Why do we need vital substances for a healthy psyche?
Psychological or mental health describes a state of emotional well-being in which we can cope well with stress, adapt to changing circumstances and feel productive.
Physical and mental health are often viewed separately, which makes little sense from a holistic perspective. Mental health is fundamentally linked to the functioning of the nervous system, the hormonal system, and the gut—physical processes that require certain micronutrients to function properly.
The vital substances are important, for example, as building blocks for neurotransmitters, cell membranes and hormones, as electrolytes in and outside the cells or as cofactors (auxiliaries) for the function of enzymes, which in turn are important for almost all metabolic processes in the cells.
If the body lacks such essential substances, it can impair normal psychological function. Since micronutrient deficiencies are very common, possible physical causes should always be sought in psychological problems such as depression, burnout, or anxiety disorders.
The intestine and the psyche
You may have heard of the "gut-brain axis," which refers to the close relationship between our digestive tract and the brain.
Important connections are:
- Numerous nerve fibers run from the brain to the gut and vice versa. Psychological stress can therefore have a strong impact on the gut, and conversely, a damaged gut has direct psychological effects.
- The intestinal flora produces various messenger substances that have an effect on the nervous system, including serotonin, short-chain fatty acids, acetylcholine and various amino acids.
- A large part of the immune system is located in the intestinal wall. Immune reactions to food components can trigger inflammatory processes in the body, including the nervous system. Such immune reactions can occur when the intestinal barrier is damaged (leaky gut syndrome).
Gut health is therefore crucial for our brain health and, consequently, for our mental health. The gut's significant role in this topic also highlights why a healthy diet is so important for mental health.
Nutrition for a healthy psyche
The foundation for a healthy body and mind is a nutrient-rich diet that promotes intestinal health. Such a diet includes a daily variety of fruits and vegetables, supplemented with other foods such as legumes, nuts, whole grain products, meat, fish, etc. Fermented products are also excellent for intestinal health.
In our blog , "How a Balanced Gut Flora Promotes Health ," we discuss the connection between diet and gut flora in detail. Below, you'll learn which micronutrients optimally complement a healthy diet and strengthen our mental health.
These vital substances strengthen our psyche
In the holistic therapy of psychological problems, the micronutrients presented in the next sections are often initially given in higher doses in order to compensate for the often serious deficiencies.
In addition to the substances presented below, it's important to remember that the body needs sufficient supplies of all vital nutrients for optimal health. As a foundation, we therefore recommend taking a micronutrient complex such as Multivitamin Booster .
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are important building blocks of cell membranes. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), in particular, plays a key role in brain health, as it is found in high concentrations in the brain.
Our DHA plus EPA preparation is ideal for daily supplementation of these important fatty acids.
B vitamins
B vitamins perform numerous functions in the brain's energy metabolism and support nerve function. A deficiency can lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating, for example. Vitamins B6 and B12, as well as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and biotin (B7), are particularly important in relation to nerve function.
In the Vitamin B Complex you will find all 8 B vitamins in high doses, combined with other substances that promote the absorption of B vitamins and contribute to the healthy functioning of the nervous system.
magnesium
Magnesium is known for its muscle-relaxing and calming properties. The mineral is also important for nerve cell function and energy metabolism. Consequences of a magnesium deficiency can include increased susceptibility to stress, difficulty concentrating, depressive moods, headaches, inner restlessness, and sleep disturbances.
Magnesium Plus provides you with highly bioavailable magnesium in combination with vitamin B6, which improves the cellular absorption of magnesium.
Zinc and iron
The trace elements zinc and iron play an important role in cognitive function, the immune system, and energy metabolism. A deficiency in these substances can have negative effects on mental health.
Zinc from three different organic zinc salts for improved absorption can be found in our Zinc supplement. Iron Complex is an ideal combination supplement to support iron metabolism and blood formation. You can also learn more about iron at the previous link.
Vital substances for the intestines
To support intestinal health, we recommend ProBio 14. It contains 14 probiotic bacterial cultures (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria), which are important for a healthy intestinal flora. ProBio 14 also contains the prebiotics fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin, which serve as food for beneficial intestinal bacteria.
We have also developed the Gut-Brain Complex product specifically to promote intestinal and brain health. This contains, among other ingredients, the amino acid L-glutamine and the short-chain fatty acid propionic acid. Both substances play important roles in the intestinal mucosa and the nervous system.
Galactose
Galactose is a component of milk sugar (lactose) and is chemically very similar to glucose ("blood sugar"). Glucose is the main energy source for the nervous system.
However, many people suffer from impaired glucose metabolism. Their cells respond less effectively to the hormone insulin and are therefore unable to absorb glucose from the blood. This is particularly problematic for the brain, as it relies on glucose. Consequences of a lack of energy in the brain can include poor concentration, irritability, and food cravings.
Disturbances in glucose metabolism are often causally related to the gut. Since the gut and the psyche are also closely linked, as explained above, this issue can also affect patients with mental health problems.
Galactose can help here. The sugar can be absorbed into nerve cells without the action of insulin, thus ensuring the brain's energy supply in people with impaired glucose utilization.
Amino acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins in our body. These include enzymes, immunoglobulins, and connective tissue fibers. Amino acids are also required for the formation of various neurotransmitters and hormones.
Amino 8 contains all essential amino acids. The product can be supplemented depending on the protein content of your diet.
Vitamin D
Numerous studies show a connection between vitamin D and mental health. Our Vitamin D Complex provides you with 3000 IU of vitamin D3 per day. Vitamin D3 + K2 also contains highly bioavailable vitamin K2 combined with vitamin D3. The two fat-soluble vitamins work synergistically.
Conclusion: Vital substances promote a healthy psyche
A nutrient-rich diet combined with certain nutritional supplements is an important prerequisite for our mental health and resilience. If we are well nourished, we can cope much better with stressful, demanding phases of life and avoid nutrient deficiencies, which can have numerous consequences for our physical and mental health.
