Mental health conditions are on the rise globally and are a major concern for public health. Of these, depression and anxiety disorders are increasing the most.
Depression is one of the major public health challenges the world is facing, and in 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) established a plan for how this should be addressed in ‘The European Mental Health Action Plan’. Their analysis resulted in three clinical recommendations. The first of which, was that lifestyle factors such as unhealthy eating, inactive lifestyle, and smoking contributed to an increased risk of depression.
According to Ayurveda, our mind is regulated by three energies – Satva, Rajah, and Tamas. Out of these, Satva is pure and positive energy which never becomes a cause for any disease. But Rajah and Tamas are very sensitive energies. If their quantum is disturbed or deviated from, it can cause a condition called ‘Altered Nervous Function’ – leading to many health issues.
Our thoughts, feelings, actions, and even eating habits can be classified as Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic. The kind of food we eat, the way it is prepared, and how we eat it greatly influences our mental health. Sattvic food fills our minds with positive thoughts and gives rise to feelings related to purity, happiness, compassion, etc. Rajasic food brings out arrogance, ego, restlessness, anxiety, fear, and uncontrollable desires. Tamasic food causes laziness, tiredness, depression, and lethargy.
A Sattvic diet includes foods that are light and healthy. In Ayurvedic practice, Sattvic foods increase energy, happiness, calmness, and mental clarity. In practise, that means eating things that are vegetarian, nutritious, fresh, and tasty.
What Are Sattvic Foods?
In general, Sattvic foods are ripe, raw fruits or food that is lightly cooked and freshly prepared.
Foods that are old or not prepared properly are not Sattvic.
The Sattvic diet is high in nutrient-rich plant foods and low in processed and fried foods.
The diet includes calming spices and herbs like ginger, cardamom, basil, Brahmi, Ashwagandha, chamomile, and mint. Incorporating ghee or clarified butter in the food increases Ojas—the ultimate energy reserve of the body and mind. (Depression is caused by reduced Ojas).
Diet and Emotions
Our diet affects our moods and emotions, and could even be responsible for long-term conditions like depression. Our brains are vital organs that need energy in the long run, and is also affected by shifts in hormones, changes in blood sugar levels, and all other biological processes. Diet must include seasonal vegetables, whole grains, and proteins that affect the condition of our brain and could control the onset of depression and other disorders.
Our brain helps in guiding us as to what to eat when we are hungry. Nowadays people often turn to fast food due to its convenience. This advocates an unhealthy lifestyle and poor health. While fast food does offer a temporary high, the long-term effects are harmful.
Whole Food Diet
A whole food diet allows for the proper distribution of glucose for a longer period of time. This can be done by including saturated fats, high-quality protein, and lots of green vegetables in your eating regimen. Many people have a tendency to skip breakfast but eating protein for breakfast can help you feel fuller longer and keep your blood sugar steady so that you have more energy during your day. We could also include whole grains depending on sensitivities. All of this boosts your metabolism and keeps your mood in check.
In the modern world, people avoid hunger pangs by eating multiple meals a day. However, what Ayurveda advises is to recognise your hunger. It can be achieved only if we try mindful eating. Mindful eating is all about recognising your hunger and eating accordingly.
Diet alone is not a “magic cure” for all disorders and mental health issues, because lifestyle and environmental factors also play a significant role.
Talk to our doctors at CGH Earth Ayurveda – Kalari Kovilakom & Kalari Rasayana – if you are feeling depressed, and get professional help to tackle mental health issues through diet, meditation, and lifestyle changes.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of this article is to provide information about Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have an acute or chronic health concern, please consult an Ayurveda doctor who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively.
