Psychology essay

In relation to psychology, nutrition helps us to understand how what we eat
influences how we feel – including our emotions, moods, sensations,
motivations, and experiences. Mental health professionals already address the
psychological, cognitive, and behavioral components leading to positive
mental health. Nutritional Psychology is the field of study examining the
interdependent relationship between dietary intake and psychological
experiences and informs our understanding of the Diet-Mental Health
Relationship. The practical significance of psychological research on food
intake stems from the increasing evidence that nutrition is a key determinant
of health, behaviour and development. The professional significance for
psychologists comes from the range of psychological expertise which is
relevant to the study of eating.
Many people use food as a coping mechanism to deal with such feelings as
stress, boredom or anxiety, or even to prolong feelings of joy. While this may
help in the short term, eating to soothe and ease your feelings often leads to
regret and guilt, and can even increase the negative feelings. When you stick
to a diet of healthy food, you’re setting yourself up for fewer mood
fluctuations, an overall happier outlook and an improved ability to focus, Dr.
Cora says. Studies
have even found that healthy diets can help with symptoms of depression and
anxiety.
To sum it all up the course of psychology and nutrition overall teaches us ones
behaviour and how its effected by food, A nutritional approach to mental
health doesn’t replace more traditional treatment methods such as
medications and talk therapy, There are two main areas of controversy within
nutrition psychology. The first area of controversy is that the topic can be
viewed in two different ways. It can be viewed as nutrition affecting
psychological functions, or psychological choices and behavior influencing
nutrition and health. The second controversy being the defining of what is
“healthy” or “normal” as related to nutrition.
Multiple studies have found a correlation between a diet high in refined
sugars and impaired brain function and even a worsening of symptoms of
mood disorders, such as depression. Overweight individuals report stress and
depressive symptoms as psychological factors affecting eating behaviors and
food choices. Negative emotions such as anger, fear and sadness are
associated with irregular eating patterns and eating as a distraction, to relax or
feel better. Psychological factors that influence nutritional patterns or the
need for counseling are associated with what patients feel or think. In most
cases, they are difficult to describe due to their dependence on such factors as
individuals’ upbringing, lifestyles, and overall attitudes toward healthy living. It
has been identified that psychological stress, mood, beliefs, values, and
general habits can have both long- and short-term influence on nutrition.
What we learned throughout the semester in the course of psychology and
nutrition is how psychological factors play a vital role in our diet. Our thinking
about food. And how it impacts of lifestyle in so many different ways.
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