According to nutritionists and dietitians, healthy foods help grow helpful gut bacteria. However, a least known fact is that healthy foods contribute to brain neurotransmitters’ proper production and function. These transmitters are better known as chemical messengers in the body. Indeed, food is medicine because it does more than satisfy your hunger. 90% of the mood regulator, serotonin, is produced in the digestive system, making it all the more important to pay attention to what you eat. These are some foods that you can use.
- Healthy fats
Healthy fats, in general, are vital to brain function because of their positive effects on neurotransmitters. Naturally, brain cell membranes are coated in a fat layer which promotes the effective transmission of messages within the body. In the absence of this fat coating, it becomes challenging for brain cell membranes to retain their fluid nature. Moreover, according to edgewoodhealthnetwork.com, some circumstances may cause a reduction in the fat content of brain cell membranes.
For example, an active drug or substance addiction is likely to impact brain health since the cells within it take a hit too. Therefore, while checking into an inpatient treatment center to treat the addiction is a crucial step to recovery, you will be encouraged to consume food that contains healthy fats. It probably explains why Omega 3 fatty acids, nuts, seeds, certain types of fish, avocado, etc., feature prominently in the diets of people in recovery.
- Dark, leafy greens
Dark leafy greens are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that improve your mood. Magnesium, folate, vitamins B12 and K, beta-carotene, etc., are beneficial for brain health and the regulation of your emotions. The exciting bit about these greens is their enormous number of antioxidants. These different useful antioxidants that dark, leafy greens contain make them the ‘one-stop-shop’ for a body detox. Indeed, it is amazing how these healthy edibles packed on your plate can have a significant effect on your mental wellbeing.
Therefore, while you focus on other ways to improve your mental wellbeing, maybe you will want to consider starting from what you eat regularly. Foods like broccoli, kale, and spinach, are densely-packed with serotonin-enabling nutrients that decrease anxiety and depression. So, if you’re looking at improving mental health, you may want to start from a more natural perspective.
- Fermented foods
In a technical sense, fermented food refers to the conversion of carbohydrates to organic acids. However, the active element responsible for this conversion are microorganisms (the good ones). More importantly, healthy fermented foods take place in anaerobic conditions. The reason nutritionists support the consumption of fermented foods is due to the positive actions of these microorganisms.
These healthy organisms make the digestive tract their home, supporting gastrointestinal functions. With the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, the human body responds by finding its equilibrium. As a roll-on ‘effect,’ it supports serotonin levels in the tract, leading to improved mental wellbeing. However, it is worth noting that you can derive constant benefits only when you regularly eat some fermented foods. Examples of these foods are pickles, yogurt, kefir, sourdough bread, miso, etc.
According to a HealthLine report, probiotic strains like Lactobacillus helveticus found in fermented foods play a significant role in mental health. Coupled with other strains, health experts believe that Lactobacillus reduces anxiety and depression levels. What better way to take care of your mental wellbeing than through tasty fermented foods?
- Berries
A webmd.com report stated that all fruits in the berry family significantly reduce brain cell inflammations. The report also stated that persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia often show significant brain cell inflammation in MRI scans. So, what’s the connection here? The medical information provided on this website shows that berries contain a crucial compound that halts brain cell death. In effect, berries of all kinds help reduce major risks associated with brain aging. This, therefore, answers the question concerning the connection between these fruits and Alzheimer’s. Strawberries, blueberries, and others within this fruit family are known for their high fiber content. Again, their densely-loaded Vitamin C content plays a vital role in reducing cortisol (stress hormone). Ultimately, you stand to benefit from the diverse roles these little fruits play in the body.
Last but not least, you may want to consider increasing your turmeric intake. This dark-yellow spice has antioxidants known to benefit the brain. It decreases depression and encourages new brain cell growth. Hopefully, these food ideas will feature more in your regular meals.
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