The food you eat has a major impact on your well-being. That’s true, no matter how old you are. Much of this impact centers on physical health. However, eating well is just as crucial for human mental health. This fact explains why a nutrition program for teens in California may be crucial to your child’s recovery from mental health issues. By eating well during and after their time in treatment, your teenager may experience notable improvements.
Does your child need a teen nutrition program in Pasadena, CA? Turn to the professionals at HillsidesCares. We feature comprehensive mental health programs for teenagers and adolescents. We understand nutrition and teen mental health and offer customized nutritional resources. For more information on these resources, contact us at 323.641.4842 today.
The Basics of Nutrition and Teen Mental Health
Adolescence is a time of great physical change. It’s also a time when most teenagers face increased exposure to potential mental health risks. The foods your teen eats can significantly affect their ability to handle these risks and continue to feel well. Nutrients that are particularly important for the development and maintenance of this ability include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy fats
- Vitamin D
- Iron
- Vitamins B6, folate (aka, folic acid or B9), and B12
- Vitamin E
- Iodine
- Zinc
In contrast, certain dietary habits can undermine your child’s mental well-being. That includes eating highly processed foods and foods high in unhealthy fats or sugar.
Mental Health and Nutrition in Adolescents: Notable Issues
What types of mental health issues are associated with poor nutrition in adolescence? Specific problems your child can face higher risks for include:
- An unstable mood
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Severe psychological distress
Research shows that a poor diet is the most important factor connecting nutrition and teen mental health. If your child doesn’t eat well, their chances of developing substantial issues increase. This isn’t so much a matter of eating unhealthy foods here and there. Instead, what matters is your teen’s general dietary habits. Simply put, healthy habits in this area make it easier to stay mentally well.
How Adolescent Nutrition Counseling for Mental Health Can Help
How can adolescent nutrition counseling for mental health help your child get better? For starters, most teenagers aren’t very aware of the connection between their mental state and the foods they eat. During counseling, your child will learn about this connection.
While enrolled in their program, your teen will also learn about the effects of specific foods. This includes identifying foods rich in supportive nutrients and foods that lack these nutrients and can potentially undermine mental wellness.
In addition, your teen will get help switching from an unhealthy eating pattern to a healthier one. This can be difficult, especially at first. That’s true because, like adults, teens may find it hard to break free from established habits. But over time, your child will likely find it easier to sustain their new, healthier eating pattern.
All meals served at HillsidesCares are both tasty and nutritionally well-balanced. This allows us to properly support your teen’s mental health during their time of enrollment. Importantly, it also allows us to demonstrate that healthy foods can be delicious and good for them at the same time.
Contact HillsidesCares Today
There is a clear link between mental health and nutrition in adolescents. Healthy food choices will help your teen feel mentally well. In contrast, poor dietary choices may contribute to serious mental health issues.
Need more information on the connection between nutrition and teen mental health? You’ll find it at HillsidesCares. You can also turn to us for comprehensive dietary support for your teenager during their mental health recovery. To start the enrollment process, call us today at 323.641.4842 or message us online.