According to the CDC, mental health is the component of behavioral health that includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health conditions are among some of the most common health conditions and include: - Major depressive disorder - Eating disorders - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) - Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and others. Malnutrition is an imbalance between the nutrition your body needs to function and the nutrients it gets. It can impact all body shapes and sizes! **Mental health Impacts** Poor nutritional status can be a consequence of impaired mental health that may lead to involuntary weight gain, weight loss, or deficiency of essential nutrients. Conversely, undernourishment (meaning low mineral, vitamin, and nutrient status) may worsen mental health. Improvements to nutrition can help improve mental health! **Key Nutrients** Key nutrients in mental health include: Protein, Fiber, B Vitamins, Vitamin D, C, & E, Zinc, Selenium, Magnesium, Iron, Calcium and Omega 3 Fatty Acids These nutrients are essential to the brain and nervous system which regulate essential functions including heartbeat, breathing, muscle movements, sleep, mood, and cognitive processes. Increased consumption of calorie-rich, nutrient- poor foods higher in sugars, saturated fats, and sodium along with low fiber consumption are associated with poorer mental health outcomes. **Causes of Low Nutrient Intake** - Poor dietary intake (from undereating or eating nutrient poor foods) - Limited access to food - Medication use (may cause certain nutrient depletions) - Appetite suppressants (GLP1 drugs, phentermine - Malabsorption from gastrointestinal disorders (Celiac disease, IBS, IBD, etc.) - Oxidative stress from illness or other stressors (physical, psychosocial, and psychological) - Genetics (which can make neurotransmitter pathways sluggish and/or impact nutrient metabolism) - Substance use and/or abuse - Mental health disorders (depression, dementia, autism, etc.) - Eating disorders **Nutritional Tips to Fuel Mental Health:** To begin improving your mental health with nutrition, start with the basics: - Aim to drink 64 ounces of water per day - Eat 3 balanced meals per day, and 1-2 snacks. Include a source of protein and a colorful fruit or vegetable in as many meals as possible. - If you are struggling to get enough food, visit one of our food pantries: [Every Meal Matters](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchasebrexton.org%2Fservices%2Fnutrition%2Fevery-meal-matters-program&data=05%7C02%7Cjctich%40chasebrexton.org%7C39d266dfc4af438d269b08de9a63fa39%7C559236b8f84d4d01a8b953e3c78a1ddb%7C0%7C0%7C639117951387470021%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4tgxSn15PyIM3e8iirXwEKGTuh9zv73FH36v0bTunx0%3D&reserved=0) - Ask your doctor for a referral to meet with one of our dietitian nutritionists at Chase Brexton. The nutrition team works alongside the integrative care model of Chase Brexton’s providers from medical, psychiatry, social work and outreach, and behavioral health. ## Media Inquiry Daniel McEvily, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications [1-667-354-0722](tel:1-667-354-0722) Aaron Cahall, Communications Manager [1-667-354-0725](tel:1-667-354-0725)