The facts

Your brain relies on the food you eat for ‘fuel’, tallying 20% of our daily energy requirements. Like your car performing more efficiently on premium petrol, the quality of this ‘fuel’ you ingest affects how well your brain functions and ultimately your mood. Studies show improving your diet may:

• Improve mood
• Increase energy
• Improve memory and clarity

When the body utilises oxygen, it produces oxidative stress (waste) that damages cells. A diet high in nutrients (premium fuel), means the brain is nourished and protected from the effects of oxidative stress. A diet high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates and sugars, are harmful to the brain promoting inflammation and oxidative stress.

Food for thought?

Professor Felice Jacka from the Deakin University has conducted studies reflecting a reduced risk of depression in those who consume a healthy diet, while a diet high in sugar and sodium increase the risk of developing a mental health condition such as depression.

The gut determines our health, with the balance of our microbiome affecting our overall health. Fibre is a favourite food of our gut bacteria and is found in many of our fruits, vegetables and wholegrains. Affecting the amount of inflammation throughout the body, as well as mood and concentration levels.

What to do?

• Increase

• Fruit and vegetables
• Legumes, wholegrain cereals, nuts and seeds
• Foods high in Omega 3 – fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds
• Fermented foods such as yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi
• Water aim for 8 glasses a day - even 1% dehydration can considerably effect energy, memory and brain function

• Decrease

• Refined carbohydrates - cakes, biscuits, refined cereals
• Sweets and sugary drinks
• Fast food and processed meats
• trans fats (found in fried foods) or partially hydrogenated oils such as the ones found in margarine, canola oil, sunflower oil, corn oil and safflower oil.

Piqued your curiosity?

Come and quiz our friendly Pharmacist or Naturopath

https://this.deakin.edu.au/self-improvement/how-to-eat-your-way-to-happiness

https://this.deakin.edu.au/self-improvement/the-fascinating-connection-between-diet-and-depression

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626