Nutrition and Lifestyle Recommendations Supporting Mental Health in Autumn

Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Binnur Okan Bakır, drew attention to changing dietary habits with autumn, listed 10 food groups supporting mental health, and emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Binnur Okan Bakır stated that the mood changes in autumn cannot be explained by diet alone and that the dietary pattern should be evaluated as a whole. Emphasizing that no single food has the feature of preventing or treating depression on its own, Bakır pointed out the importance of fish, eggs, yogurt and kefir, oats, whole grains, legumes, dark green leafy and orange vegetables, orange and red fruits, nuts, and adequate fluid consumption.

Stating that focusing only on foods is not enough to feel good, Bakır noted that regular sleep, physical activity, benefiting from daylight, and maintaining social relationships are also critical. Stating that a health professional should be consulted in cases such as persistent depression, loss of interest, and changes in sleep and appetite, Bakır stated that supplements such as vitamin D should be used under a physician's control.