The importance of Nutritional and Lifestyle Medicine in Mental Health and Wellbeing :
A focus on depression
Bradley McEwen | PhD , MHSc ( Hum Nutr ), BHSc , ND ( Adv ), DBM , DNutr , DSM , M . ATMS , Naturopath , Nutritionist , and Mentor . Adjunct Senior Lecturer , School of Health and Human Sciences , Southern Cross University . Tegan Martin | DipHSc , Bachelor of Health Science ( Clinical Nutrition ) student , Torrens University .
Abstract
Mental health and wellbeing are critically and significantly important to everyone . Depression is a common , multifactorial , recurrent , and debilitating health condition . Optimum nutrition and lifestyle medicine play major roles in improving mental health and wellbeing . This article aims to highlight the importance of mental health and wellbeing , with a focus on depression , and discusses the importance of nutritional medicine ( such as diets , B vitamins , Vitamin D , magnesium , zinc , omega-3 , probiotics and water ), and lifestyle medicine ( such as exercise , meditation , music , social interaction , yoga and sleep ) in the management of depression .
Introduction
Mental health and wellbeing is critically and significantly important to everyone . 1 The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has defined health as ‘ a state of complete physical , mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity ’. 2 Mental health is a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life , to realise their abilities , to learn well and work well , and to contribute to their communities . 1 Mental health is an integral component of health and wellbeing and is more than the absence of mental disorder . 1 Having good mental health means people are better able to connect , function , cope , and thrive . 1 Mental health exists on a complex continuum , with people ’ s experiences ranging from an optimum state of wellbeing to debilitating states of great suffering and emotional pain . 1 To reach a state of complete physical , mental , emotional , and social wellbeing , an individual must be able to identify and to realise goals and ambitions , to satisfy needs , and to change or cope with the environment . Health is seen as a resource for everyday life , not just as the objective of living . 3 The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion ( 1986 ) notes that health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over their health and being able to improve their health . 3
The prevalence of mental health conditions is on the rise . 4 Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent mental health disorders among adults . 5 Depression is a common , multifactorial , recurrent , and debilitating health condition . 6 A strong link has been found between mental and physical health . 4 The Australian 2020-
188 | vol29 | no4 | JATMS