When I was feeling down one day last week, it occurred to me that I hadn't eaten for a few hours. This got me thinking. To have a healthy body you have to eat well, so what about a healthy mind? How much does food matter there?? How do the three interlink?
Everyone knows we as people need to eat well. To me, eating well can be as basic as eating in general, but the general consensus is to take in portions according to the food pyramid. But, did you know that there are some foods clinically proven to reduce the effects of certain mental health issues, such as depression and ADHD, as well as schizophrenia among others.
These foods are:
Fish, like salmon and sardines, which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids which are necessary for not only a healthy body (by lowering the risk of strokes, cardiovascular disease and also by aiding dry skin) but also a healthy mind, since Omega 3 Fatty Acids aid the neurotransmitters in the brain releasing dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine affects attention, thought processes, and pleasure, among other things; Serotonin is involved in memory, mood and appetite.
Whole grain foods are also helpful for a healthy body and mind, because of the complex carbohydrates (sugars) in them, which are released slowly over time. Constant, steady streams of nutrients are capable of sustaining you for longer than simple carbohydrates which spike your blood sugar and then cause you to crash quickly. Scientists have compared simple carbohydrates to drug abuse when it comes to mental health as they exacerbate low moods. Complex carbohydrates also help us feel fuller for longer.
Lean meats is protein for the body, and also amino-acids for the brain, helping produce Serotonin, which as we learned above, is a neurotransmitter involved in mood, appetite and memory. Protein is the second most abundant substance in our bodies so it is imperative to take in enough lean meat, so we can function at optimum levels.
Leafy Greens are my personal favorite. Broccoli, spinach, romaine lettuce and other veg like beetroots, are high in B-Vitamins and studies have shown that deficiencies in B-Vitamins can exacerbate depression, insomnia and cause fatigue.
Herbs can also play a part in the alleviation of symptoms related to minor depression, such as parsley, which can also help keep your hormonal balance in check. Chamomile (which you can take as a tea, as its not the best idea to eat chamomile flowers) has been known to alleviate minor depression symptoms, as well as anxiety and insomnia... If you find yourself particularly tense, garlic, mint and basil will aid in the relaxation of muscles. They may be stinky herbs, but if they help, don't worry about it. They're also very tasty, which is another plus.
The Bottom Line:
Basically, by skipping meals or the like, you are denying your body the chance of essential nutrients that will aid a healthy mind, as well as keep your body looking and feeling well!! Double the trouble, eh?
Eat well, Feel better!
Amy
xox
P.S: thank you to whoever nominated us for the Blog Awards 2013!! Kayliegh and I cannot figure out who did it, but we are SO grateful and humbled to be in such a wonderful position. I personally love this blog to bits, and am thrilled to see people enjoying our content. Not bad for what started out life as a silly little idea, eh? I'm crying tears of joy, thank you to everyone from the bottom of my heart!!
