{"id":7376,"date":"2020-09-25T14:14:22","date_gmt":"2020-09-25T13:14:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medahuman.com\/?p=7376"},"modified":"2020-09-25T14:14:32","modified_gmt":"2020-09-25T13:14:32","slug":"how-to-power-your-mood-through-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medahuman.com\/how-to-power-your-mood-through-food\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Power your Mood through Food"},"content":{"rendered":"\t
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Many of us know that eating a healthy diet is going to be beneficial for our physical health but are you aware that the foods we do and don\u2019t consume can also impact our mental health? Our resident nutritionist Clarissa Lenherr shares her insight on the link between nutrition and mental health and how we can use diet to support our mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Relationship\u00a0<\/strong>
Think of our bodies like an engine. An engine needs a particular kind of fuel to function optimally. Give it the wrong fuel and it might begin to slow, break-down and act up\u00a0\u2014\u00a0give it the right fuel and it will perform like a racehorse! If we supply our bodies with healthy fuel from our diet we are giving our cells energy, providing our brain with resources to support cognitive functions, and delivering the building blocks needed to create neurotransmitters and hormones. All of these things impact our mood. There are several elements that contribute to this premium fuel source for optimal mood including eating balanced plates for energy, nutrient intake\/deficiencies, gut health and consumption of stimulants. Let\u2019s delve into each one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balance your\u00a0Blood Sugar\u00a0<\/strong>
When your blood sugar is on a roller coaster ride all day, your mood is likely to follow suit. Ever wonder why you get irritable and frustrated when you skip a meal? Over consumption of sugars, refined carbohydrates,\u00a0alcohol and skipping meals contribute to low and high blood sugar.\u00a0Not only can these fluctuations in blood sugar impact physical health which puts stress on many body systems\u00a0\u2014\u00a0they can also affect your emotional well-being. Aim for well balanced meals at every opportunity combining good quality fats, protein, complex carbohydrates and plenty of fruit and veg. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focus on Nutrient Intake<\/strong>
Did you know that certain nutrients including B vitamins, Vitamin D and Magnesium all play a part in our energy, relaxation, brain function and mood. Aim to include variety and multi-colours of fruit and veg when you possibly can to ensure you are getting in adequate nutrients through your diet. When it comes to Vitamin D, the NHS recommends that between the months of October to April that people living in the UK take a low dose vitamin D supplement of 10mcg to avoid deficiency. This is down to the fact that our optimum source of Vitamin D comes from the sunshine, which is sparse during the summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support your Gut Health<\/strong>
Our gut has been named our second brain and for good reason! Over 95% of serotonin, one of our neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of happiness, is created in the gut. Read more here on the link between our mood and gut health, and what we can do about it. \u00a0https:\/\/medahuman.com\/how-having-a-healthy-gut-can-help-your-mood-the-science\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Mindful of Stimulants<\/strong>
Caffeine and alcohol can often be a trigger or potentially exacerbate your mood\/mental health concerns. When we consume caffeine, our bodies produce stress hormones in response. These stress hormones can then go on to trigger mood swings and feelings of stress, which is not ideal when you are trying to manage your mood. Alcohol is a known depressant and can effect our mood, energy, immune system and sleep when consumed frequently. If you notice that you feel anxious, irritable, low in mood or jittery when consuming these beverages then aim to reduce and\/or eliminate them from your diet. One way to potentially offset some of the side effects of caffeine and alcohol is to pair your drink with CBD which anecdotally can help people feel calmer and less jittery. Check out MEDA Calm<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0MEDA Focus<\/a>\u00a0for a soothing and stimulating beverage replacement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Many of us know that eating a healthy diet is going to be beneficial for our physical health but are you aware that the foods we do and don\u2019t consume can also impact our mental health? Our resident nutritionist Clarissa Lenherr shares her insight on the link between nutrition and mental health and how we 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