The Benefits to Comprehensive Treatment

Jan. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- While focusing on improving health, it is important to treat both the mental and physical.  Incorporating a healthy diet to a regular exercise regimen is essential to maintaining optimal health.  The overall healing power of exercise is limitless and has been proven to have similar, and in some studies longer lasting effects on the brain as antidepressants. Exercise not only improves the metabolism, but enhances the action of endorphins that contribute to better natural immunity and reduce the perception of pain. Similarly, it stimulates neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which is believed to directly improve mood. There is also an inherent psychological benefit to the feeling of accomplishment and heightened self-esteem that follow the completion of a challenging workout, routine, or sport. There is a common misconception that you must feel well in order to become, or remain active.  To the contrary, we believe that you must “do” first and the feeling will eventually follow. The brain is an organ, like the heart, so what works for the body will undoubtedly work for the mind.

Nutrition has a tremendous impact on our mood as well.  It became common knowledge that we are what we eat.  However, we also feel and think what we eat.  It is important to incorporate whole grains and minimally processed foods to our diet.  Eating lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, and limiting sugar intake are essential to our vitality and nutrition.  Vitamins and minerals are also key factors to improving mood.  Many vitamins such as SAM-E and D3 have been used to treat certain symptoms of depression.  Physical exams are always recommended to check for particular deficiencies.  Finding the right diet for your body is essential to maintaining good health.  It is important to explore different diets and areas of concern with patients in order to improve health and happiness.

Both nutritional and mental health counseling, are integral components to treating the whole person and helping patients achieve optimal health.  At South Shore Neuropsychiatric Center we are committed to providing a comprehensive treatment approach.  As we expand our Wellness Center, we are incorporating these key elements into treatment regimens.  KC Levitan, LMHC, HC works with patients to improve both their mental and nutritional health.