As per the well-known quote, by Eva Selhub, "The act of nutrition has proven in research to have a direct correlation with the improvement of mental health". Thus, to gain an insight into the rudiments of mental health, Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Pharmacy, Akurdi, Pune, in association with NDLI Club, had organized a webinar on 04th December on the theme “Significance of Diet in Mental Health”, wherein Dr. Prajakta Kulkarni, Ayurvedic consultant & Practitioner, Sneh Chikitsalaya and Panchakarma Center, elucidated the definition of Health and Mental health as per Ayurveda, explained functions of mind, the 3 pillars (Upastambhas) of health– Diet, sleep and self-control. She also emphasized the relation between gut and brain, how this link has an impact on different activities.
Dr. Kulkarni also talked about an emerging branch of Nutritional Psychiatry. The importance of what to eat and how to eat; with the 3 Gunas that represent mind – sattva, rajas, tamas, the impact of nutrition requirement and eating habits on mental health was well explained.
Hence, the webinar focused on how a change in one's mindset, is necessary to acknowledge that all foods have a place in our diets and motivate ourselves to comprise healthy recipes and prevent unhealthy snacks from a grocery list, sneaking into our cart. Thus, “Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.”
This webinar was coordinated by Ms. Neetu Khatri