Behaviour changes
The Role of Diet and Supplements in Behavioral Changes: Insights from Functional Medicine
Functional medicine emphasizes a holistic approach to health, focusing on the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. Diet and supplements are crucial components in functional medicine, as they play a significant role in influencing behavioral changes and overall well-being. This article explores the relationship between diet, supplements, and behavior, highlighting how functional medicine can guide interventions to promote positive behavioral changes.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Diet
Mediterranean Diet and Weight Loss Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) based on the Mediterranean diet has been effective in clinical practice for inducing weight loss and providing other health benefits. This approach combines nutritional and behavioral modification therapies to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle (Vranešić Bender & Krznarić, 2012).
Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (dCBT) Changes in eating behavior phenotypes were successfully promoted by digital cognitive behavioral therapy (dCBT). This approach led to physiological and psychological adjustments, improving metabolic mechanisms and the consequences of healthy eating behavior (Kim et al., 2021).
Diet and Behavioral Health
Influence on Cognitive and Behavioral Functions Dietary factors have been suggested to influence various behaviors, including sleep, cognitive functioning, criminality, and hyperactivity. This multidisciplinary evaluation highlights the complex relationship between diet and behavior (Simmons, 2002).
Behavioral Changes in Metabolic Syndrome Participants in a lifestyle study for metabolic syndrome showed significant changes in food behaviors over one year. Those with poorer baseline diets experienced greater changes, demonstrating the effectiveness of dietitian counseling focused on specific food behavior goals and techniques (Li, 2017).
Self-Efficacy and Dietary Changes Self-efficacy is crucial in taking action and maintaining behavioral changes in dietary habits. Social influences also play a significant role in decision-making processes for behavioral changes, particularly in dietary fat reduction (Oh, 2002).
Supplements in Behavioral Interventions
Nutritional Supplements and Mental Health Nutritional supplements can have a profound impact on mental health and behavior. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and magnesium have been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and support cognitive functions. These supplements play a vital role in managing mental health conditions and enhancing overall well-being (Holford, 2008).
Probiotics and Gut-Brain Axis Probiotics, which influence gut health, have been linked to improved mental health and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in emotional and cognitive functions, and probiotics help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn supports behavioral health (Clarke et al., 2014).
Vitamin D and Mood Stability Vitamin D is essential for mood regulation and cognitive health. Deficiency in vitamin D has been associated with increased risk of mood disorders, including depression. Supplementation can help stabilize mood and support overall mental health (Anglin et al., 2013).
Psychological and Behavioral Interventions
Psychosocial Factors in Eating Behavior Psychosocial factors have a moderating effect on physiological factors influencing eating behavior and body weight. Understanding these influences is essential for developing effective dietary interventions (Nash, 2002).
Motivation and Food Choices Individuals with eating disorders and obesity can improve their eating behavior through motivation and changes in food choices. This approach leads to a healthier lifestyle and better management of eating disorders (Fadesti & Prihartanti, 2019).
Restrictive Eating Behaviors Restrained eating behavior in obese individuals may lead to a rebound effect, causing binge eating and psychological consequences. Addressing behavioral aspects in weight loss programs is essential for achieving long-term success (Bernardi et al., 2005).
Functional Medicine and Personalized Nutrition
Role in Cardiovascular and Diabetes Risk Behavioral changes caused by diet play a crucial role in improving poor eating habits, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Personalized nutrition and persistent implementation of these changes, along with regular exercise, are foundational for success in treating and preventing metabolic syndrome (Mesçi et al., 2015).
Mediation of Social Cognitive Theory Variables Supported exercise, along with cognitive-behavioral nutrition treatment, can improve self-regulation, self-efficacy, and mood in individuals with severe obesity. This leads to enhanced eating habits and potential weight loss outcomes through the mediation of psychosocial variables from social cognitive theory (Annesi & Tennant, 2013).
Conclusion
Diet and supplements play a pivotal role in influencing behavioral changes, with significant implications for health and well-being. Functional medicine provides a comprehensive approach to addressing these changes through personalized dietary and supplement interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapies, and an emphasis on holistic health practices. By understanding the relationship between diet, supplements, and behavior, functional medicine can guide individuals toward healthier lifestyles and improved mental and physical health.
References
- Vranešić Bender, D., & Krznarić, Ž. (2012). Nutritional and Behavioral Modification Therapies of Obesity: Facts and Fiction. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, https://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000336670
- Kim, M., Park, S., Kim, C. J., & Choi, H.-J. (2021). Healthy Eating Behavior Change with Psychological Features and Insulin Resistance: Buffet and Food Diary App Analysis. Research Square, https://dx.doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-140427/v1
- Simmons, K. (2002). Scientists ponder diet’s behavioral effects. JAMA, https://dx.doi.org/10.1001/JAMA.1985.03360240017003
- Li, A. (2017). One-year dietary changes in a lifestyle study for metabolic syndrome in the Canadian primary care context. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, https://doi.org/10.1177/2150131917709381
- Oh, S.-Y. (2002). Psychosocial characteristics of stages of dietary fat reduction among Korean adults. Ecology of Food and Nutrition, https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03670240214732
- Holford, P. (2008). Optimum Nutrition for the Mind. Nutrition Journal, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3045016/
- Clarke, G., Stilling, R. M., Kennedy, P. J., Stanton, C., Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2014). Minireview: Gut microbiota: the neglected endocrine organ. Molecular Endocrinology, https://dx.doi.org/10.1210/me.2014-1108
- Anglin, R. E. S., Samaan, Z., Walter, S. D., & McDonald, S. D. (2013). Vitamin D deficiency and depression in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2013.02.002
- Nash, J. D. (2002). Eating Behavior and Body Weight: Psychosocial Influences. American Journal of Health Promotion, https://dx.doi.org/10.4278/0890-1171-2.1.5
- Fadesti, P. F., & Prihartanti, M. (2019). Perilaku Makan Pada Penderita Gangguan Makan Dengan Obesitas. Journal of Health Science, https://doi.org/10.2991/icpeh-19.2019.8
- Bernardi, F., Cichelero, C., & Vitolo, M. (2005). Restrained eating behavior and obesity. Revista de Nutrição, https://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-52732005000100008
- Mesçi, B., Erbakan, A., & Telci Çaklili, Ö. (2015). A Review on Metabolic Syndrome and Nutrition. Journal of Nutritional Therapeutics, https://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2015.04.01.4
- Annesi, J., & Tennant, G. (2013). Mediation of social cognitive theory variables in the relationship of exercise and improved eating in sedentary adults with severe obesity. Psychology, Health & Medicine, https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2013.766354