Feeding the body and mind
Regularly eating food that is processed, fatty or high in sugar may impair your memory, and they usually don't contain any beneficial nutrients.
WHEN evaluating our dietary habits, the impact of the foods we consume on our mental health is often overlooked. While physical and mental health are commonly perceived as separate entities, recent research reveals a significant correlation between the two.
People design their diets with a focus on enhancing physical well-being, often neglecting the influence of dietary choices on their mental health. The gastrointestinal tract has become synonymous with the brain and our emotions. The tract, which houses bacteria, has neurotransmitters which are influenced by these bacteria which can either be distinguished as ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
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Good bacteria refer to the bacteria that positively affect the neurotransmitters and bad bacteria refer to the bacteria that cause inflammation which harms this production. Neurotransmitters are key in the gastrointestinal tract as they help carry messages to the brain, and when affected by bad bacteria, they can harm the clarity of the message passed on.
Given that the brain serves as the command centre for the body, it constantly requires proper nutrients to function effectively in managing thoughts, emotions and daily actions.
Faaizah Laher, a dietitian, emphasises the importance of consuming high-quality foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to nourish and protect the brain from oxidative stress.
“Eating high-quality foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which nourish the brain and protect it from any oxidative stress, is the best diet for our brains,” said Laher.
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If there is food that is good for the brain, that means there are foods that are not good for the brain. So if a person neglects eating good brain food, they increase the possibility of experiencing the negative effects associated with bad brain food. Laher elaborates on what is considered bad food for the brain.
“Our brains can get damaged if we ingest too few calories or foods that are too calorie-dense. Refined foods or processed foods get to the brain and have the ability to get rid of the good substances. Diets high in refined sugar, for example, are harmful to the brain – in addition to worsening our body’s regulation of insulin, they promote inflammation and oxidative stress.”
The correlation between our diets and mental well-being proves to be stronger than previously known. A bad brain diet has shown to worsen cases of depression and anxiety, which are two of the most common mental illnesses.
Laher suggests practical tips for implementing such changes, emphasising the importance of regular eating habits, proper hydration and the inclusion of plant-based and marine fats while avoiding trans fats. Whole grains are highlighted for providing a steady release of blood sugar.
The relationship between our diet and mental state is something that everyone should take into consideration when attempting to address mental health problems.
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