{"id":52679,"date":"2025-09-22T18:02:52","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T10:02:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/?post_type=health-article&#038;p=52679"},"modified":"2025-09-30T15:20:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T07:20:50","slug":"food-mental-wellness","status":"publish","type":"health-article","link":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/food-mental-wellness\/","title":{"rendered":"Food &#038; Mental Wellness"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"52679\" class=\"elementor elementor-52679\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a1c3af7 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a1c3af7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-329a8a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"329a8a7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>August marks Mental Health Awareness Month in Malaysia, which is a time for us to reflect on how we care for both our bodies and minds. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), mental health problems among Malaysians have shown a worrying upward trend. In 1996, only 10.7% of adults were reported to have mental health issues. By 2015, this number had more than doubled to 29.2% which estimated nearly 1 in 3 Malaysians were affected.<\/p><p>When we think about mental health, we often focus on therapy, stress management, spirituality and self-care. But did you know that your diet also plays a supportive role in shaping your mood, emotions and overall mental well-being?<\/p><p>A well-known phrase says, \u201ca sound mind in a sound body.\u201d It is more than just a saying. It is a reflection of how closely connected physical and mental health truly are. Nourishing the body is also a step toward nourishing the mind. Now, let us explore how your daily meals can become your brain\u2019s strongest support system.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-827958d elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"827958d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container{height:100%;width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty{position:relative;min-height:22px;min-width:22px}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;margin:auto;padding:0;width:22px;height:22px}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d400612 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d400612\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic01\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Brain-Gut Connection\n\n<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9811cde elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9811cde\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Your gut and brain are deeply connected through what is known as the gut-brain axis. In fact, your gut produces about 90% of the body\u2019s serotonin, which is a chemical that helps regulate mood, sleep and appetite. That is why neglecting your gut health or consuming an imbalanced diet may lead to mood swings, fatigue and even anxiety or depression.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eac6183 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"eac6183\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc9db27 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cc9db27\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic02\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Foods That Support Mental Health & The Brain\u2013Gut Connection<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8de34ba elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8de34ba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Here are some nutrients and food sources that may help improve mood, focus and emotional resilience:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e65b96e elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"e65b96e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d11a215 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d11a215\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><b>Omega-3 Fatty Acids \u2013 For Mood Regulation and Brain Health\n<\/b><br><br><\/h5>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-919db1e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"919db1e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain development, reducing inflammation and supporting mood balance. Since our bodies cannot produce them naturally, it is important to include omega-3-rich foods in your diet.<\/p><p>Animal-based sources include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel (ikan kembung), sardines, ikan selar and ikan tenggiri. For plant-based options, you can include chia seeds, flaxseeds and walnuts. Local sources like spinach (bayam) and tofu may also contribute to brain health, although they contain smaller amounts of omega-3.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2453f97 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"2453f97\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df611ed elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"df611ed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><b>Magnesium & Zinc \u2013 For Calming the Nervous System\n<\/b><br><br><\/h5>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5132839 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5132839\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Magnesium supports relaxation, quality sleep and helps the body manage stress. A lack of magnesium has been linked to anxiety and irritability. Zinc plays a role in neurotransmitter function and inflammation control, which are both essential for emotional balance.<\/p><p>In a typical Malaysian diet, magnesium-rich foods include leafy greens like bayam and kangkung, whole grains like brown rice and oats, legumes like kacang hijau and seeds such as pumpkin seeds. For zinc, look for anchovies, chicken, eggs, peanuts or legumes like dhal and chickpeas.<\/p><p>As the proverb goes, \u201cDon\u2019t put all your eggs in one basket.\u201d The same applies to your meals here; instead of relying on one type of food group, try a diverse and balanced diet to ensure you receive a wide range of nutrients to support both mind and body.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a33fd93 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a33fd93\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b100452 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b100452\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/health-article-Food-Mental-Wellness-image1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-52663\" alt=\"Assorted foods like salmon, mackerel, chicken, nuts, vegetables, and fruits rich in omega-3, magnesium, and zinc to support mental health and mood\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/health-article-Food-Mental-Wellness-image1.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/health-article-Food-Mental-Wellness-image1-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/health-article-Food-Mental-Wellness-image1-768x367.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c9bfa33 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"c9bfa33\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e9d4d1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1e9d4d1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><b>Vitamin B Complex \u2013 For Energy & Mood Regulation\n\n<\/b><br><br><\/h5>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-199f8f1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"199f8f1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>B vitamins, especially B6, B9 (folate) and B12, are involved in the production of mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. They also help convert food into energy and support brain function.