Publication Date

Spring 2021

School

School of Health Sciences

Major

Biology: Pre-Med

Keywords

Mental health, nutrition, exercise

Disciplines

Alternative and Complementary Medicine | Mental and Social Health

Abstract

Research has shown nutrition and exercise are especially effective in helping relieve mental illness. Mental health can be aided through dietary alterations such as increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids, fermented foods, certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Proper nutritional patterns help regulate neurotransmitters and assist in the betterment of brain functioning, offering protection from and maintenance of mental illness. Furthermore, the Mediterranean diet provides to be most beneficial for mental health compared to the standard American diet which contains additives harmful to the human brain. Physical exercise also provides to be a possible therapy for those suffering from mental illness. In particular, aerobic exercise is especially influential in reducing symptoms of depression and schizophrenia. Overall, mental health can be positively affected by regular physical exercise and by maintaining a balanced diet.

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