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Student Mental Health

Mental Health resources for students, both on and off campus.

 

Mental Health Matters Image: Truax Campus
 

Lesson 4 - Brain-Health Diet

Brain-Health Diet Quote

If you have tried to change your diet, you may be aware how much of what you eat—and don’t eat—affects the way you think and feel. An unhealthy diet can take a toll on your brain and mood, disrupt your sleep, sap your energy, and weaken your immune system. Conversely, switching to a wholesome diet, low in sugar and rich in healthy fats, can give you more energy, improves your sleep and mood, and helps you to look and feel your best.

Tips & Techniques 

           Image: Person gardening

 

People respond slightly differently to certain foods, depending on genetics and other health factors, so experiment with how the food you include in—or cut from—your diet changes the way you feel. The best place to start is by cutting out the “bad fats” that can damage your mood and outlook, and replace them with “good fats” that support brain-health. 

 

Foods that adversely affect mood

  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Trans fats or anything with “partially hydrogenated” oil
  • Foods with high levels of chemical preservatives or hormones
  • Sugary snacks
  • Refined carbs (such as white rice or white flour)
  • Fried food

 

Foods that boost mood

  •  Fatty fish rich in Omega-3s such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, tuna
  • Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts
  • Avocado
  • Flaxseed
  • Beans
  • Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, Brussel sprouts
  • Fresh fruit, such as blueberries

 

RESOURCES: https://madisoncollege.edu/strengthen-your-mental-health.

Talk to a counselor about your personal mental health concerns self-schedule using our Navigate app or call (608) 246-6076