History and introduction
Mental health problems, such as depression, are becoming part of an epidemic of comorbidity between physical and mental health (Jacka et al. Food policies for physical and mental health. BMC Psychiatry. 2014, 14:132). Emerging scientific literature reveals evidence of food and dietary quality role in mental and emotional health, advocating recognition of diet and nutrition as central determinants of both physical and mental health. Diet is important to mental health as it is important to cardiology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology (Sarris et al. Nutritional medicine as mainstream in psychiatry. The Lancet Psychiatry 2015).
Many epidemiological studies, in fact, have shown an association between dietary habits and a reduced risk for depression. Nutrition can play a key role in the onset as well as severity and duration of depression. Thus, dietary habits (especially Mediterranean diet) become a target for prevention of mental health problems.
Food consumption affects mental health, since human brain needs a substantial proportion of total energy and nutrient intake, relying on aminoacids, fats, vitamins, and minerals, in order to operate at a very high metabolic rate (Logan and Jacka. Nutritional psychiatry research. J Physiol Anthropol 2014, 33:22).
Although nutrient supplements are used by individuals with and without mental disorders, the current state, where people preferentially consume nutrient-poor, energy-dense, highly processed foods, is historically unique. Many individuals do not meet the recommended intakes of several brain-essential nutrients, including vitamins (especially B-group vitamins), zinc, and magnesium.
A careful consideration of the effect of different nutrients, when, and under what circumstances they might be needed, should follow a scientifically rigorous approach.
FeelEat app tries to follow such approach. Through the following screens you will be able to choose your own steps.
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