6 biomarkers that can impact mental health
Physical health, menstrual health, mental health… it all MATTERS.
And that’s why theblood wants to talk about it all because health and knowledge are EVERYTHING!
In this post, we are going to share with you six biomarkers that influence mental health. We will discuss what these biomarkers are and how you can take actionable steps to improve your mental health by trying to normalise these biomarkers.
(Don’t know what a biomarker is? CLICK HERE to find out)
Mental health is a complex and multifaceted aspect of overall wellness.
It can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle.
Biomarkers are measurable indicators of a biological process or condition, and research has shown that certain biomarkers can have an impact on mental health.
DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information in this blog post, including but not limited to the text, graphics, images, are for educational and informational purposes only. None of the material within this blog post is intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional such as your doctor when you have concerns or questions.
Here are 6 examples:
1. Serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood and emotional well-being. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and anxiety. Normalising serotonin levels can help to improve mental health.
So how can you normalise your serotonin levels?
By:
Eating a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains
Getting regular exercise
Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or yoga
Consider taking supplements like 5-HTP or SAM-e
Consult with a doctor or mental health professional about medication options
2. Cortisol
Cortisol is a hormone that plays a key role in the body's stress response. High levels of cortisol have been linked to anxiety and depression. Normalizing cortisol levels can help to improve mental health.
How to normalise cortisol levels:
Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or yoga
Getting regular exercise
Creating a regular sleep schedule
Consult with a doctor or mental health professional about medication options
3. BDNF
BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is a protein that plays a key role in the growth and survival of neurons in the brain. Low levels of BDNF have been linked to depression and anxiety. Normalizing BDNF levels can help to improve mental health.
How to normalise BDNF:
Eating a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains
Getting regular exercise
Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or yoga
Consider taking supplements like omega-3 fatty acids
Consult with a doctor or mental health professional about medication options
4. Dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, motivation, and reward. Low levels of dopamine have been linked to depression and anxiety. Normalizing dopamine levels can help to improve mental health.
How to normalise dopamine levels:
Eating a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains
Getting regular exercise
Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or yoga
Consider taking supplements like L-tyrosine
Consult with a doctor or mental health professional about medication options
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining overall health. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to depression and anxiety. Normalizing vitamin D levels can help to improve mental health.
How to normalise vitamin D levels:
Spending time in sunlight
Eating a diet rich in vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms
Consider taking vitamin D supplements
Consult with a doctor or mental health professional about medication options
6. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in the production of red blood cells, the metabolism of energy, and the synthesis of DNA, as well as in the functioning of the nervous system. Low levels of vitamin B12 have been linked to a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain and regulate mood and cognitive function. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to an imbalance of neurotransmitters, which can contribute to mental health conditions.
How to normalise vitamin B12 levels:
Eating a diet rich in vitamin B12-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
Taking vitamin B12 supplements, either alone or in combination with other B vitamins.
Consuming fortified foods such as breakfast cereals and plant-based milk.
If an individual has a specific condition that affects their absorption of vitamin B12, such as pernicious anemia, a healthcare provider may recommend getting vitamin B12 shots.
Consultation with a healthcare professional to check for any underlying condition that may be causing the deficiency and to determine the best course of action for normalizing vitamin B12 levels.
It's important to note that mental health is complex and there is no one biomarker that can fully explain or predict mental health outcomes.
Additionally, the biomarkers discussed here are not specific indicators of mental health or mental illnesses, but rather can be used as a tool to understand and improve mental health.
