A GP is seeing less of her regular patients that were 'feeling rotten' after encouraging them to eat vegetables and do yoga on her blog.
Dr Laura Coia, 40, found that she was inundated with people wanting treatment for anxiety, fatigue and weight problems.
But she was reluctant to hand out prescriptions as an easy option, instead trying to promote small changes.
So the doctor, who has a surgery in Auchinairn, near Glasgow, decided to help by squeezing in blogging in her spare time.
To tackle loneliness, she ensured that none of her patients spent Christmas Day alone by linking them up with hotels and restaurants offering free meals.
The mother-of-three said she has since seen her referrals rocket as locals with mental health problems rush to get the 'Dr Coia' touch.
Dr Laura Coia, 40, found that she was inundated with people wanting the 'easy option' of medication for anxiety, fatigue and weight problems, so she started a blog to encourage healthy eating and exercise
Dr Coia has seen the number of her regular patients decrease, but her referrals go up, after encouraging small changes to patients 'feeling rotten'
Dr Coia also makes sure her fellow GPs get a coffee break, and has ensured that none of her patients spend Christmas Day alone
Dr Coia said: 'At the moment I'm actually seeing more patients because word gets out that if you are having problems with your mental health or stress or if you are wanting advice on weight loss, go see Dr Coia.
'What I have seen is that patients who I was seeing a lot of, I'm seeing less of them and it's a much more positive consultation.
Dr Coia said the top problems she sees are for fatigue, being overweight, anxiety and depression.
'Just generally feeling rotten', she said. 'I see massive numbers of people with obesity and diabetes.'
Dr Coia said the top problems she sees are for fatigue, being overweight, anxiety and depression (pictured, a snip off her blog)
Nutritionist May Simpkin reveals foods that can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety:
1. Protein
In the first instance, the feel-good neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine are both made up of amino acids, in other words, proteins.
2. B vitamins
If you are not eating enough B vitamins (or amino acids) you will not produce adequate levels of serotonin and dopamine. B vitamins are best taken as a complex and foods that are rich in B vitamins tend to provide a good spectrum, especially those in whole grains, spinach, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, salmon, tofu, eggs and pecan nuts.
3. Healthy fats
The nerve cells in the body are made up of fat and a certain amount of good, 'essential' fats must come from the diet. Foods rich in good fats include oily fish, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel as well as avocado and walnuts.
4. Probiotic foods
Around 95 percent of serotonin is produced in the gut and your gut flora plays an essential role in ensuring a healthy digestive tract. Fermented foods like kimchi, miso, sauerkraut and pickles will provide the good bacteria and will help to contribute to a healthy digestive system.
5. Avoid sugar
As well as improving digestive health, avoiding refined sugars will also contribute to a better mood. These sugars are