<\/p><p>To get enough B vitamins, include whole grains, eggs, tempeh and leafy greens like sawi in your meals. It is also important to note that individuals on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/how-veganism-affects-your-gut\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">vegan diets<\/a> or older adults may need additional B12 supplementation, as limited intake of animal protein sources can lead to deficiency.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4baf529 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"4baf529\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c22c5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1c22c5c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><b>Vitamins C & E \u2013 For Brain Protection\n\n<\/b><br><br><\/h5>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eb52466 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"eb52466\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that protect the brain from oxidative stress, which has been linked to mood disorders and memory decline. Think of antioxidants as your brain\u2019s silent bodyguards that work behind the scenes to defend your mental well-being.<\/p><p>Vitamin C can be found in local fruits like guava, papaya and oranges. Meanwhile, vitamin E is present in sunflower seeds, almonds, avocados, and vegetable oils.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff3d6d5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"ff3d6d5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-902b5d2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"902b5d2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><b>Fermented Foods & Probiotics \u2013 Feeding Your Gut, Lifting Your Mood\n\n<\/b><br><br><\/h5>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd336e9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cd336e9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The gut is sometimes called your \u201csecond brain\u201d for a reason. It houses a community of gut microbiome that plays a major role in mood regulation, stress response and even cognitive function. These bacteria help produce serotonin, influencing your appetite, mood and sleep.<\/p><p>Fermented foods contain natural probiotics, which are good bacteria that help keep your gut in balance. A balanced gut often translates into a more balanced mood.<\/p><p>In Malaysia, fermented food options include tempeh, tapai and yoghurt. Just like a garden needs a variety of plants to thrive, your gut needs a diverse microbiome to function well. Including small portions of fermented foods regularly may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/7-key-tips-for-healthier-colon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">support digestion<\/a>, reduce bloating and improve mental well-being.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a5c7434 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a5c7434\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-25dea8f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"25dea8f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic03\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Foods to Enjoy Less Often for a Calmer Mind\n<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c3ca6f1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c3ca6f1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>You have probably heard that moderation is key, and it is especially true when it comes to mental health.<\/p><p>Consuming too much refined sugar or sweetened beverages can lead to quick spikes and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/cepat-cergas-cepat-letih\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">crashes in blood sugar levels<\/a>, which contribute to irritability, fatigue or anxiety. Likewise, ultra-processed foods that contain artificial additives and preservatives may negatively affect gut health, which is closely linked to brain function.<\/p><p>Too much caffeine from coffee, soda or energy drinks can also interfere with sleep and may trigger restlessness or anxiety in some people.<\/p><p>Rather than eliminating these foods entirely, try to enjoy them occasionally and in smaller portions. Regularly choosing whole, nutrient-rich meals can help keep your mind calm and your energy steady throughout the day.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5099927 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5099927\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/health-article-Food-Mental-Wellness-image2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-52664\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/health-article-Food-Mental-Wellness-image2.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/health-article-Food-Mental-Wellness-image2-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/health-article-Food-Mental-Wellness-image2-768x367.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c49cc93 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"c49cc93\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-abde99d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"abde99d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic04\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Final Thoughts: Nourish to Flourish\n\n<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9ddf82 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d9ddf82\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Taking care of mental health not only starts with what is on your mind but also with what is on your plate. Small and consistent changes in your daily diet can help promote emotional resilience, support focus and encourage a more balanced mood.<\/p><p>In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month, let us take the opportunity to foster a deeper understanding of how what we eat affects our mental health altogether for ourselves, our families and our communities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b93f52c elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b93f52c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f6e7cbc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f6e7cbc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>Parenthood <a href=\"https:\/\/parenthood.my\/lifestyle\/feed-your-body-right-fuel-your-mind-bright-how-a-balanced-diet-boosts-mental-wellness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Health Today, 21 August 2025.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One in ten women of reproductive age suffer from this painful condition, yet many remain undiagnosed for years. Dr Inbajoothi Veeramuthu explains everything you need to know about endometriosis \u2014 from early warning signs to modern treatment options that can transform your quality of life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":52662,"template":"","topic":[156],"language":[137],"class_list":["post-52679","health-article","type-health-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","topic-internal-medicine","language-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Diet to Boost Mental Health &amp; Mood - Columbia Asia Hospital Batu Kawan<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn which foods can fuel your mind and improve mood. Maslissa Sazele, Dietitian in Columbia Asia Hospital Batu Kawan, shares expert diet tips.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/food-mental-wellness\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Diet to Boost Mental Health &amp; Mood - Columbia Asia Hospital Batu Kawan\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn which foods can fuel your mind and improve mood. 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