• Published on: May 28, 2022
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Is The Difference Between A Psychiatrist And A Psychologist?

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Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialty training in psychiatry. They are able to prescribe medications, which is not something that psychologists can do. Psychologists have a doctoral degrees in psychology, and many of them specialize in psychotherapy - helping people work through their problems by talking about them. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed a residency in psychiatry. They are able to prescribe medications. Psychologists are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medications. Psychologists typically have a doctoral degree in psychology.

The main difference between psychiatrists and psychologists is that psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication, while psychologists are not. Psychiatrists may also provide therapy, while psychologists generally do not. However, many psychiatrists also provide therapy, and many psychologists prescribe medication.

Psychologists, on the other hand, usually have a doctoral degree in psychology but are not licensed to prescribe medication. Psychologists are generally considered to be experts in the assessment of behavior and cognitive functioning, while psychiatrists are considered to be experts in both assessment and treatment. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication. Psychologists are not medical doctors, and they cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists often have a PhD or a PsyD degree in psychology.

Psychologists have a PhD or a PsyD in psychology. They do not prescribe medications, but they can provide therapy and assessment services. Some psychologists do have prescribing privileges, but this varies from state to state. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Psychologists are not medical doctors, but they have graduate degrees in psychology and they can do psychological testing and therapy.

Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, while psychologists cannot. Some psychiatrists also do therapy, but many do not. Most psychologists do therapy. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, which psychologists cannot. Psychologists typically have a doctoral degree in psychology but cannot prescribe medications. Psychologists provide therapy, which psychiatrists also do. So, psychiatrists are both therapists and prescribers of medication, while psychologists are therapists only.

Psychiatrists generally do a more detailed evaluation of a person's mental state and symptoms to make a diagnosis, while psychologists may only administer standardized tests. Psychiatrists usually provide long-term treatment for people with serious or chronic mental illness, while psychologists often provide short-term treatment or therapy. Psychiatrists have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, whereas psychologists do not. psychiatrists can prescribe medication, whereas psychologists cannot.

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Foods to boost immunity

Top Foods to Boost Immunity

Your immune system is like an army that defends your body daily. To perform well, it needs fuel—nutrients, antioxidants, and support from what you eat and how you live. While no single food is a magic bullet, consistently including immunity-friendly foods gives your body a better chance to fend off infections and recover faster.

What Makes a Food “Immune-Boosting”?

Foods that help immunity generally share these qualities:

  • Rich in vitamins (C, A, E, D)

  • Contain minerals / trace elements (zinc, selenium, magnesium)

  • Antioxidants & polyphenols that reduce oxidative stress

  • Anti-inflammatory compounds

  • Prebiotics / probiotics for gut health

A 2023 review identified foods like milk, eggs, fruits, leafy greens, and spices (onion, garlic, turmeric) as having immune-supportive potential. PubMed Another study highlights nuts, citrus, leafy vegetables, garlic, ginger, and avocado among natural immunity builders. BioMed Central

Top Foods to Include

Citrus Fruits & Amla

Oranges, lemons, guava, and most notably amla (Indian gooseberry) are powerhouses of vitamin C and antioxidants. They help boost white blood cell function and limit oxidative damage.

Leafy Greens & Colorful Veggies

Spinach, broccoli, kale, bell peppers, carrots—these provide vitamins A, E, beta-carotene, and fiber. They help maintain healthy mucosal barriers and support detox pathways.

Garlic, Ginger & Spices

Garlic has sulfur compounds like allicin with antibacterial and immune benefits. Ginger, turmeric, black pepper are anti-inflammatory and support healthy immune response. Indian cooking often blends these spices, amplifying their benefits. PMC+1

Nuts & Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds are sources of healthy fats, vitamin E, zinc—all essential for immune cell membranes and function.

Yogurt & Fermented Foods

A large portion of immune cells reside in the gut. Probiotics in yogurt, curd, fermented dosa/idli batter support a healthy microbiome, which in turn helps regulate immune responses.

Lean Protein, Eggs & Dairy

Proteins provide building blocks (amino acids) for antibodies and immune cells. Eggs, lean meat, dairy, legumes are good picks.

Other Helpers

  • Moringa leaves (rich in A, C, iron)

  • Citrus peel and herbs in soups or teas

  • Green tea—polyphenols support immune regulation

Tips to Use These Foods Smartly

  • Balanced plate: Combine protein + veggies + healthy fat

  • Use spices liberally but moderately

  • Raw + cooked: Some nutrients become bioavailable after light cooking

  • Hydrate well: Water and mild herbal teas help immune function

  • Avoid extremes: Too much of one nutrient doesn’t always help

  • Rotate your choices: Eat a variety of foods to cover more nutrients

Conclusion

Your diet is one of the strongest tools you carry in your daily life to support your immunity. Including a spectrum of fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, probiotics, and lean proteins routinely gives your immune system a stronger foundation. But it’s not just about food—sleep, stress management, exercise, and avoiding harmful habits matter too.

Keep building your diet as a “shield,” not a “cure.” Real immunity comes through consistent nourishment, rest, and care.

 

Useful Studies & Platforms

  • “Common Foods for Boosting Human Immunity: A Review” (2023) – identifies milk, eggs, fruits, leafy greens, spices as immune-supportive. PubMed

  • “Immune-boosting functional components of natural foods” – coverage of almonds, citrus, garlic, ginger, avocado, etc. BioMed Central

  • Significance of conventional Indian foods – Indian culinary practices and seeds (coriander, mustard) contain selenium and immune-helping compounds. PMC

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