You Are What You Eat.

You are what you eat, is a popular phrase that is heard often. This section will cover how healthy

foods can improve your focus, have mental clarity, improve sleep, and maintain your mental

health. Reflect on what you have eaten in the last few days, hopefully you ate foods that were

healthy for you mentally.

Food affects our digestion, sleep, decision making, and moods. Due to food's impact on our

bodies, it is important to consume foods that are going to have a better impact on us. Brain

health is important, it helps fight depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD, and can prevent more severe

diagnoses. Brain health contributes to hormone levels which affects sleep, energy, and moods.

Healthy eating prevents or delays onset of certain diseases, including dementia. Our own

personal relationships will benefit from healthy eating habits, including how we communicate

and respond in situations. If we are taking care of our bodies, our response levels are going to be

different.

So, what should our bodies consume? Water is very important, it helps w/ thinking and

judgment. As a teacher, I always encouraged my students to have water bottles at school so they

would stay hydrated. As mentioned in the last blog, our brain naturally releases serotonin,

which helps us feel happiness and experience less worry. Some of the foods that assist with

serotonin release are fish, turkey or chicken (free-range), eggs, beans, various nuts, spinach, and

chickpeas. Foods that assist with dopamine release are raw nuts, cacao (who doesn’t love

chocolate), bananas, and avocado. Individuals can also eat various fruits, including blueberries,

which are called “brain berries”. Vitamin D helps with depression and cognitive impairment, so

go outside, get some fresh air and sun. We are indoors way too much; we need to go outside and

“take a hike”. When we are unable to be outdoors try to find opportunities to take in some

Vitamin D, if this means opening the blinds or curtains in your home or office, parking further

away so you can be outside more and increase your step intake, whatever the changes are

increase your Vitamin D intake it’s healthy for you both mentally and physically. There are so

many ways we can help our bodies both physically and mentally, and choosing the right foods is

one way we can prevent certain diseases.

Individuals can still detox their bodies from the harmful toxins they have consumed. Under a

professional’s care (doctor, nutritionist, trainer/coach, etc.) individuals can stop unhealthy habits

and move towards a healthier brain. Recommendations are to meet with a doctor to find out

hormone levels, aware of food allergens, and possibly have blood tests run. Start incorporating

healthy foods and vitamins, meal plans, and move more. Just remember brain health is a form of

self-care