Last updated on June 15th, 2023
America is currently facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. Today, two out of five adults report symptoms of anxiety or depression. And it’s not just due to the past two years of grief, trauma, and physical isolation. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of depression and anxiety were still rising.
While the need for mental health services has increased, America faces a severe shortage of behavioral health providers. Earlier this year, President Biden announced a national mental health strategy to get more Americans the care and support they need by transforming our health infrastructure to address mental health. Over one-third of Americans live in areas known as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas. These are communities that have fewer mental health providers than their population requires.
This is why Mental Health Awareness Month is so important. Every year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) raises awareness about mental health during the month of May.
As a food service provider specializing in healthcare settings, Culinary Services Group serves many communities providing the behavioral healthcare Americans so desperately need, and we understand how a person’s diet influences their mental health.
Mental Health and the Gut
Diet plays such an important part in mental health that it’s inspired an entire field of medicine called nutritional psychiatry. Scientists in this field research the impact of the foods we eat on our emotions, and researchers are building connections between the bacteria in our gut and its effect on our brain.
A person’s gastrointestinal tract is lined with millions of neurons. The “second brain,” or enteric nervous system, is found in the gut and communicates back and forth with the central nervous system. This is called the brain-gut axis, and the bacteria in our digestive tracts can influence the brain regarding mood, cognition, and mental health.
Having plenty of “good” bacteria in our bodies can not only help us digest our food and reduce inflammation, but scientists now believe this bacteria also assists with the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin. In fact, 95% of serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract.
Diet may be used as a complementary treatment to counseling and medication for mild to moderate depression and anxiety. To support a healthy gut microbiome in hopes of improving mental health, studies suggest patients reduce or eliminate their sugar intake, eat more whole foods, and eat foods full of prebiotics and probiotics.
Diet and Substance Abuse Recovery
Studies indicate that as many as 88% of those with substance abuse disorders may have a poor appetite, with many regularly skipping meals. Drugs and alcohol can also affect the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals, leading to nutrient deficiencies and malnourishment. Every substance affects the body differently, so those recovering from substance abuse will have unique nutrition challenges.
During the early recovery process, carbohydrates play a crucial role in helping the brain function properly. Complex carbohydrates found in peas, beans, whole grains, and vegetables like sweet potatoes, broccoli, and green beans, can balance blood sugar and reduce cravings, feelings of frustration, and anxiety. Carbohydrates are essential to restore proper neurotransmitter function and serotonin production. They can stabilize mood, aid in sleep, and reduce depression symptoms.
Amino acids, found in protein sources like quinoa, eggs, turkey, fish, mushrooms, and beans, are the building blocks of neurotransmitters like dopamine. Low dopamine levels can trigger an individual to turn to substances to feel better. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids can assist in the uptake of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Other vitamins often depleted with substance use are iron, folate, and vitamins B6 and B12.
Finally, substance abuse patients should be encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle after treatment. Offering cooking classes and recipes and teaching patients how to grocery shop and prepare healthy foods can play an essential role in sustained recovery.
Dining for Children and Youth Programs
Mental health concerns often begin during childhood, and more than 50% of all mental health disorders emerge before 14. Many studies show that diets high in sugar and fats, processed food, and junk food are linked to behavioral and emotional problems in children and adolescents. A new study also suggests that children who eat more fruits and vegetables are more likely to have a better sense of mental well-being. For children already in youth programs for behavioral concerns providing good nutrition and supporting a healthy diet should go hand in hand.
About and adolescents come from ultra-processed foods that are high in sugar, refined flour, salt, fat, and preservatives. These foods can disrupt blood sugar balance and may promote symptoms of inattentiveness and forgetfulness. For children, a diet that supports mental health will include whole foods like vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and various protein-rich foods for optimal brain health. Some nutrients that support brain health in children include protein, zinc, iron, choline, folate, and vitamins A, D, B6, and B12.
To provide children in youth programs access to the fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that support brain development and overall health, many youth programs use the National School Lunch Program, which provides subsidies and USDA foods for each reimbursable meal they serve. Because there are specifications on calorie intake, saturated and trans fats, and sodium, complying with the school lunch program does have some challenges, and many youth programs seek out experts who can help them develop menus that maximize reimbursement.
Providing Better Care and Great Nutrition to Your Residents
At Culinary Services Group, we’ve created menus that support treatment for substance use disorders, provided meal delivery services to those facing homelessness or food insecurity, and even provided school lunches to youth programs. We’re passionate about serving the behavioral health community because we believe that nutrition is essential to recovery and wellness.
As a leading food service provider to behavioral health facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, and youth social services organizations, Culinary Services Group aligns itself with NAMI’s mission to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support mental illness and their families.
If your organization is passionate about providing quality care and great meals to those in mental health or substance use treatment, contact us here.
