World Mental Health Day 2023 will be celebrated on Tue, 10 Oct, 2023. Food affects mental function through multiple frameworks, according to research…
The development of antibiotics, psychotropics, and advances in medicine and surgery have brought nutrition to the forefront. These discoveries give promise of controlling all ailments. Increasingly, doctors prioritize well-being over psychotropics or symptom cessation.
Nutrition, Mental Health
Dr. Samant Darshi, consultant psychiatrist at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospitals and Medical Director at Psymate Noida, highlighted how food affects mood, behavior, and cognition. Food affects mental function through multiple contexts, according to extensive studies. At least 10 paradigms explain the intricate relationship between nutrition and mind functioning.
Understand important nutrients’ brain functions
Erythrocytes and neurons prefer glucose from carbohydrates. In addition, carbs release insulin, which helps blood glucose enter cells. Increased insulin levels allow more amino acids like tryptophan to enter the BBB, influencing neurotransmitter levels. The nervous system’s 35% fat is PUFA like EPA and DHA. DHA and EPA produce brain cell membrane phospholipids. Proteins contain neurotransmitter precursor amino acids.
Erythrocytes and neurons prefer glucose from carbohydrates. In addition, carbs release insulin, which helps blood glucose enter cells. Increased insulin levels allow more amino acids like tryptophan to enter the BBB, influencing neurotransmitter levels. The nervous system’s 35% fat is PUFA like EPA and DHA. DHA and EPA produce brain cell membrane phospholipids.
Proteins contain neurotransmitter precursor amino acids.
Essential vitamins aid neurotransmission and neuromodulation. Vitamin B1 is a cofactor in the creation of Ach, GABA, and glutamate. Also mimics Ach’s action. Vitamin B3, specifically NADH, boosts tyrosine hydroxylase, producing dopamine. It synthesizes serotonin. Vitamin B6 is needed to make 5-HT, DA, NE, E, histamine, and GABA. Enzymes that convert tryptophan to 5-HT and tyrosine to NE require vitamin B9.
It helps create brain energy metabolism molecules and synthesizes dopamine. Vitamin B12 synthesizes monoamine neurotransmitters and maintains nerve conduction myelin. Also involved in folate metabolism. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, neuromodulator, and enzyme cofactor in NE and dopamine production. Retinoids in vitamin A affect hormone pathways that raise and lower mood.
Finally, vitamin D impacts cholinergics. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, may inhibit brain amyloid beta peptide formation in Alzheimer’s disease. Blood cells, hormones, and nerve regulators are made from pantothenic acid. It is needed for AA and Ach absorption and coenzyme A modifications to convert macronutrients to energy. Vitamin K influences brain calcium control through osteocalcin and nervous system development. Choline helps maintain cell membranes, signaling, and nerve impulse transmission. It provides most methyl groups in methylation processes.
Calcium is an intracellular messenger, enzyme cofactor, and neurotransmitter releaser. Copper regulates NMDA receptors, whereas chlorine rests brain cells. Iron helps produce ATP and haemoglobin, which ensures the brain has enough oxygen for oxidative metabolism. Chromium maintains glucose and lipid balance. Iron helps produce neurotransmitters including 5-HT, NE, E, and DA through an enzyme system.
Magnesium is a coenzyme that helps metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. It is essential for cell signaling and active ion transport across cell membranes. However, voltage-gated channels let sodium into brain cells. Potassium controls neural signaling, cell volume, and metabolic stress protection. Energy metabolism is also affected by it.
Cell membranes are protected by selenium, an antioxidant. Manganese insufficiency reduces brain catecholamine activity. Phosphate aids energy metabolism and membrane potential. However, zinc regulates gene expression and protein synthesis. It affects neurons and glial cells, with zinc-enriched regions like the hippocampus responding to dietary zinc shortage, which can impair learning and olfaction. Last, vanadium inhibits sodium-potassium ATPase pump.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-3s, and minerals including zinc, magnesium, selenium, copper, and iron are linked to mental wellness. B vitamins including folate, B6, and B12, as well as antioxidants like C and E, affect mental wellness. These nutrients and bioactive compounds are abundant in healthy diets. Whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, and orange veggies are rich in these nutrients.
Conclusion
Nutrition and its relationship to medicine and mental health are gaining attention. Many perspectives describe how diet influences mood, behavior, and cognition. Brain function, neurotransmitter synthesis, and neuromodulation require proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Mental health is linked to zinc, magnesium, selenium, copper, iron, omega-3s, and B vitamins. Dark green leaves, orange vegetables, entire grains, and other nutrients are abundant in healthy diets. Understanding and prioritizing nutrition in medicine and mental health can improve well-being and illness control.
