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1. Good foods = good moods
What we eat most definitely seems to affect how we feel. More and more medical research is bringing up links between mental health and dietary choices. These include conditions like depression, ADHD, Schizophrenia, anxiety, stress and dementia,due to a lack of nutrients like omega-3, zinc, iron, folic acid and Vitamins.
It’s not always about what you just ate. Often, the impact of the food we eat builds up over time; so that mental health is compromised when we eat more processed foods than fresh produce as a rule. Our brains need a little bit of everything to stay happy and fit. Does this mean that our favorite treats need to stay out of our plates? Not necessarily. Processed goodies have their place in making us happy. But eat them too often; and the upswing after a doughnut will most definitely be followed by a crash as the body tries burning off the excess sugar.
2. Healthy food makes you smarter
Eating healthily ensures smooth functioning of the brain, activates the brain’s ability to form new connections and strengthen pathways. This means that the brain works smarter and more efficiently. Foods like fruits, vegetables and fish provide the building blocks for brain cells; and are crutial in the production and repair of these cells.
3. The gut is your second brain
Our gut makes and uses a lot of the same neurotransmitters that our brain needs to regulate mood and cognitive functioning. It’s not surprising then, that a healthy gut does lead to a healthy mind. We can enhance mental processes by maintaining a healthy gut; and in consequence, a healthy body.
A stressed out digestive system corresponds to a vast range of mental health issues; although there is some confusion about whether the mind troubles the gut, or vice versa. But what we do know is that when we stop eating the foods that we are intolerant to; there are improvements in mental health as well.
Follow the link below to read the full article.
Category(s):Happiness, Health Psychology
Source material from Brain Fodder
