Studies link poor diets to mental health problems

Your recent focus on complementary approaches to mental health is to be commended. One important variable that is often overlooked is maintaining a healthy lifestyle in terms of food, exercise and sleep.

For instance, the brain uses 20% of the energy from the food we eat, and needs a broad spectrum of nutrients to function properly.

When depressed or anxious, many people comfort-eat sugar and fast foods, or turn to cigarettes and alcohol, neglecting cooking and self-care. They deprive their brain and nervous system of essential nutrition when it is needed most.