Vitamins and vitamin deficiency have recently become popular topics across many mainstream media platforms. Since the discussion of what vitamins can do for our health has become so popular, many people
have started considering what vitamins they need and want. Within this conversation I have seen emphasis on what vitamins to take for hair and nail growth, for skin, for pain and inflammation, for pretty much everything. But what about for mental health?
Effects of Vitamin Deficiency on Mental Health
When considering our own vitamin needs, it is important to remember that that deficiency can occur for any vitamin at any time. Because of this, it is good practice to regularly ask ourselves (and our doctors) what our body might be missing and why. If we can learn to distinguish what is or is not feeling right, we can more easily determine which vitamins we need. Just like more Vitamin B can improve skin health and more Vitamin E can decrease pain related to Arthritis, vitamins can also have a huge impact on our mental health.
Depression, anxiety, and stress are among the most commonly known mental health topics to be tied to vitamin deficiency. Mental health disorders such as bipolar, obsessive compulsive, and schizophrenia are also a part of this conversation. Because our thoughts and feelings are so deeply connected to organs such as the brain and gut, it is important that we are giving these organs what they need. Whether you are feeling more anxious than usual or are having a difficult time managing stress, supplementing with vitamins could help.
Suggested Reading: Organs and Emotions Chart
Top 3 Vitamins for Mental Health
So, how do we know which vitamins to take? Below is a list of what I consider to be the 3 most important mental health related vitamins. I also included helpful links that lead to more in depth information, such as recommended levels, effects, and known sources for each vitamin.
1. Vitamin D
This vitamin is most commonly connected to depression because of its effects on nerve health and mood. Without the proper amount of Vitamin D depressive symptoms could become more intense and overall organ function may decrease, potentially effecting other mental health related symptoms. Vitamin D can be found in certain foods, especially fish, supplemented, or produced organically just by going outside (side note, is any one else constantly amazed by the human body?).
2. Magnesium
Magnesium not only effects mental health related topics such as anxiety, but it also has proven benefits for almost every function of the body. By giving yourself the proper amount of Magnesium you can help prevent or lessen symptoms of anxiety. And if that isn’t reason enough, Magnesium is found in some of the tastiest foods! Foods such as dark chocolate, yogurt, and cashews are good sources of Magnesium. You can also supplement Magnesium.
3. Vitamin C
This vitamin has been proven to effect multiple mental health related symptoms and disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and even Alzheimer’s disease. If vitamin deficiency occurs with Vitamin C, mental and motor functioning can be effected.Vitamin C can be found in foods such as oranges, broccoli, and tomatoes. This vitamin can also be supplemented.
Takeaway
If you have been considering starting to supplement or add vitamin rich foods to your diet for physical health, consider it for your mental health as well. If you’re still not sure where to start, try talking to your doctor about your possible vitamin deficiencies and the best way for you to get the vitamins you need.
If you’ve already started taking vitamins for the purpose of mental health, what vitamins have you tried? I would love to hear from you about your experience with this!
Comment below!
Leave a Reply