Eating well for mental health

Good Food = Good Mood

Scientists are learning just how important the role nourishing foods play in our overall mental well-being and conversely, the negative impacts the Standard American Diet of processed foods has on the brain like fueling anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc.

We are learning more about how different types of bacteria that live in the gut are affected by what you eat, which then affect how you feel and behave. If we know that the neurotransmitter Serotonin helps regulate sleep and appetite, mediate moods, and inhibit pain and that roughly 95% of our serotonin is produced in our gastrointestinal tract, then it makes sense that our digestive system plays a part in how our brain feels. When we have enough of the good bacteria in our gut lining, which we can ensure we do by eating high fiber, whole foods, we are building a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy gut protects the rest of our body by blocking out bad bacteria and toxins, limiting inflammation, and helping us absorb more of the nutrients we are consuming. What’s even more remarkable is that these bacteria have a direct impact on the activation of neural pathways that travel directly between the gut and the brain.

foods that elevate moods, boost energy, and calm anxiousness are natural, organic whole foods:

• Organic colorful fruits and vegetables, especially berries and leafy greens

• Sustainably raised fish and meat

• Nuts and seeds

• Eggs

• Clean protein powders (sugar-free, plant-based)

• Dark chocolate

• Unprocessed foods

• Organic foods

• Low-glycemic foods (they don't spike blood sugar)

• High Fiber Foods

and foods that cause stress and dampen your mood, zap your energy, and ramp up tension are processed junky foods:

Highly processed

• Sprayed with pesticides

• High-glycemic foods (they spike blood sugar)

• Low fiber

• Foodlike substances

• Artificially colored and sweetened

• Laden with hormones

• Tainted with antibiotics

• Stored in plastic containers