Mental Health Management

Improve Mental Health by Eating Right

One of the top ways to improve both your physical and mental health is by eating a healthy diet. This is because there is a gut-brain connection that links the state of your gut to the state of your mind. Prolonged or excessive stress can wreak havoc on your overall health because chronic stress, anxiety, PTSD, and various of other disorders can cause inflammation in the body as well as decrease your immunity. Therefore, mental health management is an important part of holistic gut health. To manage these conditions, consider a holistic approach to healing your body at ND Life Spa.

Key Concepts & Strategies for Mental Health:

  • There is a gut–brain connection: gut health influences mood, cognition, and emotional well-being.
  • Chronic stress, anxiety, PTSD, and similar conditions can lead to systemic inflammation, which negatively impacts mental health.
  • Poor mental health weakens immune function, making the body more vulnerable to disease.
  • A holistic approach (not just symptom management) is often more effective for lasting mental health improvements.


  • Nutrition plays a central role:
  • A diet rich in whole foods, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants supports brain health
  • Fermented foods / probiotics may promote beneficial gut microbiota that support mood
  • Limiting processed sugars, refined carbs, and inflammatory foods may reduce mood swings and anxiety


  • Lifestyle practices that support mental health:
  • Regular physical activity / exercise
  • Adequate, regular sleep
  • Mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, or stress-reduction techniques
  • Social connection, support networks, therapy / counseling


  • Supporting organs and systems that affect mental health:
  • Healthy adrenal / stress axis (HPA axis)
  • Balanced hormone systems
  • Optimal nutrient status (e.g. B vitamins, magnesium, omega-3s)


  • Monitoring & early intervention: symptoms like persistent low mood, anxiety, brain fog, insomnia should not be ignored


  • Integrative therapies that may be used in a holistic clinic:
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Gut detox / microbiome support
  • Neurofeedback or brain-based therapies
  • Supplements (as appropriate and under supervision)
  • Lifestyle coaching and behavior change support