Nutrition for Mental Health (and which probiotics are best for anxiety & depression)
THE GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION
Not only does your brain influence what you eat, what you eat influences your brain.
The enteric nervous system is often called a "second brain" because it is composed of hundreds of millions of neurons that regulate blood flow, muscle contractions, secretions, immune function, and neurotransmitter production in the gut.
This bidirectional relationship between the gut and the central nervous system is modulated by diet, the microbiome, and inflammation.
That means that your nutrition has a direct impact on mood, cognitive function, and mental health (for better or worse).
AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET
Eating a processed, low-nutrient diet is correlated with increased rates of depression and anxiety.
On the other hand, eating a nutritionally-wealthy, whole foods diet decreases risk for these mental health issues.
To support optimal mental health (and overall health), fill your plate with colorful vegetables & fruits, quality protein, healthy fat, whole grains and legumes, and flavorful herbs & spices.
Improving your diet can have a profound impact on mood, sleep, energy, and focus in only a few weeks.
EATING FOR MENTAL HEALTH
colorful fruits & vegetables, green tea, dark berries, leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, quality olive oil, vitamins A, C, E
support nervous system function & inflammation regulation with essential fatty acids (EPA & DHA) found in fish & seafood
refined sugar, gluten, seed oils, fried foods, processed dairy & meat, artificial flavors & colors
increase fiber, prebiotics, and probiotic strains studied to support mental health:
depression:
L rhamnosus HN001
B coagulans NTCC 5856
anxiety:
B longum R0175
L helveticus R0052
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References
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