Professionals from diverse backgrounds have commented on the importance of nutritional psychiatry, often without realizing it.
Virginia Wolfe, author, once said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
Andrew W. Saul, author and clinician, said, “Good nutrition and vitamins do not directly cure disease; the body does. You provide the raw materials, and the inborn wisdom of your body makes the repairs.”
We’ve joined the rest of the nutrition experts in sharing our philosophy about food and health, acknowledging that food is indeed medicine.
In this blog, we’ll explain the basics of nutritional psychiatry, how it applies to seniors, and strategies for embracing the phrase “food is medicine” in your long-term care community.
What is nutritional psychiatry?
It’s exactly what it sounds like. Nutritional psychiatry takes mental health and neurologic conditions that older adults are at a higher risk for, like depression and cognitive impairment, and blends it with healthy eating practices for better health outcomes. It focuses on the link between diet and mental health, specifically how nutrients impact brain function and emotional well-being. For example, the Mediterranean diet, high in these elements, has been linked to better mental health outcomes. But how?
Healthy foods reduce inflammation, support neurotransmitter production, and promote a healthy gut microbiome, all of which play crucial roles in mental health.
Conversely, diets high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats are linked to increased risk of mental health issues. Unhealthy foods can disrupt gut bacteria, increase inflammation, and negatively impact brain function. Therefore, incorporating nutritional psychiatry principles can lead to improved mood, cognitive clarity, and overall mental wellness in older adults.
Why is the gut-brain connection important for seniors?
Your gut and brain are connected by a very important part of your parasympathetic nervous system – the vagus nerve. For seniors, the gut-brain connection is a really big deal for keeping an aging body and brain healthy and feeling good. It’s a reciprocal relationship, influencing a range of functions from digestion to mood and cognitive acuity.
As we get older, our gut changes, which can alter our body’s ability to absorb nutrients and the good bacteria it needs. That can then impact the brain, maybe even leading to things like memory issues or mood swings. Plus, that nerve connection (between your gut and the brain) can get a little weaker. So, keeping that gut-brain link strong is vital for seniors to stay sharp, happy, and healthy overall. Stuff like a good diet, probiotics, and keeping stress in check can really help with this.
Research shows food is medicine
The Smiles (Supporting the Modification of Lifestyle in Lowered Emotional States) is a one-of-a-kind study that confirms the essentiality of eating a healthy diet can improve your mood. From 2012-2015, researchers at the Food & Mood Center at Deakin University in Australia thoroughly assessed participants’ lifestyle (such as their level of activity, alcohol consumption, typical diet), mental and physical health data, and other demographics like income and education. The deeper the investigation, the more they were able to find out about the connection between diet and mood – leading them to conclude that changing a person’s diet was the biggest contributor to reducing depression.
Although this research wasn’t directly focused on seniors’ mental health, it was aimed at adults. We know that the body changes as it ages, so these results are transferable to your community’s residents.
Specific foods for specific mental health conditions
Did you know that specific foods can help with certain mental health conditions? This was another important point found in the SMILES study.
For example, sometimes, in a severe state, depression can even lead to psychosis. A study found that people experiencing their first psychotic episode had worse gut-brain connections than those who didn’t.
While a balanced and healthy diet benefits everyone, certain foods stand out for their potential to alleviate symptoms associated with specific conditions. Here are a few suggestions for items to add to your menu depending on what your residents deal with.
Depression
For residents struggling with depression, incorporating foods like egg yolks, abundant in Vitamin D and choline, are essential for brain health, and salmon, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to have mood-boosting properties. Tofu, a plant-based protein source, contains tryptophan, which the body converts to serotonin, a key mood regulator. Pumpkin, rich in magnesium and other essential minerals, can also contribute to improved mood.
Anxiety
In addressing anxiety, dietary choices can be equally crucial. Nuts provide healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that support brain function and stress response. Sweet potatoes, with their complex carbohydrates and Vitamin B6, can help regulate blood sugar and stabilize mood. Tuna, another excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, can reduce inflammation and anxiety symptoms. Finally, a small amount of dark chocolate, rich in flavonoids, has been linked to lower stress levels and improved mood.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
For residents dealing with PTSD, certain foods may help support their recovery. Yogurt, a probiotic powerhouse, promotes gut health, which has a strong connection to mental well-being. Brown rice, a complex carbohydrate, provides sustained energy and stabilizes mood. Spinach, rich in folate and iron, supports healthy brain function. Blueberries, packed with antioxidants, can reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress, which is often elevated in individuals with PTSD.
Implementing nutritional psychiatry practices in your community
Registered dietitians and nutritionists (RDNs) are central to helping implement nutritional psychiatry practices. The first step toward making your long-term care community a more nutritionally healthy place is bringing an experienced RDN onto your staff.
Our on-the-job vocational training also supports current staff in understanding the link between nutritional health, physical health, and mental health. We work directly with behavioral health organizations to find the right customizable meal plans and staff support.
Plus, we help you stay audit-ready by focusing on implementing the best food safety standards (according to the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare).
Interested in learning more about how we can support your long-term care community or residential behavioral health community? Schedule a call with us today.
