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Integrative Journal of Conference Proceedings
The Value of Integrating Nutrition in Mental Health Counseling and Treatment
Ida Chauvin*, Ewing HD and Jerry T
Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana, USA
*Corresponding author: Ida Chauvin, Department of Psychology, Louisiana Tech University, Louisiana, USA
Submission: January 24, 2020;Published: February 5, 2020
Volume2 Issue2February, 2020
Abstract
There is significant research supporting the concept that good nutrition can be effective in maintaining good mental health. Current studies contribute to the growing evidence that nutrition plays a role in the etiology of mental health problems as well as effective treatment. When mental health counselors are aware that nutritional factors are intertwined with human cognition, behavior and emotions and trained in associated psychoeducational procedures will better prepare them to tackle the potential health issues associated with poor nutrition.
Opinion
Mental health refers to our cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being or how we
think, feel, and act. Mental health research concludes that diet and nutrition is related to
the overall well-being of a person [1]. There is growing evidence that there is a significant
relationship between dietary patterns (nutrition) and mental health concerns. Mental health
counselors are aware of several factors related to mental health such as age, socioeconomic
status, education, and other life-style patterns. Are counselors significantly aware that
nutrition and diet may be important in assessing and treating mental health issues? Do
counselors acknowledge and understand the potential connection between nutrition and
mental health issues? Is there training available for counselors in this area?
Many people are aware of the impact their diet has on their physical well-being; yet,
individuals may not have considered the implications their diet has on their mental health.
Numerous studies have been conducted showing the link between a person’s dietary choices
and their mental health. One study posits a Western diet, comprised of processed and/or fried
foods, high sugar levels, and refined grains, is associated with a higher score on the General
Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-an assessment method used to measure anxiety and depression.
Also, in the same study, participants whose diet consisted of vegetables, whole grains, fish,
and fruits have lower scores on their GHQ [2] Another study identified 66% of children and
adolescents with poorer mental health reported notably unhealthier diet patterns [3]. A
study conducted in British men concluded that a whole-foods diet involving fish, fruits, and
vegetables provided protection from the development of depressive symptoms. Also, a diet
rich in sweets, fried foods, and processed meats amplified vulnerability to depression [4].
Historically, depression is explained as a solely emotional or biochemical concern.
However, nutrition may act as a key factor in the onset as well as the duration and severity
of depression. Dietary habits can influence a person’s emotion, cognition, and behavior. Food
habits and patterns that appear before a diagnosis of depression are identical to food habits
during depression. These food habits include meal skipping, poor appetite, and cravings for
sugar [5]. Nutrient decencies of omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are
correlated with mental health disorders [6]. Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet has been
associated with a lower risk for depressive symptoms [7]. The Mediterranean diet consists
of fruits, nuts, olive oil, vegetables, and fish. Engaging in a healthy diet has many benefitsthese
benefits include overall brain health and decreased cognitive decline [8]. Mental health
counselors are neither nutritionists nor trained in the methodology of coaching clients with
diet regimens and nutritional requirements. They do, however, assess daily patterns of living which may include dietary patterns. There are already many
mental health issues that necessitate dietary considerations such
as pregnancy, bulimia, anorexia, addiction, and anxiety. “Awareness
of the relationships between dietary intake and mental health may
prompt counselors to pursue new avenues for helping clients”
[9]. Counselors offering psychoeducation about the connection
between nutrition and mental health concerns, such as decreasing
caffeine consumption to reduce anxiety or increasing the amounts
tryptophan by taking in more eggs, salmon, spinach, seeds to
reduce fatigue and increase serotonin in the brain [10] may lead to
a greater understanding and acceptance of healthy eating habits.
Effective counseling can include therapeutic lifestyle changes that include exercise, relationships, recreation, stress management, relaxation, etc. Counselors are in a position to proffer easily conveyed principles of nutrition. The greater the understanding and the ease of communication strongly influence whether therapists recommend, and patients adopt, interventions. It is suggested that therapeutic lifestyles should be an essential focus of mental health [1]. An important part of counseling is knowing when to make a recommendation of medication management. However, many clients refuse to take mental health medications because of the undesirable side effects and cost. Unwanted side effects of medication include reduced emotions, memory loss, tremors, weight gain, and dulled personality. Side effects may be so serious and adverse that clients become non-compliant. In the critical cases of drug toxicity, the side effects of medication can also be life threatening. These clients may be more open to life-style and dietary changes [6]. As with any changes in diet and dietary supplements, clients should be supervised by medical providers. Thus, a multi-disciplinary approach is recommended and should incorporate nutrition and is not intended to take the place of medical care. Instead, nutritional approaches should augment and supplement pharmaceutical intervention.
A growing body of research on the connection between nutrition and mental health has provided a framework for counselors to assist clients in making treatment goals and objectives. Although there is emerging research on the effects of nutrition and mental health, more research is needed to provide competent prevention and treatment measures. Educating clients on how good nutrition may affect how they think, feel, and handle stress will give clients another treatment option. The implication for counseling is that adequate counselor training is needed, perhaps wellness courses, a certificate program, or incorporating nutrition into existing course offerings that specifically target nutritional counseling and education.
References
- Walsh R (2011) Lifestyle and mental health. American Psychologist 66(7): 579-592.
- Jacka FN, Pasco JA, Mykletun AM, Williams LJ, Hodge AM, et al. (2010) Association of western and traditional diets with depression and anxiety in women. Am J Psychiatry 167(3): 305-311.
- O’Neil A, Quirk SE, Housden S, Brennan SL, Williams LJ, et al. (2014) Relationship between diet and mental health in children and adolescents: A systematic review. Am J Public Health 104(10): e31-e42.
- Dog TL (2010) The role of nutrition in mental health. Altern Ther Health Med 16(2): 42-46.
- Rao TS, Asha MR, Ramesh BN, Rao KS (2008) Understanding nutrition, depression and mental illnesses. Indian J Psychiatry 50(2): 77-82.
- Lakhan SE, Vieira KF (2008) Nutritional therapies for mental disorders. Nutr J 7(2):1-8.
- Sanchez A, Toledo E, Irala J, Canela M, Vidal J, et al. (2012) Fast-food and commercial baked goods consumption and the risk of depression. Public Health Nutr 15(3): 424-432.
- Jackson PA, Pialoux V, Corbett D, Drogos L, Erickson K I, et al. (2016) Promoting brain health through exercise and diet in older adults: A physiological perspective. J Physiol 594(16): 4485-4498.
- Pearson JE, Long TJ (1982) Counselors, nutrition, and mental health. Personnel & Guidance Journal 60(7): 389-392.
- Young SN (2007) How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. J Psychiatry Neurosci 32(6): 394-399.
© 2020 Ida Chauvin. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.
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