Nutrition can play an important role in the holistic approach to treating and managing mental health problems. But where do we begin? With a food diary.
Our bodies rely on the substances we put in it. Although specifically measuring effects on mood can be difficult, there are strong links between what we eat and how we feel. The term “food and mood” has become very popular in recent years, though some practitioners remain unsure about the concept. This is understandable to a point, given the complexity when considering individuals, mood disorders and nutrition. However, I think it’s always worth including nutrition in the big picture, as part of a holistic approach to good mental health.
I once supported a woman diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. She struggled with diet, describing strong and unpleasant carbohydrate cravings that lasted for two weeks out of every month. She tackled the cravings by overindulging in sweet foods, leaving her feeling miserable and tired. She managed these symptoms by keeping a food diary for a few cycles and then looking at foods, specifically complex carbohydrates, that would take the edge off her cravings without resulting in sluggishness, feelings of low mood and weight gain. She said she felt the effects were small but still worth having, especially in combination with the other interventions she was trying.
This isn’t an example of how to manage PMDD in general because other women with this diagnosis may have vastly different experiences. But it does show someone taking control and raising their awareness about their diet, and then making a couple of worthwhile changes. I’ve decided I’m up to the challenge. I’ve always thought my diet was pretty good, but is it? We’ll soon see. I’m already feeling rather doubtful. I think “ice cream” is likely to appear a little more often than I’d like.
