Food can affect your mood. The gut microbiome is an ecosystem of microorganisms inside the human gastrointestinal tract. In the past, it was believed the blood-brain barrier kept these microorganisms away from the brain. Now, gut-brain communication is better understood, and a diverse gut microbiome is recognized as beneficial to both physical and mental well-being. Evidence suggests a Mediterranean diet can boost your mood. Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha and miso are also beneficial. In contrast, foods high in simple sugars should be avoided, despite the fact that they provide a short-term dopamine surge. Also, omega-3 fatty acids are preferred to saturated fats and trans fats.
Key Takeaways:
- The bacteria living in our gut actually have important connections to our brains and overall health.
- The food we eat can affect the health of our gut microbiome and therefore our health overall.
- For example, eating a mediterranean diet may help prevent depression, and simple sugars might bring it on.
“There is a complex interplay between the human gastrointestinal, hormonal, and neurological systems that are heavily influenced by what types, quantities, and variety of foods we consume.”
Read more: https://blog.nasm.org/diet-and-mental-health
