“You are what you eat,” is a saying most of us are familiar with. Most people have heard this adage a thousand times, but never realize just how true it is. There is a definite correlation between the types of foods you consume and your mental health. Putting nothing but junk foods into your body will lead to a number of physical and mental health problems. Instead of eating foods that are going to cause you these issues, finding a way to eat healthy is vital. While it may be a bit challenging at first, the effort you invest into crafting the right diet to fit your needs will be well worth it.
Your stomach has its own nervous system. The way this system communicates with the brain is via the vagus nerve. Do you ever wonder why your stomach feels queasy when you are dealing with a high amount of stress? It is due to the reaction your vagus nerve has to these feelings. Failing to take care of your stomach’s nervous system can lead to a variety of or problems. Read below to find out about some of the best foods out there that can be used to improve mood and brain function.
Consuming More Fatty Fish is a Must
Most doctors agree that the standard diet many Americans are on lack omega-3 fatty acids. Having too much trans fats in your diet and not enough healthy fatty acids can lead to a number of brain related issues. The human body is made up largely of fat, which is why our bodies find it difficult to manufacture healthy fatty acids. The only way to get these healthy fats in our system is by consuming things like wild cod fish, mackerel or even sardines.
Consuming these fatty fishes have been shown to reduce the symptoms associated with mental health conditions like depression and even schizophrenia. Most medical professionals attribute this to the ability of fatty acids to affect the production of dopamine and serotonin. These brain chemicals are largely responsible for the types of moods a person experiences, as well as their ability to learn and remember things.
Increased Amounts of Whole Grains Can Help a Person Greatly
One of the main sources of energy for your brain is glucose. This glucose comes with the various carbohydrates you consume on a daily basis. Consuming too many simple carbohydrates, which are commonly found in soft drinks and candy, can lead to spikes in your blood sugar. Once the sugar spike is gone, you will be left feeling drained and sad. Many scientists have found the brain activity produced by simple carbohydrates are similar to a person experiencing a drug addiction.
Rather than filling up on these types of carbs, you should seek out complex carbohydrates. These substances help to release the glucose into the body slowly, eliminating the risk of sugar spikes. Some of the best healthy carbohydrates out there are oats, wild rice and beans. Consuming these healthier carbs will allow you to feel full for a longer amount of time and can supply you with a steady source of energy.
The Power of Lean Protein
The foods that you consume each day are broken down and used to stimulate your brain’s neurotransmitters. The chemicals and hormones in the body allow for your nervous system to operate properly. Among the most abundant substances in your body is protein. The amino acid known as tryptophan, which is produced by protein, is a key component in how your mood is. With the right amount of tryptophan in your body, it will be much easier for the brain to produce serotonin. This chemical is what makes you feel happy and content.
Some of the best sources of lean protein out there are fish, eggs and beans, just to name a few. By consuming more of these sources of lean protein, you will be able to fight off symptoms of depression and anxiety. Increase levels of tryptophan have also been linked to overall higher cognitive functioning of the brain.
You Need More Leafy Greens
Do you remember the first thing Popeye the Sailor reached for when he needed a boost of strength and energy? That’s right, spinach. While eating spinach will not grow your muscles in a matter of seconds, these types of leafy greens are great for your body. Many diets out there are deficient in the folic acid that can be found in leafy greens. Eating more mustard greens, broccoli and turnips is a great way to increase the level of folic acid in your body. Folic acid deficiencies have been linked to high rates of fatigue, depression and even insomnia.
Selenium, which is one of the most important minerals your body’s immune system needs to function, can be found in leafy greens like broccoli. There have been a variety of studies performed that link low selenium levels with depression and anxiety. If you are trying to increase the level of selenium in your body, be sure to eat more leafy greens, walnuts and seafood.
Yogurts With Active Cultures
Consuming more fermented foods, like yogurt, kimchi and certain picked vegetables can be very beneficial. The healthy bacteria in these fermented foods have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by affecting the GABA neurotransmitter in the brain. This transmitter is responsible for the production of things like serotonin, which can help to lower the amount of stress a person feels. Eating too many foods with bad bacteria in them, like processed cheeses and meats, can create a number of stomach problems. Your goal should be to balance out your diet with a mixture of healthy starches, dairy products and meats.
With a bit of hard work and effort, you should have no problem finding the right balance when it comes to what you eat. At Odyssey Training Center, we are committed to teaching others how to live a healthier and more fulfilling life without the need for drugs or alcohol. We understand that a healthy body is a happy body.
