Often, we notice our mood affects our choice in food - guilty as charged here! However, the question on many of our lips is, can food also affect our mood?
In general, most of us know that eating a healthy and balanced diet is good for our bodies. So, could food and mood be a two-way street?
We know a typical western diet which is notoriously low in fibre and high in fat and sugar from processed foods has been associated with a greater likelihood of psychological symptoms and disorders including depression and anxiexty.
The long list of whole foods typically consumed indicates that there is no single “superfood” that can improve how we’re feeling. Rather, there is a range of foods that can be beneficial for us.
This is because food is complex and comprises of many different nutrients within a single food. The same message is clear in terms of our gut microbiome. There is no single “superfood” that feeds all the beneficial bacteria, or us for that matter.
Consuming a plate of food filled with carbohydrates, protein and fatty acids contributes to a diverse range of prebiotics to help nourish our friendly gut bacteria. When the beneficial bacteria in our gut are thriving, they tend to help us thrive too.
Serotonin is a chemical that can have many functions in the body but is generally thought of as a natural mood stabilizer. Almost 95% of serotonin is produced in our gut, therefore, if we consume an adequate number of whole foods 3 x per day, we can theoretically optimise the production of our serotonin levels.
To learn more, visit our team at Adelaide Wellness Clinic or secure your spot in our AWC Detox Retreat to restore, rebalance and have your body and mind work to their optimum.