We “know” to eat healthier for our body’s health and it’s widely promoted that we do so for our waistlines, but what if our mental health also were a cause for eating healthier?
There is a lot of good information emerging on the connection between our gut (gut-microbiome) and our brain. Meaning, the comfort food you might be craving and seeking out is likely perpetuating the problem. A short-term fix, if you will, where a more effective solution is needed.
Basically, everything we put into our mouths goes down to our stomachs and that environment is something it would be wise for us to consider. Serotonin production occurs in our gut, and other microorganisms living there are also capable of producing other mood-altering substances (ooh, sounds a little risqué) such as melatonin and histamine.
In short, “The longstanding advice to limit sugars and trans fats in conjunction with consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean meats seems to be not only important for our waistlines but also important for the function of our gut and brain.
Although more research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms as to how the gut is linked to the brain, it is very clear that there is a strong link. Remember that your body is an ecosystem and not just a singular being where one system (i.e., the gut) affects other systems (i.e., the brain).
Feed your ecosystem well!” (Read more in the article here)
Reducing your intake of processed foods wins again. Increasing your intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats wins again as well.
So, in considering taking good care of your overall wellness, consider how eating well can help you feel better overall, even boosting your mental health in a way you may not have thought of!
What’s one way you could increase your healthy eating habits by just 1% today?