VERIFIED By Dr Debojyoti Dhar, Co-founder and Director Leucine Rich Bio
Physical activity is another critical component that must be implemented consistently.
In the modern world, where individuals have numerous obligations and encounter multiple unknown factors, proper mental health is more crucial than ever. According to WHO, the cases of mental health conditions are gradually increasing across the world, and it is estimated that about one in four people experience mental or neurological disorders in their lifetime.
- Many factors, such as genetic reasons, behavioural patterns, and the environment and social structure, influence mental health. There is the influence of genetics, and people have different genetic make-up that can affect brain chemistry and functioning, thus making some people more vulnerable to conditions such as depression and anxiety. Diet, exercise, good sleep and other aspects of daily living are important, and neglecting all these factors can negatively affect mood and cognition.
- Moreover, chronic stress and trauma alter the brain structure and function, which worsens mental health conditions. The social and environmental factors are both significant. Pollution, social relations, and living conditions affect an individual’s mental health. The National Institute of Health conducted research and discovered that loneliness and social isolation are factors that lead to depression and anxiety.
The Gut-Brain Connection
- The human body contains trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms, or microbiomes, living in the gut. These microorganisms are involved in digestion, the immune system and the synthesis of certain brain chemicals. The National Institutes of Health has also discovered that it is a significant factor in how the brain functions and behaves.
- There is a relationship between long-term inflammation from a damaged gut and many mental health disorders. A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that anxiety and depression are the primary focus of the which is the body’s longest cranial nerve and acts as a relay between the gut and the brain. Vagus nerve stimulation helps treat mood disorders, thus proving the correlation between gut health and mental health.
Maintaining A Healthy Gut
It is now widely recognised that the preservation of one’s mental health depends on the proper management of gut health. Recent research has demonstrated a correlation between cognitive abilities and moods and the balance of gut health. In terms of digestive health, diet is a critical factor. Vegetables, fruits, whole grain products, and legumes are fibre-rich foods, promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Fermented vegetables, yoghurt, and kefir are among the foods that contain probiotics, which enhance the intestinal microbiome. Physical activity is another critical component that must be implemented consistently.
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