Why is Gut Health Important?
Let’s start this conversation off by talking about the gut, why because the gut plays a big role in mental health. “Gut Health” as they put it explains the balance of microorganisms that live in the GI tract. Why should we be paying attention to the gut, because all that delicious food we eat is broken down in the gut into small pieces so that it can enter the bloodstream and be delivered as nutrients throughout our bodies. And when our gut is happy it communicates with the brain through the nerves and hormones, which helps maintain general health and well-being. When we eat nourishing and nutritious foods it aids in the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
How is Mental Health Effected?
“The International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition published a study that showed California adults who consumed more unhealthy food were also more likely to report symptoms of either moderate or severe psychological distress than their peers who consume a healthier diet.” This study has motivated others to do more research on the topic of nutrition and mental health. We know that when we consume more junk foods, foods high in sugar, foods that have been fried, can cause inflammation in the body clouding the messages that are being sent to the brain and can cause fluctuation in moods. Sugar is the main contributor to inflammation in the body and feeds bad bacteria in the gut. By staying on track with a healthy diet you reduce your risk of mood fluctuations, lower your risk of depression and anxiety, increase happy brain, and gain a positive outlook on life.
Some say eating that a Mediterranean diet is a great diet choice that promotes health. That’s because this diet consists of whole natural foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, moderate red meats, fish, lean meats, nuts, dairy, and pure oils. This diet has also been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and depression. So the question remains is nutrition important to mental health? Yes, nutrition plays a big part in mental health starting with the foods we eat, food sets the tone for the body so feed it the wrong foods and that’s the lead your body will take and on the other hand feed your body the right foods and watch your body flourish, and grow.
Foods to Incorporate
Fiber- plant-based foods are full of fiber, beans, vegetables, whole grains
Antioxidants
Antioxidants fight off inflammation in the body so eating things like berries, leafy green, vegetables, spices, turmeric, and foods with Omega-3 fatty acids, including salmon and black chia seeds and dark chocolate.
Folate
This B vitamin helps with dopamine production without forcing it to surge the way sugars do. Find it in leafy greens, lentils, and cantaloupes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps with the production of serotonin, spend time in the sun but if you are not into the outdoors right now you can also find vitamin D in mushrooms
Magnesium
Helps with food-mood connection, so eat things like dark chocolate, cacao nibs, almonds and cashews, spinach and other dark leafy greens, bananas, and beans.
Fermented foods
Fermented foods are packed with probiotics, which are certain live bacteria that are good for your digestive tract. Eating foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, and fermented drinks like kombucha can go a long way in gut health and in return mental health.
As always it been a blast writing the post, leave me a comment and let me know how you liked it
p/s
Always remember,
“one healthy meal at a time”