Following on from #RUOK day last week, I wanted to share some tips around eating…
Following on from #RUOK day last week, I wanted to share some tips around eating for your mental health.
Our gut-brain axis consists of 2-way communication between the central and the enteric nervous system, linking emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with peripheral intestinal (gut) functions. Evidence suggests that intestinal microbiota is associated with the neuro-endocrine-immune pathways and can be associated with various mood disorders.
This suggest that our gut health is potentially VERY important when it comes to our mood. Here’s a few tips.
1. Eat >30 plant foods each week. This has been proven to increase the diversity of our gut microbiota which has been shown to be favourable for gut health.
2. Avoid extreme restriction. Not only can this lead to unhelpful thoughts around food but less food usually = less diversity of our gut microbiota (refer point #1).
3. Stop calorie counting if it is making you feel like s#$%! I know some are not phased by calorie counting but if you find it leaves you feeling rubbish, then give it a miss.
4. Enjoy alcohol moderately. Excess alcohol disrupts our gut health, sleep, good eating habits which all have an impact on mood.
5. Get your Doctor to check for nutrient deficiencies. If you are feeling flat, then it pays to get checked for nutrient deficiencies as some can cause low mood. For example, low levels of Vitamin D has been linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Ask me any questions below ?
