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WE THINK of physical and mental health often as distinct and unrelated and treat them as such. But poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of mental health problems; similarly, mental health problems contribute to poor physical health. How does mental health affect physical health?
In a UK study, people with high levels of self-rated distress were 32 percent more likely to have died from cancer. People with mental health problems will also not be offered help to quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, and make positive adjustments to their diet.
What lifestyle factors affect our mental health?
Physical activity. Research shows that even a short 10-minute burst of brisk walking increases alertness, energy, and positive mood. There is also an absorption of feel-good chemicals called endorphins in the brain.
Diet. A diet loaded with processed foods may taste good now, but they affect your gut health later. Current research also shows the impact of a healthy gut on mental health, and that is why we must include probiotics (fermented foods, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir, etc.) in our diet.
Of smoking. Many people with mental health problems believe that smoking improves their symptoms. These effects are only short-term. Chemicals in cigarettes interfere with chemicals in our brain; nicotine temporarily increases our “feel-good chemicals,” but it also blunts the natural mechanism of their production.
With recent research, there is now a clearer link between physical and mental health. During this time of Covid-19, be sure to take care of both.
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