Can Supplementation Help Men Fix Mental Health Issues?
A majority of people associate nutritional deficiencies with physical illness only. However, there is a direct connection between nutrition and mental health as well. Poor nutrition can result in the onset of a mental condition or increase the severity of the symptoms. Eating patterns can also be used as part of the diagnosis of a mental disorder. Nutritional supplements can be used to help men fix mental health issues, as highlighted below.
Vitamin B3
The deficiency of vitamin B3, also called niacin, is known to cause dementia and psychosis. Some studies also show that niacin deficiency can bring about anxiety, agitation, and mental slowness. Vitamin B3 can be found in a variety of commercial foods and supplements as well. Taking supplements can help prevent all the cognitive effects of the deficiency or help treat symptoms.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Numerous studies have found that patients suffering from depression tend to have deficiencies of omega-3 fatty acids. That is more of the case when the depression is severe. With that said, taking omega-3 supplements can help men to manage some of the symptoms of depression. However, omega-3 fatty acid supplements have to be used with other suitable treatment options to deal with depression effectively.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1, also called thiamine, is used by the brain to help convert glucose into energy. A deficiency of vitamin B1 is not very common in men, but there are some reported cases. It can cause various depression symptoms and irritability. Thiamine is available in supplement form. You can use supplements to counteract the antidepressant time lag, especially for men with severe depressive disorder.
Vitamin B6
Pyridoxine helps to produce various hormones in the body, such as melatonin, serotonin, and dopamine. The hormones have a direct relationship with brain function. Deficiencies can result in mental confusion and various mental disorders. Deficiencies are common in men with alcohol use disorder and those with kidney failure.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are used to remove free radicals in the body. When left to accumulate, the free radicals can result in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes various health problems, including depression and anxiety. Taking antioxidant supplements can help to deal with anxiety and depression symptoms.
Zinc
Zinc is one of the minerals known to affect mental health. Deficiency of the mineral can result in various symptoms of depression. Zinc supplements are also known to increase the effectiveness of antidepressants. When taking zinc supplements, ensure you use the recommended dosage as overdosing can counter the effects.…
Many people usually wonder whether they should be taking supplements and the type of supplements that they should be taking. The concerns are valid, given that some supplements are not recommended for everyone. However, there are some which are quite useful and recommended by health experts for everyone. The supplements become even more critical with time as people continue to consume more processed foods that are calorie-dense instead of nutrient-dense. Some of the most important supplements rarely talked about are highlighted below.