Be Mind Wise this May

Emotional health, mental illness, addiction management- all of these fall under the banner of mental health. And mental health really comes down to physical health. Our brains are our being.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and at Henry Mayo we are aiming to raise awareness, provide resources, and educate the community. As with any complex health challenge, many biological and environmental factors affect mental health. Seeking support, improving treatment, learning coping mechanisms, and improving wellness can go a long way to improving mental health.

As a dietitian, I must mention foods that support mental health. Serotonin, an important mood stabilizer, is predominantly made by bacteria in the gut. Supporting healthy gut bacteria, or your microbiome, is therefore critical to mental health. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other high fiber plant foods like beans and nuts helps support the microbiome. Getting the right balance of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats supports the energy intense demands of the brain to keep us alive, and functioning, day to day. Reduce processed foods high in sugar and fat, increase healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts and salmon, and make snacking a time for fruits and veggies.

Join us this month at one of our many classes or events in support of Mental Health Awareness.