HOW PROCESSED FOODS AFFECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

What we eat does not only affect our physical health, but also our mental health. One might not have given this a deep thought, but it is a proven fact.

Our diet and mental health are related. What does this imply? Let’s find out in this blog.

The Link Between Diet & Mental Health

Although the relationship between our diet and how we feel is complex, research shows that what we eat can often influence how we feel.

Foods can have an effect on your brain. For instance, a diet with lots of vegetables, seafood, fresh herbs and garlic, and oil might be better for you if you’re feeling depressed.

On the other hand, there are two groups of foods that have a negative effect on the brain:

• foods that trick the brain into releasing chemicals we may be lacking, temporarily altering our mood (for example, caffeine and chocolate)
• foods that prevent the conversion of other foods into nutrients the brain needs (for example, saturated fat such as butter, lard, and palm oil).

From the above two points, it is clear that processed foods, which have seeped deep into our daily habits, are no way to go! Processed food even contains plastic particles.

We need to eat healthier to stay sane and be able to truly appreciate life.

Processed Foods Can Trigger Depression

Sugar and processed foods can lead to inflammation throughout the body and brain, which may contribute to mood disorders, including anxiety and depression.

When we’re feeling stressed or depressed, it’s often processed foods we reach for in search of a quick pick-me-up. During busy or difficult periods, a cup of coffee stands in for a complete breakfast and fresh fruits and vegetables are replaced with high-fat, high-calorie fast food. When feeling down, a pint of ice cream becomes dinner (or you skip dinner altogether).

Recent research has proved that what we eat, is reflected in the way our brains feel. Researchers have found a strong link between the state of our guts and brain. There are two ways this connection works: firstly, it’s possible for changes to be made in how we experience emotion because of communication from the gut; secondly, there can also be a direct influence over our healthy gut bacteria due to our neural activity.

Eat Mindfully!

In this fast-paced world, we need to live more mindfully. And, that includes eating as well. Cut out processed food, which is even known to cause cancer. Deliberately choose to eat healthier.

We have an entire section dedicated to eating and living healthier for your perusal.

Live long, and happy!

Share and spread the word 🙂

Love & light