Think about it, your brain is always "on." It is command central for your entire body. It takes care of your thoughts and movements, your breathing and heartbeat, your senses — it works hard 24/7, even while you’re asleep.
This means your brain requires a constant supply of fuel. That "fuel" comes from the foods you eat . And what’s in that fuel makes all the difference. Why you may ask? Because what you eat directly affects the structure and function of your brain. Which ultimately affects your mood.
Your brain functions best when on premium fuel. Eating high-quality foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourishes the brain and protects it from oxidative stress — the "waste" (free radicals) produced when the body uses oxygen, which can damage cells.
“Ingest anything other than premium fuel. If substances from "low-premium" fuel (such as what you get from processed or refined foods) get to the brain, it has little ability to get rid of them. Diets high in refined sugars, for example, are harmful to the brain. In addition to worsening your body’s regulation of insulin, they also promote inflammation and oxidative stress,” says Dr. Eva Shellhub.
Multiple studies have found a a direct link between a diet high in refined sugars and impaired brain function — and even a worsening of symptoms of mood disorders, such as depression.
If your brain is deprived of good-quality nutrition, or if free radicals or damaging inflammatory cells are circulating within the brain’s enclosed space, further contributing to brain tissue injury, consequences are to be expected. What’s interesting is that for many years, the medical field did not fully acknowledge the connection between mood and food.
Try This:
Eat a "clean" diet for two to three weeks — cutting out all processed foods and sugar. See how you feel. Then slowly introduce foods back into your diet, one by one, and see how you feel. You will likely find that you no longer crave the sugar and processed products.
#nutritional psychiatry
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance.