Nourishing the Mind: How Food Security Influences Mental Wellbeing.

Journal: Nutrients

Volume: 16

Issue: 4

Year of Publication: 2024

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychiatric Genetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, - Poznan, Poland. School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B TT, UK. Department of Vegetable Crops, Poznan University of Life Sciences, - Poznan, Poland. Department of Seed Science and Technology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, - Poznan, Poland. College of Nursing, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile Ife , Osun, Nigeria. Hospital Management Board, Government House and Protocol Clinic, Akure , Ondo, Nigeria. Office of Research Services, Research Division, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS , Australia.

Abstract summary 

Food insecurity is a significant public health problem worldwide and critical to mental health. There is a complex relationship between food security and mental health. We carried out a narrative review study aiming to address how food insecurity impacts mental wellbeing by focusing on the mental health repercussions of food insecurity, recognizing its pivotal role in attaining Sustainable Development Goals 2 (on hunger) and 3 (on enhancing global wellbeing). A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar, incorporating Google searches for pertinent reports and policy documents. To address these questions, we emphasized and elucidated the interconnectedness between food security and mental health. The review shows that food security and mental health share a profound relationship influenced by multifaceted factors like socioeconomic conditions, access to nutritious food, and societal inequalities. We then provide recommendations for integrating food security into mental health strategies based on the insights and conclusions drawn. Strategies ranging from sustainable farming practices to urban agriculture initiatives and digital mental health services demonstrate avenues for enhancing food safety and mental wellbeing. This highlights the need for collaborative interdisciplinary efforts and systemic reforms to address these interconnected challenges.

Authors & Co-authors:  Ejiohuo Ovinuchi O Onyeaka Helen H Unegbu Kingsley C KC Chikezie Obinna G OG Odeyemi Omowale A OA Lawal Adebola A Odeyemi Olumide A OA

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  FAO. IFAD. UNICEF. WFP. WHO . The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023. FAO; Rome, Italy: 2023.
Authors :  7
Identifiers
Doi : 501
SSN : 2072-6643
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
anxiety;depression;food insecurity;food security;hygiene;mental health;nutrition;stress;wellbeing
Study Design
Narrative Study,Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Systemic Review
Country of Study
Publication Country
Switzerland