It's the start of National Dietitians week here in Australia, and this year the theme is "Nourishing Mind, Body and Brain". With this in mind, we asked PDC Dietitian Evan to write a short blog post about the link between food and mental health, and how a dietitian can support our mental health:

The unsung heroes in your mental health journey: Dietitians

When we think about mental health, our minds often jump to therapy sessions, meditation, or perhaps even medication. But there's a less celebrated hero in this journey—your dietitian. Yes, you heard it right! Dietitians play a pivotal role in nurturing your mental well-being, and it's high time we shed light on this connection.

Breaking down misconceptions

First things first, let's debunk a common myth: dietitians are not here to judge your food choices. There's a widespread misconception that visiting a dietitian is about restrictions, do's and don'ts, and a whole lot of judgment. But that's far from the truth. In reality, dietitians are advocates of balanced eating and are champions of the "everything in moderation" philosophy.

The power of food on your mind

You might be surprised to learn that what you eat can influence your mental health significantly. Studies have shown that healthy eating alone can notably reduce symptoms of depression and the odds of brain conditions by up to almost 30%, that's a huge number! It means that by paying attention to your diet and seeking help, you're taking an important step toward a happier, healthier mind.

Understanding you as an individual

One of the core beliefs that dietitians hold is that everyone is unique. While being told to "eat healthier" sounds like straightforward advice, implementing it is anything but simple. Each person's circumstances, preferences, and lifestyles are different, making their nutritional needs just as unique.

Your ally in the journey

This is where dietitians truly shine. With a deep understanding of food science and nutritional counselling, a dietitian isn't just someone who tells you what to eat. Instead, think of them as a supportive ally, guiding you through the trial and error of figuring out what works best for your body and mind. They're there to support you, encourage you, and help you navigate the complexities of nutrition on your journey to feeling and living better.

Take the next step

So, if you've ever considered reaching out to a dietitian but hesitated, now's the time to take that step. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression, or just looking to improve your overall well-being, a dietitian can offer you the tailored, compassionate support you need. Remember, it's not just about the food on your plate; it's about nurturing your mind, one bite at a time.

Embarking on this journey can be transformative, not just for your physical health, but for your mental wellness too. Dietitians are here to walk this path with you, offering insights, support, and a non-judgmental space to explore what health means to you. So, why not start today? Your mind—and taste buds—will thank you!

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References:

1. Ljungberg T, Bondza E, Lethin C. Evidence of the Importance of Dietary Habits Regarding Depressive Symptoms and Depression. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar 2;17(5):1616. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17051616. PMID: 32131552; PMCID: PMC7084175.
2. Sarwer DB, Polonsky HM. The Psychosocial Burden of Obesity. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2016 Sep;45(3):677-88. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2016.04.016. PMID: 27519139; PMCID: PMC6052856.
3. https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/seeing-dietitian/what-expect

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