Diabetes can cause depression. Can omega-3 and vitamin D supplements help?

A healthy diet brings many benefits to the individual. We all know how important a balanced diet is for good health and well-being and how it helps prevent the development of health diseases. A balanced diet provides a sufficient amount of nutrients for the healthy functioning of the body. Each nutrient has its own properties and plays a key role in shaping an individual’s physical and mental health – especially when it comes to a person with diabetes.

The role of good nutrition is important for a healthy mind. Yes, it’s true – a healthy body is for a healthy mind. A mind that has access to all the necessary healthy nutrients in the body will be able to function at an optimal level. All bodies are expected to function well in balance.

But how does this happen?

The concept known as the connection of mind and body exists in each of us; how we think and feel on a psychological level affects our physical health. Not only in terms of nutritional value, but if an individual is affected by a medical illness of a terminal nature or a life-changing event, it also affects him on a psychological level. For example, in people suffering from osteoporosis, endometriosis is difficult to manage due to the severity of the symptoms and consequently causes stress.

Nutrition and mental health

Providing the right amount of everything you need nutrients into the brain helps release the healthy neurotransmitters that are essential for any cognitive activity that occurs. Neurotransmitters are responsible for all the activities performed by the brain. Mood, thinking, decision making and planning are all important functions of the brain.

A study conducted by Stranges et al. (2014) found in England that vegetable consumption is associated with a high level of mental well-being. Vitamins and minerals are important supplements for performing vital brain functions.

Mental health concerns related to diabetes

Diabetes is considered a lifestyle disease and its diagnosis can cause many emotions. After all, which suddenly requires many changes in the long-developed pattern of an individual’s lifestyle. The disease can be treated only after diagnosis, and there is no complete cure. To manage it effectively, a person may need to make drastic changes to their routine and habits, such as choosing the type of food to eat, avoiding foods and beverages that contain sugar, limiting alcohol intake, and even including exercise as part of their regular routine. .

A number of other additional responsibilities are also assigned to the affected individual, such as regular blood sugar checks, a visit to the doctor and the cost of expensive appliances; they all have a basic level of stress. Tracking and implementing these changes can lead to irritability, mood swings, or aggression.

People living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, and the rate of lifelong depression is twice as high in people with diabetes as in the general population. according to Mental Health America.

These feelings are also called sugar distress, which can cause someone to return to unhealthy lifestyle habits, uncontrollable sugar levels, or disregarding a doctor’s advice.

How can we manage mental health problems in people with diabetes?

Obviously, there is a connection between mind and body, and nutrients affect mental health. We also observed the presence of psychological problems in patients with diabetes. Thus, we can conclude that diet can help improve the psychological signs that develop in diabetes.

Low levels omega-3 fatty acids have been observed in the cell membranes of patients with depression and schizophrenia. An increased amount of these nutrients is supposed to reduce these problems. Some studies also reflected reduced levels of anxiety with the presence of omega-3 PUFAs. Its positive effects are also seen in mood disorders. Omega-3 intake is crucial for normal brain function.

In addition, vitamin D deficiency has been found to cause depression-like symptoms. These include mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, forgetfulness, and so on. The meta-analysis found that studies confirmed the positive impact of vitamin D on quality of life, depression, anxiety, stress, and the overall mental health of diabetics. . Studies clearly show that adding vitamin D helps improve mood and health.

By gathering knowledge about the workings of omega-3 and vitamin D, which are involved in the workings of our body and brain, we can say for sure that it can have a positive effect on mental health. Thus, we can conclude that these ingredients should be included in the diet to raise the reduced mental health of individuals, especially those suffering from diabetes.