Figure 1.1. Age-adjusted death rates for the 10 leading causes of deaths: United States, 2016 and 2017

 

Figure 1.1. Age-adjusted death rates for the 10 leading causes of deaths: United States, 2016 and 2017

Nutrition can affect the health of the mind as well as the body. For example, some research suggests that the foods people eat can influence their mood. 

A 2019 study of moderately-depressed people aged 17 to 35 years old found that when half of them shifted towards a Mediterranean-style eating pattern for 3 weeks—emphasizing more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, unsweetened dairy, fish, nuts and seeds, olive oil, and spices—their depression levels decreased compared to participants who continued their usual eating habits. 

Some (but not all) other studies have also found links between healthier diets and decreased risk of depression. It’s not clear why this might be, but researchers speculate that decreased inflammation or changes in the body’s microbiome caused by these dietary patterns may play a role in brain functioning and mental health.6 This is an area that requires much more research, but as you’re thinking about dietary choices, it’s worth thinking about how foods make you feel.

In addition to nutrition, health is affected by genetics, the environment, life cycle, and lifestyle. One important facet of lifestyle is personal dietary habits.  include what a person eats, how much a person eats during a meal, how frequently meals are consumed, and how often a person eats out. Other aspects of lifestyle include physical activity level, recreational drug use, and sleeping patterns, all of which play a role in health and impact food choices and nutrition status. Following a healthy lifestyle improves your overall health and well-being.