Have you thought about the importance of the nutritional status of your brain health? Every year more and more people are extremely interested in ways of helping their bodies to function optimally. When we think of having good quality of life throughout the years, the brain is one of the main organs that we should be supporting, in the best way possible.
What we choose to eat is very important in maintaining good mental health. This is a statement, especially in the last two decades, that researchers have brought to the table in many studies.
One example of it is a systematic review study published in 2018 by PubMed called “Healthy dietary indices and risk of depressive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies” (1) this study concluded that adhering to a healthy diet, in particular a traditional Mediterranean diet, or avoiding a pro-inflammatory diet appears to confer some protection against depression in observational studies.
A healthy diet includes the daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, good quality proteins, healthy fats, healthy carbohydrates and good quality water.
Our brain uses Glucose for energy, but it requires other various nutrients for its health and appropriate functioning. Within the nutrients that are important for our brain, Omega 3 is one of the most important, as it is essential in the transmission of nerve impulses; needed for normal brain function. Sources of Omega 3 are Mackerel, Salmon, Sardines, Flax Seeds, Walnuts, Pecans, Chia Seeds, and first cold pressed Olive Oil.
Many scientific studies have correlated Depression with Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D known as the “Sunshine Vitamin”, is synthesized in our skin when we are exposed to direct sunlight. Unfortunately, in countries with seasons, we do not have sunlight all the time, leading to Vitamin D deficiency in many people, which will affect its many roles in the brain. Vitamin D sources are Pink Salmon, Egg Yolk, Mackerel and Sardines. It is important to consider that Vitamin D can be toxic to our bodies, and for this reason, supplementation with Vitamin D needs to be discussed with a qualify professional as your Nutritionist, Naturopath, or Functional Doctor.
Betsy
