impact on mental health.

She said: "A person suffering from anxiety may not be interested in walking, but encouraging them to do a small activity, such as going to buy the newspaper or walking the dog, can be an effective way to motivate them to move."

Naidu warned against following overly restrictive diets, as these diets may increase anxiety levels instead of reducing them. She stressed that focusing on eating a balanced diet without feeling stressed or worried about the number of calories or types of food allowed is the key to improving mental health.

She also advised people to check the health of the foods they eat instead of relying on prevailing concepts. For example, she explained that fruit-flavoured yoghurt can contain a lot of added sugar, which makes it unhealthy despite seeming like a good option.

Source: Mirror - https://ar.rt.com/ywzs Published on 17-12-2024