Here is a little background on your stomach:
Each individual has a unique gut microbiome, which is a community of bacteria living in the lining of your digestive tract. It is important to have a balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, when there are more bad bacteria, diseases can occur (Inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, diabetes, etc.) What you eat can affect the balance, so it is important to be aware of what is not good for your stomach.
Some foods that boost your mood:
Carbohydrates: The greatest source of energy in our body is carbohydrates. Our body breaks down these carbohydrates to produce glucose in the body, giving us the energy we want! A few examples of healthy carbohydrates are found in whole grains, fruits vegetables, rice, and potatoes. Load up on these foods if you want to feel your most lively self!
Fats: The brain is made up of omega- 3 fatty acids, so including healthy fats in your diet are very important for your mental health! Omega-3 fatty acids are found in mostly fish, and they play a huge role in mental development. Other healthy fats can be found in foods such as avocados, dark chocolate, cheese, eggs, nuts, chia seeds and more.
Fiber: Fiber helps maintain the process of food moving through the digestive tract, which is important in keeping it regulated. Fiber is more difficult to digest, so it makes its way to your colon feeding the gut-bacteria there. Fiber can also promote weight loss and lower blood sugar. Some foods high in fiber are lentils, broccoli, brussel sprouts, beans, chickpeas, and many more.
Probiotics: Probiotics are microorganisms that are considered “good bacteria”- sounds scary, I know. These microorganisms are created through a process called fermentation, and they help fight off bad bacteria that may make you sick. Some examples of foods high in probiotics are yogurt, various cheeses, kimchi, kombucha, miso, and sauerkraut.
Along with all of these superfoods, staying hydrated is so important! Your body needs to be hydrated in order to carry out important functions.
There is so much to learn about the gut-mind connection, but here are just a few of the basics! People often do not realize that food is your body’s fuel and it can have a serious effect on your mental health. I think it’s important to become aware of it especially if one is under high-stress, like college students sometimes are. It is important to take care of yourself and to always remember that nutrition is a huge indicator of how your body feels physically and mentally!
Zoe Prodromakis
Edited by Jordan Watts