Dietitians Are Mental Health Friends, part 1
By Michael Cerreto
The food you eat each day and when you eat it can affect your mental health, attention, thinking, and mood. It’s nature’s medicine and dietitians are interpreters of how to use food to improve your mental health.
As part of A Talented Mind’s focus on providing Integrated Eastern and Western therapies and education to live and perform free, this essay is part one of a series about how dietitians can be your best mental health friend.
While A Talented Mind doesn’t provide nutritional therapy, we do work closely with dietitians in the community as part of our integrated care to help you manage mental health. This journal essay is educational only and is not medical advice or a substitute for consulting a medical professional.
What does a dietitian do?
Dietitians are health professionals who specialize in nutrition and the human diet. They use scientific research, nutrition knowledge, behavioral science, and social science to promote health, prevent disease, and shape dietary choices for both healthy individuals and those with specific health needs 1.
Dietitians assess patients' unique dietary needs and help them develop personalized nutrition plans. They work with patients who are struggling to lose weight, managing diabetes, or need to improve their diet for other health-related reasons. They also conduct nutrition education in classrooms and office settings, perform cooking demonstration classes, and provide recipes and food ideas 2.
In addition, dietitians investigate the links between food and health, develop nutrition education campaigns, promote food safety, and work with food law and regulations. They may also specialize in areas such as sports nutrition, helping athletes and fitness enthusiasts optimize their diet for peak performance 3.
How can a dietitian help improve your mental health?
Dietitians can play a role in improving people's mental health through their expertise in nutrition. The field of nutritional psychology explores the overlap between what we eat and how we feel. Research shows a link between diet and mental health, and eating well can have a positive impact on our sense of well-being and mood 4.
Here are some ways dietitians can help improve mental health:
Balanced Diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of vegetables and nutrients can improve overall well-being and mood 4.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Eating regular meals can help regulate blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes and mood swings 4.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is important for mood, energy levels, and concentration.
Mealtime Socialization: Making the most of mealtimes by sharing meals with family and friends can contribute to a positive mental state 4.
Gut Health: Registered dietitians can support clients in improving gut health, which in turn can have a positive impact on brain health 5.
Nutritional Support for Mental Illness: Dietitians can work with individuals who have mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and schizophrenia, to develop nutrition plans that support their overall mental health 6.
It's important to note that diet changes alone may not be enough to treat mental health conditions, and additional support from mental health professionals may be necessary. If you're experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, it's important to seek appropriate professional help 7.
Overall, dietitians can provide valuable guidance and support in improving people's mental health through nutrition and dietary interventions.
Sources:
(1) Science, M. C. C. of M. &. (2023). Dietitian. College.mayo.edu. https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/dietitian/
(2) Beaumont. (2019). What does a dietitian do and how they can help. Beaumont.org. https://www.beaumont.org/health-wellness/blogs/what-does-a-dietitian-do-and-how-they-can-help
(3) Better Health Channel. (2022, June 16). Dietitians. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/dietitians
(4) Mental Health Foundation. (2022, January 25). Diet and mental health. www.mentalhealth.org.uk; mental health foundation. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/diet-and-mental-health
(5) Kolodziejzyk, K. (2021, November 4). Nutrition and Mental Health. Dietitian Success Center. https://dietitiansuccesscenter.com/nutrition-and-mental-health-a-guide-for-dietitians/
(6) BDA. (n.d.). What do mental health dietitians do? www.bda.uk.com. https://www.bda.uk.com/specialist-groups-and-branches/mental-health-specialist-group/what-do-mental-health-dietitians-do.html
(7) Snyder, C. (2022, June 29). Can Your Diet Affect Your Mental Health? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/diet-and-mental-health-can-what-you-eat-affect-how-you-feel
