Keep your Body Healthy (Yes, what you eat matters)
Nutritional psychology is a fairly new discipline. Our brain works tirelessly to keep us functioning and, for us to function well, we need to feed it with high quality fuel; anything less will result in reduced cognitive function and affect our mood.
Following a diet that’s high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants provides the fuel the brain needs to help us function at optimal levels. A diet containing refined sugar has been shown to be detrimental to the brain, causing the body to develop insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress, together with mood disorders.
There is a strong link between gut health and the brain. The majority of the serotonin we produce is found in our gastrointestinal tract which contains millions of neurons. These neurons cannot function properly in an environment which contains bad bacteria. Neurotransmitters need good bacteria to ensure that we absorb the nutrients from the food we eat and to activate the neural network that flows from the gut to the brain. Taking probiotics, eating a diet full of vegetables, fruit, unprocessed grains and fermented foods, together with fish and steering clear of processed foods, sugar and refined foods, will help lift our mood and alleviate anxiety.
