By Mace Laith
Supplements from brands like Integrative Therapeutics from Supplement First have long been recognized for the benefits it offers for our physical health. But did you know that supplements can also help with our mental health?
After all, taking care of our bodies and following a healthy, nutrient-dense diet can improve our quality of life. We shouldn’t forget the mental aspect of it!
Research has suggested that dietary nutrients are crucial for our brain structure and function, helping reduce the risk and slow progressions of specific disorders. The absence of some nutrients or deficiencies may lead to mental health issues that impact your quality of life.
This is why it’s crucial to know the vitamins linked to better mental health and how they affect our brains. Moreover, it’s crucial to ensure we get enough of these vitamins through proper diet and, if required, supplementation from stores like Supplement First.
- B Vitamins
B vitamins are popular for mood-altering properties and also help people function with more clarity daily. It’s known that mental health issues like depression, anxiety, insomnia, and memory loss are linked to low vitamin B1 levels.
Our body uses vitamin B1 to convert glucose into energy. Without it, our brain won’t be able to function properly!
Our bodies also require vitamin B12, which is crucial to forming red blood cells. A deficiency may lead to issues in oxygen flow, which may result in irritability, mood swings, confusion, paranoia, and even dementia. When one increases their vitamin B12 intake to the recommended amount, it can enhance serotonin and dopamine production, both of which play important roles to regulate better mental health.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another “popular” vitamin known for the immune-boosting properties they offer. Moreover, those who are more familiar with supplements have more likely taken vitamin C in the form of capsules, syrups, or juices when feeling cold or flu-related symptoms.
Surprisingly, vitamin C does more than help with our skin and immune system. They are also helpful in our mood.
People lacking vitamin C are more likely to experience depression and chronic fatigue. Fortunately, getting enough vitamin C is easy, with many fruits being great sources of this nutrient!
- Zinc
Zinc is a necessary mineral our bodies need for various biological and biochemical functions, like our metabolism, immune system, as well as brain growth and development. Studies have shown that a zinc deficiency may cause reduced brain function among other behavioral disruptions.
If your body lacks zinc, your body can’t easily pass chemical messages, which may impact mental health. You can find zinc in supplement form but you can also consume it in your daily diet through foods like lamb, chicken, oysters, cheese, milk, nuts, and seeds.
Other than the three nutrients mentioned above, important vitamins that help with mental health include vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Wrapping It Up
Make sure that you get enough of the nutrients mentioned above to feel physically and mentally healthier in many aspects.
