Have you felt the aftermath of unwise food choices in your mood? There is a strong correlation between your brain and your gastrointestinal tract, often called the “second brain.” Today we are going to talk about the science of how your food affects your mood!
Your GI tract homes billions of bacteria that influence the production of neurotransmitters, and chemical substances and exchange messages from the intestine to the brain.
When healthy food enters your system, it breeds “good” bacteria, which in turn positively affects neurotransmitter production. When neurotransmitter production is in good shape, your brain receives these positive messages loud and clear, and your emotions reflect it. Now, when we ingest a high volume of junk food,(incomplete thought) can inflammation which deaccelerates production and will be mirrored in your mood.
For example, sugar may spike “feel good” neurotransmitters but feeds bad bacteria. According to Rachel Brown, co-founder of The Wellness Project, a fleeting sugar rush that is followed shortly thereafter by a crash "that's terrible for your mood". Healthier food stabilizes your moods and heightens focus. Continuous studies have even found that healthy diets can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety. On the other hand, Unhealthy diets have been linked to an increased risk of dementia or stroke.
Look out for Healthy Foods!
Here’s a quick overview of what to look for next time you’re in the grocery store. Choose and mix the following recommendations:
Whole foods
Did you know? Preservatives, food colorings and other additives have been proven as probable cause or contributors to hyperactivity and depression. So if you have one thing to remember, it's to eat real food. “Food that is biologically grown and alkaline in nature, with minimal to no pesticide”. says Dominique Renesca, Ceo and founder of D Nature Way Botanical. Think of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts still in its shell with seeds in its organic natural state, not in a can nor impacted by preservative in plastic with its original skin still intact just like the ones on the nutritional guide that can be found (add direct link).
Fiber
Plant-based foods are full of fiber, which helps your body absorb glucose – or food sugars – more slowly and helps you avoid sugar rushes, sugar dependency and crashes which in return would help stabilize your blood sugar, decrease cravings, kill parasites in the body fueling by the sugar intake. Fiber-rich foods include fruits like figs, dates, prunes, raisins, tamarind and vegetables like tomatillo, watercress, okra, chayote, dandelion greens, and nutrient-filled carbs like whole grains and beans are all great sources of fiber to keep the bowel moving in the intestine, help remove waste out of the body, along with parasite in which in returns heal and protect the gastrointestinal system. (add the NG link here too as reference)
Antioxidants
These inflammation fighters are especially plentiful in berries like Muscadines,cherries, currants, leafy green vegetables, and the many spices and foods with Omega-3 fatty acids. Dark chocolate also contains antioxidants – and sugar – so indulge in moderation.
Folate
This type of B vitamin helps with dopamine production without forcing it to surge the way sugars do. Find it in leafy greens, lentils and cantaloupes.
Find more here in our Nutrional Guide!