Do you feel anxious and depressed in your life? It may be time for a break and some dairy snacks!
In addition to helping to relieve hunger, dairy products also improve your physical and mental condition. Thanks to the essential nutrients found in milk and other dairy products, there may be a connection between dairy and mental health.
Understanding stress and mental health
Stress is not fun, and as your body’s reaction to stress, stress can lead to physical, mental, or emotional symptoms, including headaches, trouble sleeping, and more. For this reason, stress can have an unwanted effect on our mental health. When chronic stress is left untreated, it can lead to panic attacks, mood swings, depression, and other mental health concerns.
Examining the relationship between diet and mental health
The connection between diet and physical health is more visible than mental health. But this does not mean that this link is less important.
Poor diets (often high in refined foods, added sugars, fried foods, and processed meats) are linked to depression and anxiety. Conversely, nutritious and balanced diets can help reduce the risk or improve the management of depression and anxiety. Some of these effects are related to the gut-brain axis. High-fat, high-sugar, and highly processed foods can lead to an imbalance in the gut microbiota, which in turn may cause harmful inflammation in the brain. This may also contribute to exacerbated psychological stress, which in turn reduces digestive function and the immune response, creating a vicious cycle. Fermented foods, vegetables, fiber-rich foods, and other gut-healthy foods can help maintain a healthy gut microbiota and promote positive mental health, which in turn contributes to proper digestive function and immune response.
All in all, dairy can be a key part of a healthy diet that contributes to a healthy mind.
How might dairy nutrition affect mental health?
In addition to dairy nutrients that support the immune system, proteins that boost energy, and active live cultures that promote gut health, there are many reasons why dairy can be considered a key part of a healthy diet. Here are some dairy components that can specifically have a positive effect on mental health.
- Calcium: More calcium intake is associated with reduced stress and anxiety, more positive mood, and higher flexibility. This may be due to the role of calcium in regulating the function of neurotransmitters. Milk, cheese, and yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, are calcium-containing dairy products.
- Vitamin D: Studies suggest that there may be a link between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of mood disorders. Milk is full of vitamin D.
- Probiotics: Probiotics support a healthy gut microbiome and can enhance gut-brain communication. Yogurts such as Greek yogurt and kefir are good sources of probiotics.
The connection between dairy nutrition and mental health should not be ignored. Here are some key points to remember:
- Stress and mental health often go hand in hand and affect the overall quality of life.
- Poor diet is linked to depression and anxiety.
- Nutritious and balanced diets can help reduce the risk or improve the management of depression and anxiety.
- Dairy can be an important part of a healthy diet. Dairy nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and probiotics can help promote a healthy mind.
- Dairy problems such as lactose intolerance and dairy allergies may affect one’s relationship with dairy, but it does not prevent one from having a healthy diet.
Mental health conditions are complex. While lifestyle changes are important and can make us feel better. For some people, dietary changes or exercise cannot replace specialized treatment or medication. If you or someone you know needs help, contact your mental health professional, and you can visit the Centers for Disease Prevention’s website for more information and helpful resources about mental health.
Source:
https://www.usdairy.com/news-articles/dairy-and-mental-health