May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while we are not mental health experts, we do provide medical guidance for nutrition and weight loss through trained coaching and understand that good nutrition can promote better mental health.
Our brains are fueled by the food we eat. According to an article on the Harvard Health Blog, “what you eat directly affects the structure and function of your brain and, ultimately, your mood.” The article provides a great example of how harmful just one ingredient – sugar – can be through promoting inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as hindering how your body regulates insulin.
There also is correlation between gut health and mood that relates to the food you eat. A healthy gut microbiome fed by whole, unprocessed foods such as fruit and vegetables, wild fish and grass-fed meat can help increase serotonin, your body’s natural “feel good” chemical. Good gut health also can help you manage stress reactions.
Your diet can impact your mood and mental health through a variety of ways. When you consider the abundance of overall health benefits by eating a healthy diet, it’s worth considering a closer look at the foods you consume and making some changes.
To promote mental and overall health try to incorporate some excellent brain food options such as fish, seafood, beans, legumes, leafy greens, vegetables, olive oil, yogurt and nuts into your diet. Cut out or reduce consumption of refined sugars and excess carbohydrates that can cause inflammation and unsafe spikes in blood sugar.
At GIA 180, we offer nutrition and weight loss solutions with a trained coach. We can provide further help for improving health while promoting better mental health through a healthy diet plan. Contact GIA at 865-588-5121 for more information.