October Monthly Newsletter
How can your meals impact your mental health?
| Morsel of the Month It’s no secret that ice cream heals a broken heart, but did you know that what you eat can impact your emotions and your brain health? Our brains need a constant supply of energy to keep our bodies running. If you’ve ever felt foggy from skipping a meal, you know how important it is to eat regularly to keep your brain functioning optimally. Our nutrition can also affect our mood and mental health. If your blood sugar is not well balanced, meaning it spikes high and dips low throughout the day, you may experience feelings of worry or irritability. Diets high in refined sugars produce waste products in our bodies that can damage our cells and may be correlated with worsening symptoms of depression. Another way food and mental health are linked is through our gut. The microbiome (collection of bacteria) in our small intestine produces the majority of the neurotransmitter serotonin in our bodies. Research on this connection is still developing. Researchers are also studying how diet may impact the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In the meantime, the Athens Nutrition registered dietitians recommend eating regularly throughout the day and including plenty of whole foods, such as colorful fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains and fatty fish. For more foods to include for your mental health, check out the free tip sheet Nutrition, Mental Health and Immunity on our website. Recipe Highlight Check out some of our favorite recipes for happy, healthy brains. Pistachio-crusted salmon Vegetable stir-fry with tempeh Rainbow slaw Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding with Homemade Cashew Milk Athens Announcements In case you missed it, Athens Nutrition will continue to provide the option of scheduling your nutrition sessions via our easy-to-use video-chat platform. Our HIPAA-compliant platform allows you to interact with your dietitian in real time as if you were in the same room. Whether you’ve seen us before or are brand new, telehealth is a convenient way to get the support you need without having to leave your house. Most insurances are covering telehealth appointments, so there may not be any out-of-pocket cost to you. Check out the telehealth information on our website and contact us to make an appointment. |
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