It is extremely important to do whatever you can to support your mental health because it affects your entire experience of the world. Fortunately, there are some relatively simple things you can do to feel more mentally vital every day:
- Letting the future and the past go, and focus on the present moment
- Getting a little exercise each and every day
- Making genuine, face-to-face social connections with people
- Going to bed on time to get plenty of sleep
It turns out, there are plenty of supplements out there that can help your mental health too! If you’re looking for a mental boost, try adding these four supplements to your diet.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of heart disease, but some studies have also shown that these fatty acids can help with depression.
Fish oil is a popular way to get this important nutrient, but it isn’t the only way. Surprisingly, coconut oil is rich in omega-3. Not to mention, it also contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCT’s), which can improve memory. That means it has the potential to reverse and prevent Alzheimer’s.
Folate
Folate is a must for pregnant women. It has been shown to protect against neural tube defects in the fetus, which is why a folic acid supplement is always recommended by OBGYN’s at the first prenatal appointment. It turns out, folate is good for mental health too, making it a supplement that everyone can take.
Taking the synthetic form of folate, or folic acid, is one way to get more folate in your diet, but the best way is to ingest folate in the food you eat. A few foods that are high in folic acid include:
- Legumes
- Asparagus
- Eggs
- Beets
- Brussels sprouts
- Nuts and seeds
Vitamin D
Chances are, you’ve heard of vitamin D, and you may have heard that it can affect your happiness. It also happens to be important for the nervous and immune systems, in addition to contributing to depression, when this nutrient is deficient in the body.
Getting out in the sun is a great way to get vitamin D, but you can also get it from some foods. They include:
- Tuna, mackerel, and salmon
- Beef liver
- Cheese
- Egg yolks
In addition, some foods are fortified with vitamin D. For example, some milk contains extra vitamin D, as do some orange juices and cereals.
Probiotics
Probiotics are all the rage because studies are showing that they affect everything from gut health to mental functioning. Eat a healthy yogurt with live cultures to get probiotics into your diet. If you don’t like yogurt, consider adding fermented food to your diet, or adda probiotic supplement in pill form to your daily routine.
Caring for your mental health means doing more than just one or two things. It means unleashing a combination of strategies to keep you young, vital, and healthy in mind, body, and spirit. These supplements are a great addition to your arsenal!