Your brain on food

Did you know that your brain and gut are connected?

Think about getting butterflies in your stomach when you're anxious.

Or nausea before public speaking.

Your brain and gut sit on an axis called the gut-brain axis (GBA).

When it comes to nutrition, not only does your brain influence what you eat, what you eat influences your brain.

This bi-directional relationship between the gut and the brain is modulated by diet, the microbiome, and inflammation.

Yes, this means your nutrition has a direct impact on mood, cognitive function, and mental health (for better or worse).

Eating a processed, nutrient-depleted diet is correlated with increased rates of depression and anxiety.

On the other hand, eating a nutritionally-rich, whole foods diet decreases risk for these mental health issues.

Improving your diet can have a profound impact on mood, sleep, energy and focus in only a few weeks.

Here are my top tips for eating for mental health:

• boost antioxidant intake: colorful fruits & veggies, green tea, dark berries, leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, quality olive oil, and vitamins A, C, and E

• increase omega-3s: support nervous system function and inflammation regulation with essential fatty acids (EPA & DHA) found in fish and seafood

• reduce inflammatory foods: refined sugar, gluten, seed oils, fried foods, processed dairy & meat, artificial flavors and colors

• nourish your microbiome: increase fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics