Over the last century we have witnessed the birth and accelerated acceptance of food science, which has become synonymous with processed food.
When our brains aren’t getting the right amount or types of foods necessary to maintain energy balance, brain function can suffer. This will manifest as emotional and physical exhaustion, poor memory, and mood instability.
Fortunately, the last decade has witnessed the birth of extraordinary new technologies that have radically accelerated the sciences of genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics.
The result is a rapidly changing paradigm in nutrition that is forcing us to let go of the old, simplistic arguments over the macronutrients of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and begin the journey into understanding that it is the relationship between our food and our microbiome that determines the health impact of our food.
These are stressful times, and we are all experiencing moments of heightened anxiety.
When our brains aren’t getting the right amount or types of foods necessary to maintain energy balance, brain function can suffer. This will manifest as emotional and physical exhaustion, poor memory and mood instability.
The choices we make in deciding what foods to eat directly impact our brains. Not all calories are created equal.
Like a premium car, poor quality fuel, doesn’t burn efficiently. Poor efficiency means energy is lost and goes unused, escaping through the production of unwanted byproducts – such as toxic gasses in exhaust.
The goods news is you can improve your brain function with a few simple lifestyle modifications that will not only help your brain, but your whole body too.
Drinkingwater has been found to have a calming effect, probably as a result of preventing and reducing the symptoms associated with anxiety. Several research studies have found that drinking adequate amounts of water helps to improve mood stabilization in moments of high stress. Grabbing a glass of water may be just the stress reliever you need.
Brain function is controlled by messages sent via chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter which helps to regulate our sleep cycle and mood – it’s our de-stressing hormone. People who have low levels of serotonin experience anxiety, depression, aggression, irritability and insomnia. 90% of our serotonin is produced in the gut by the billions of bacteria that make up our gut microbiome.
We are all dealing with heightened levels of stress and anxiety as we attempt to cope with the current state of the world.
Staying hydrated and eating foods that reduce inflammation and promote brain health can make a difference in how we feel and how we view the world around us. Simple changes in our nutrition will help you stay positive and feel empowered as you tackle the challenges of your day. Drink water, eat the rainbow*, and remember how lucky the world is to have you living in it.
- Rainbow Foods, for example:
- Red Fruits – watermelon, tomatoes, strawberries
- Orange Fruits – oranges, apricots, mangoes
- Yellow Fruits – lemons, bananas, papayas
- Green Vegetables – broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sprouts, kale
- Blue Foods – blackberries, blueberries
- Purple Foods – grapes, eggplants
- White Fruits and Vegetables – onions, cauliflower, garlic
The microbiome research of the last decade has revealed something wonderful. Human biology is far from alone.
We are supported, detoxed, fueled and regenerated by the action of thousands of species of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, parasites, and mitochondria.
Strive to see the food on your plate as the support system to this life-giving force within you and supercharge that food with humble gratitude for those that have grown it and those that will feed you at the cellular level.
I have enjoyed researching Dr Zach Bush’ work and have compiled this short report hoping to inspire you to read more up about his work.
