How Does What You Eat Affect Your Mental Health?

Have you ever thought about it? Does the food you eat affect your mood? Does what you consume affect not only your physical health but your mental health as well?

We all know that food supplies nutrients for our body. Did you also know there are chemical messengers called neurotransmitters that send signals to help regulate our body functions such as heart rate, breathing, sleeping, digestion, thinking, and mood (just to name a few).

Two specific neurotransmitters are serotonin and dopamine. When we have enough of these, we feel happy, productive, joyful, calm, and peaceful. When we don’t have enough, we may have anxiety, depression, sadness, lack of motivation, or peace.

Did you also know that around 90% of our serotonin is produced in our gut (AKA digestive system) and 50% of dopamine is produced there? WOW. When I found that out, I was shocked.

Why is that important?

Because if we are eating processed and high sugary foods most of the time, our body is not getting enough nutrients so it is producing less of these neurotransmitters. Plus, these junk foods contribute to leaky gut (or poor digestive functioning) so less absorption occurs of the nutrients into our bloodstream and body. (Your small intestine is where most absorption occurs.) This can lead to chronic illnesses as well as mood and mental health issues. And if we eat more junk food, then how is our brain being nourished so our mind functions optimally?

So what we eat really does matter. There is a connection between food and mood. 

Many studies have found a correlation between a diet high in refined sugars and impaired brain function including worsening of depression and other mood disorders.

And if you have any autoimmune issues like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, arthritis, or MS or any digestive issues like IBS or colitis, or even if you’re having hormonal issues, or any mood or mental health issues, then I’m sure you want to set yourself up for better health rather than causing worsening of symptoms and more deterioration, right? Especially if it’s something you have control over — like your food.

I understand because I am very sensitive to food and how it affects my mental and physical health. Personally, I’ve experienced diminished mental clarity, more anxiety and depression as well as increased fatigue and joint pain when I eat more inflammatory and unhealthy foods. And I don’t want that for you!

So what are two small steps you can do today to help?

*One idea is to decrease sugary drinks or foods by one or by half.

Example, if you drink 4 cokes each day, just drink 3. If you drink only 1 coke a day, then drink one-half as much each day. Just make a simple change this week.

OR

*Another idea is if you eat milk chocolate every day, switch to one ounce of dark chocolate (70% or higher) which has less sugar.

***Making small consistent baby steps will help you in your health journey, even with issues like autoimmune or digestive symptoms, depression, anxiety, and even if you’re in perimenopause or menopause. But it takes a plan and a commitment. 

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If you’d like help in your plan and accountability from someone who understands from both a personal and professional level, then contact me here. We can set up a time to see if we’d be a good fit to work together. I’d love the opportunity to work with you. — Leah Cheshire, MCD, CCC-SLP, NBC-HWC