What Impact Does Hunger Have On Mental Health; How To Resolve This
Hunger is a basic physiological need that impacts our physical and mental health. When we are hungry, it is difficult to concentrate and focus, and we may feel irritable, anxious, or depressed. These negative emotions can lead to poor mental health, making it challenging to carry out daily activities or cope with stressors.
Impact of Hunger on Mental Health
Hunger can have a significant impact on mental health. When we are hungry, our body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to increased anxiety and irritability. In addition, our brain requires a steady supply of glucose to function correctly, and hunger can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels, affecting our ability to concentrate and think clearly.
Studies have shown that hunger is linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. A lack of proper nutrition can also lead to the development of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Hunger can also impact our sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and exhaustion, which can exacerbate mental health symptoms. The inability to get adequate sleep can further reduce our ability to cope with stressors and lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
The impact is even more pronounced in children and hence, it is very important that children are served a good breakfast and lunch meal when in schools. We have seen a huge positive impact of government’s mid-day meal program on enrollments, attendance and malnourishment levels. It is high time that we supplemented it with a nutritious breakfast meal to avoid class room hunger.
How to Resolve Hunger and its Impact on Mental Health
Resolving hunger and its impact on mental health requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both physical and emotional needs. Here are some strategies that can help.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help to stabilise blood sugar levels and improve overall physical health. Consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals can also help to support mental health. A healthy, well-balanced diet can help us think clearly and feel more alert. It can also improve concentration and attention span.
Conversely, an inadequate diet can lead to fatigue, impaired decision-making, and can slow down reaction time. In fact, a poor diet can actually aggravate, and may even lead to, stress and depression.
According to the American Dietetic Association, people tend to either eat too much or too little when depressed or under stress. Eat too much and you find yourself dealing with sluggishness and weight gain. Eat too little and the resulting exhaustion makes this a hard habit to break. In either case, poor diet during periods of stress and depression only makes matters worse. This cycle is a vicious one, but it can be overcome.
To boost your mental health, focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables along with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. Dark green leafy vegetables in particular are brain protective. Nuts, seeds and legumes, such as beans and lentils, are also excellent brain foods.
Mindful Eating
Paying attention to how you feel when you eat, and what you eat, is one of the first steps in making sure you’re getting well-balanced meals and snacks. Since many of us don’t pay close attention to our eating habits, nutritionists recommend keeping a food journal. Documenting what, where and when you eat is a great way to gain insight into your patterns.
If you find you overeat when stressed, it may be helpful to stop what you’re doing when the urge to eat arises, and to write down your feelings. By doing this, you may discover what’s really bothering you. If you undereat, it may help to schedule five or six smaller meals instead of three large ones.
Get Adequate Sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for physical and mental health. A lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and a reduced ability to cope with stressors. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep routine.
Engage in Physical Activity
Physical activity is an effective way to reduce stress and improve mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day.
Seek Professional Help
If hunger is having a significant impact on your mental health, it is essential to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you develop strategies to manage stress and cope with mental health symptoms. They can also help you develop a personalised nutrition plan to support your mental health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hunger can have a significant impact on mental health. It is essential to address hunger and its impact on mental health through a multi-faceted approach that includes a balanced diet, adequate sleep, physical activity, and professional help if needed. By taking care of our physical and emotional needs, we can improve our overall well-being and mental health.
