Emotional Health Check: How’s your Mood?

The brain-gut axis influences our mental and emotional health along with overall wellbeing. Thinking of our diet as fuel that affects the structure and function of our brain can help make the connection between food and emotions. Eliminating processed foods and refined sugars that harm our GI tract, contribute to oxidative stress, and poor brain function can be a tremendous gift to our health. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants fight against free radical damage and inflammation that can lead to brain injury and worsen symptoms of mood disorders. Oxidative stress comes from an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Increasing antioxidant intake is crucial for emotional wellness. Since 95% of the neurotransmitter serotonin is produced in the gut, it is beneficial to help make this connection and look towards the GI tract as a guide for emotional health.

The role of diet creates important connections between our psychological, physiological, and behavioral patterns. An elimination diet can be useful to identify food sensitivities and foods that trigger anxiety. Staying hydrated and eating a diet rich in brightly colored fruits, vegetables, protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and fermented food helps nourish emotional communication pathways in the body. It is recommended to eat regular healthy balanced meals to regulate blood sugar and prevent crashes that can effect mood. Eating a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and paying attention to food sensitivities is recommended.

The environment around us also contributes to oxidative stress and anxiety. I have found once people are more mindful of the foods they consume, they also become more aware of how to take care of their entire being. Consumption is so much more than just food.

Start with a food journal for 1 week, and notice how you feel after you eat. Your body will thank you.

Notice~

What digests well? What feels nourishing and protective? What triggers digestive upset and sluggish mood?

More on free radical and oxidative damage:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/