you are what you
EAT
HOW FOOD AFFECTS HEALTH
utritional neuroscience is an
emerging discipline bringing
attention to the idea that nutrition
is intertwined with human
cognitions, behaviour and
N
emotions. More specifically, there is a growing
body of evidence that links nutrition and mental
health with food, playing an important role in
the development, management and prevention of
specific mental health problems.
It is believed that one of the best ways to
improve mental health is through the gut. The
gut has its own nervous system. The food we eat
is broken down into substances that are used to
make neurotransmitters and other chemicals that
allow parts of the nervous system to communicate
with the rest of the body. Just as the brain impacts
the gut, what we eat and put into our gut can also
impact the function of the brain.
By putting nutritious and wholesome food into
our bodies, we are better equipped to create an
overall sense of wellbeing. Conversely, when
we fill our bodies with highly processed, high
fat and high sugar foods, we increase the risk
of developing various mental health issues such
as depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Alzheimer’s
disease, along with other physical problems.
Pindara Magazine 35