Eat the Right Foods for Your Brain

By Donna Stark

One of the most fascinating pieces of information you should know about good nutrition is that in addition to improving our physical health, it plays an important role in our mental and emotional health too! That's why you may have heard about all the different ways you should "feed" your brain throughout the years. From improved cognitive functions to successful battles against depression and anxiety, the right foods have been the answer for many! Take a look at a few examples of what you should be buying at the grocery store every week.  

Fruits and Vegetables

There's a good reason why you should incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, and it's not because they taste good! Fruits and vegetables are loaded with all the minerals, vitamins, fiber, and probiotic bacteria that keep us both physically and mentally healthy. They can help stabilize moods, minimize blood sugar spikes and dips, and reduce the risk of depression. The next time you are shopping, be sure to fill your cart with dark, leafy greens, lemons, oranges, berries, and carrots.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Your brain will function better than ever if you shower it with some extra love, but make sure that love comes in the form of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help to regulate moods, fight depression, and support the brain's overall health. You can find them in foods such as fatty fish, chia and flax seeds, walnuts, and egg yolks.

Fermented Foods

You've probably seen or heard about the people who take a shot of apple cider vinegar, and maybe you were wondering why. Well, fermented foods benefit the gut environment, and since the gut sends signals to the parts of the brain that control emotions, memory, motivation, and self-awareness, you may want to take care of it. Remember, the healthier your gut is, the healthier your brain will be.

Sugars

Don't be confused. This is not something you should be buying! Sugar is simply listed here so you can be reminded of what to avoid when shopping. Foods high in sugar tend to exacerbate mood swings and the symptoms of depression and anxiety. You will be setting yourself up for energy spikes and crashes when you consume sugary foods, and that can result in fatigue, irritability, mood swings, and unproductivity. Try to reduce the amount of sugar you consume each day and see how much of a difference it will make!

The Bottom Line

The big takeaway from all of this is that the foods you eat are no joke. They can make or break your overall health and wellness in no time at all, so choose wisely when you are at the store and feed your brain well!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Culver City, Calif.