Food and Mood

Before listening to the BBC podcast “The Food Programme”, I was not aware of the existence of the research field called nutritional psychiatry. As a foodie, I have always appreciated good food, and we all know that food has a significant impact on our physical health. We also intuitively know that it affects our mood, but not a lot is said about the actual science and the impact of food on the brain. In fact, the importance of food is very much underrated. For the most part, our nutritional habits leave a lot to be desired. Take a look at what is sold in most cafeterias in school and even in hospitals. Processed food loaded with refined sugar cannot be good for patients or adolescent bodies. Interestingly, doctors and chefs tend to have the worst nutritional habits. 

Medicine has not fully acknowledged the link between the food and the brain, but multiple recent studies are now clearly showing the correlation between what we eat and the function of our brain, our mood, and ultimately, our behaviour. There is a connection between unhealthy food habits and worsening of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even the onset of dementia. Is good food a panaceum and a silver bullet? No. But bad food can definitely be a contributing factor not only to physical conditions but mental disorders as well. So why not give it a try and see how it will affect your mood? Maybe you’ll like it? I certainly do. Below is the link to a good article. After reading it, try for a week or two a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish is the best source), B vitamins, green vegetables, green tea (apparently coffee is excellent too – what a relief!), nuts, and eliminate processed foods and refined sugar. I am convinced that, like me, you will feel a noticeable difference. 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626