There is a relationship between mental health and diet. It’s a topic I’ve researched and spoke on over the decades, and there is evidence to support “We Are What We Eat” – as the German Philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach (when he was ~40 years young, back in 1848) said. And the less processed foods we eat, the better. Ultra-processed foods are associated with nutrient deficiencies and chronic disease development. And they were a problem before the pandemic for Americans – as they are the main source of energy, total and added sugars, sodium and fats purchased by households. When we overconsume processed foods, we don’t leave much room for natural ones. The more naturally occurring the food, the more likely anti-inflammatory properties are found. And we are better able to reap the mind and body health benefits of the vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids (or micronutrients), the phytochemicals and antioxidants as well as fiber and live microorganisms keep our minds sharp, clear and focused – and our bodies strong.
We have two ‘brains’. Our guts have a direct connection with our psyches. Not to mention, there’s lots of research to support neuroscience and how the pleasure and reward system in the brain gets activated with stimuli, including foods and beverages, which are substances. And do you remember what we just discussed? When we don’t get enough sleep, our pleasure and reward system in our brains intensifies our eating experience and can contribute to weight gain.
Now, we know mental health can be influenced by your diet. You see, “Our food should be our medicine. And our medicine should be our food.” ~ proclaimed Hippocrates (the “Father of Medicine,” a Greek Physician; and that’s wisdom dating back from 460 years Before Christ).
So here we are – still Plugging Away While Facing Natural Disasters, Children and Adolescent Safety Concerns at Schools, Overdose & Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness, Elder Suicide and The Pandemic In the U.S. and Across the Globe. And it’s time to highlight how ‘Mental Health Can Be Influenced By Your Diet!’
Want a deeper dive? Check out Chapter 13: Healthy Food = Healthy Mind of ‘Rise Above: A Playbook On How-To Keep Energy Flowing.’
Dr. Jaime L. Pula is the author of her newly released book titled, ‘Rise Above: A Playbook On How-To Keep Energy Flowing.’ She can be reached at jpula@artofhealthsciences.life. And she enjoys connecting on LI at: www.linkedin.com/in/drjaimelpula001/.