Metabolic health and mental health are closely linked.
In fact, research shows that occupational stress is associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. People with mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, ADD/ADHD, and PTSD are also at increased risk of developing chronic diseases like metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and hyperglycemia.
A healthy metabolism maintains life-sustaining chemical reactions in the body. It converts the food and nutrients you consume into the energy your body needs in order to breathe, circulate blood, grow and repair cells, and everything else it does to survive.
When metabolic health is poor, it can impact the gut microbiome, cause high cholesterol, blood sugar and insulin as well as increased inflammation and high blood pressure - all of which can contribute to metabolic disease.
Maintaining good metabolic health through a healthy lifestyle choices decreases the risk of developing chronic metabolic diseases.
You can help improve and maintain your team's mental and metabolic health by providing resources that encourage them to do the following:
1. Eat a diverse range of colorful plant foods each week.
2. Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, protein, legumes, seeds, whole grains, and healthy fats. Nutrient deficiencies are common in those with mental health concerns.
3. Avoid or cut back on processed foods, high-fat foods, refined grains, sugary beverages, and snacks.
4. The CDC recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week to maintain good cardiovascular health.
5. Practice good sleep hygiene to ensure consistently restorative sleep. A study by ZOE found that a lack of sleep can lead to blood sugar spikes the next day.
6. Manage stress levels and mental health through healthy coping strategies and therapy.
90% of the nation's $4.1 trillion annual healthcare expenditure goes to managing chronic and mental health conditions. A comprehensive approach can address these simultaneously and help reduce employer health care costs significantly.
VitaliTeam Workplace Wellness programs address the underlying causes that link mental and metabolic health and provides individuals with holistic and tailored solutions to optimize physical and mental health.
Learn more here at https://www.dradeolamead.com/vitaliteam
Schedule a discovery call today to learn more about how we can help you promote overall organizational health and the individual wellbeing of each member of your team while boosting productivity and profitability.
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Adeola Mead is a Naturopathic Physician with 15+ years of clinical experience, specializing in mental and metabolic health.
She is the Director at Vitaliteam Workplace Wellness, helping organizations implement wellness initiatives that improve mental and physical health while creating a culture of camaraderie in wellness.
Contact us for a complimentary consult or corporate wellness discovery call.