Food for Thought 🫐🥑
Do you know the most preventable risk factor for premature deaths? Any clue on what has contributed to 11 million deaths per year? Smoking? Excessive alcohol use? Pollution? Violence? Nope, it’s a poor diet. What we choose to eat and drink impacts how we feel, behave, and ultimately how long we live. Studies show that a high intake of salt and a low intake of whole grains and fruit led to the highest risk factor for deaths globally.
The gut and brain are connected through the vagus nerve which provides a two-way communication system. Inflammation of the gut has been linked to mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. The connection between GI issues and mental health issues can present as diarrhea, heartburn, vomiting, pain, and/or acid reflux.
What if we intentionally ate for wellness and stress reduction? Improving your brain health can start with changing your eating habits. Here are some options:
🥣 Fermented foods: Foods such as yogurt, kombucha, miso soup, and sauerkraut can help decrease anxiety and create a healthy gut.
🍫 Dark chocolate: Regular consumption of dark chocolate has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms.
🌶 Turmeric: Studies have shown that turmeric has helped decrease depression.
🥑Avocados: Several studies show that a lack of magnesium can lead to anxiety. Avocados are high in magnesium!
🫐 Blueberries: Help decrease inflammation and increase fiber. They also increase folate which improves the function of brain chemicals.
💊Vitamin C: Has been shown to improve mood, focus, and cognitive function.
🍶 Probiotics: Research has found that probiotics reduce inflammation and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
While food alone can’t cure everything, certain foods can help to improve our energy and mood. Try eating healthy 80% of the time and enjoying yourself 20% of the time. Everything in moderation including moderation!
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.
✌️Be Well
