PSYCHO-NUTRITIONAL THERAPEUTICS: INTEGRATING DIET AND MENTAL HEALTH IN FAMILY WELL-BEING
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/ShodhVichar.v1.i1.2025.50Keywords:
Psycho-Nutrition, Mental Health, Gut-Brain Axis, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Emotional Well-Being, Family Health, Stress Resilience, Home Science.Abstract
The intricate relationship between nutrition and mental health has gained significant scientific recognition in recent years. Nutrients play vital roles in neurotransmitter synthesis, hormonal regulation, and gut-brain communication, directly influencing mood, cognition, and emotional resilience. This paper explores the emerging concept of psycho-nutritional therapeutics, an integrative approach that combines dietary interventions with psychological wellness strategies to enhance family well-being.
A hypothetical cross-sectional study model was constructed to assess the impact of dietary patterns and nutrient intake on mental health indicators such as stress levels, sleep quality, and emotional balance in families. The study compared three groups: (A) families consuming processed, low-fiber diets; (B) families with balanced home-cooked diets; and (C) families following psycho-nutritional diets enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, magnesium, tryptophan-rich foods, and probiotics.
Results indicated that Group C exhibited the lowest perceived stress score (–28%), highest emotional well-being index (+24%), and significant improvement in sleep quality (+22%). These outcomes suggest that nutrient-dense diets profoundly influence neurotransmission and stress physiology through biochemical and gut-mediated pathways.
This study emphasizes the Home Science perspective that views nutrition not only as sustenance but as a key determinant of psychological harmony and family health. Integrating psycho-nutritional principles into daily meals can promote emotional stability, reduce anxiety, and strengthen interpersonal relationships, thereby contributing to holistic family well-being.
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