It was quoted by T. Colin Campbell; “good nutrition creates health in all areas of our existence. All parts are interconnected. Health itself is an amalgamation of our mental, physical and social well-being. Therefore, it is safe to say that a nourished body caters to all aspects of health and wellbeing.”
We do know that what we eat directly influences our physical functioning and growth internal as well as external but the link between the food we eat and its relationship with mental and emotional health has not been spoken about a lot.
Our brain health is surely influenced by a number of factors like genetics, environment, sleep, mood disorders but nutrition also plays an important role. It might be surprising to know that our body is designed in a way that links our food and brain strongly. There are multiple gut hormones that can enter the brain or are produced by the brain itself. There is a strong network between the brain and our gut via the GUT BRAIN AXIS that regulates multiple messages in the form of hormones, neurotransmitters and signals that are transmitted to and from the brain or gut in order to ensure digestive as well as brain health.
Let us look at how different nutrients present in foods can boost your mood!
-Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are comforting and mood enhancers. This is all due to the presence of tryptophan in them which helps synthesize an essential brain hormone called serotonin which is a mood enhancer. But the best way to approach this beneficial effect is to choose carbs smartly and select the complex variety, whole grains, fruits and vegetables and legumes for they provide additional health benefits along with essential nutrients and fiber to maintain overall health of the body.
-Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Recent studies vouch for the protective and multiple health benefits of poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which is found in fatty fish, flax seeds and nuts. They help overcome and fight anxiety and depression and reduce inflammatory markers can cause damage and neurodegenerative disorders.
-Vitamin D: Vitamin D also increases the levels of serotonin in the brain. It has shown a beneficial role in improving depression in individuals and also boosting overall brain health. It is strongly associated with many genes important for brain function and recently vitamin D is recognized as a necessary neuro steroid with various actions in the brain.
-Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits like amla, oranges, lemon, mandarins and dark green leafy vegetables, this antioxidant vitamin has found to have many health benefits that are closely associated with psychopathology. Vitamin C alleviates inflammation and also affects neuronal development. It also has a positive impact on the development of cognitive ability.
It is important to realize the value of nourishment and the influence of your dietary behaviour. We must act on it positively to improve overall health and quality of life. Stop feeding your stomach and start feeding your body and mind!
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